CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 1
AFFORD FUNATHON CREATES SMILES ALL AROUND It was an explosion of colour, excitement and competition at this year’s much loved and highly anticipated Afford FUNATHON! Held at Blacktown Sports Park this week, Afford clients, staff and friends and family attended the event to enjoy a fun-filled day of activities while also getting to meet some special sporting celebrities. The day was brimming with sunshine as our enthusiastic participants donned their team colours in amazing Afford Funathon t-shirts and took to the field. There were more activities than ever before for clients to enjoy including a climbing wall, jumping castle, softball, big game bowling, on field disco and more. Many people were able to meet and take a photo with their sporting idols with appearances from the Wests Tigers and Western Sydney Wanderers, and many took the opportunity to get a happy snap with the Penrith Panthers Cheerleaders too. Competition was tough between our Supported employment teams and our Day Programs teams. Minchinbury Supported employees triumphed in the ADE competition, while Chipping Norton Day Program was victorious in the Day Program race. In the usual Afford spirit, everyone finished with smiles and congratulated the winners, while also acknowledging the efforts of all who took part. The residents of Dolphin Cove and Billabong enjoyed playing
softball, while others put their skills to the test at the Wanderers goal kicking activity. Lunch was a welcome break after a jampacked day of activity and excitement and everyone relaxed over a sausage sizzle lunch, before getting back into gear for the flu tug race. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who contributed to this magnificent Funathon for the enjoyment of Afford clients.
CARERS NEWSLETTER RETURN
We have had a great start to the year and as we move into the second half of the year, we’re excited to be re-launching the Carers Newsletter. It’s an opportunity for us to talk to you; the carers who dedicate so much of your time into caring for others. So far, the year has been filled to the brim with amazing Afford programs, new and innovative activities and events which have been inspiring and engaging for the clients as well as Afford staff. One of our programs at Cherrywood Hub; Bushbred Horse Assisted Learning even featured on Channel 9. Look at us go! However, here at Afford; we’re always keeping our eyes set on the future. What do we have planned, you ask? Afford has an exciting range of new programs we would love for you to join. There’s the Bushbred program, the Grills N’Chills Cooking Program, the beauty program and much more! As the year continues, we recognise the importance of friendships and connections between carers. The support and encouragement that carers can offer each other is second to none. That’s why Afford is committed to connecting Carers together through fantastic support groups such as the Carer Connections newletter. In addition, Afford is continuing our partnership with Carers NSW throughout 2018 to provide you with Well-Being Therapeutic Groups led by skilled counsellors and our free Carers events. If the NDIS is something that you have questions about, our NDIS experts are here to meet you at Carers events and help guide you along the way. Our staff will be approaching these topics in a way that takes the jargon out so that everyone can have a conversation.
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says “I’m possible”! — Audrey Hepburn Contact our team for information or if you have a good idea on how we can improve services. Please keep an eye out for the monthly Carer Connections Newsletter.
Contact: info@afford.com.au or 1300 233 673
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS
CARERS CORNER Tips & Events:
NATIONAL CARERS WEEK
Afford is dedicated to helping Carers stay happy and healthy. We will keep you informed about upcoming health and wellbeing programs or events that aim to help Carers see the bright side of life!
National Carers Week is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the diversity of carers and caring roles in our local community. There are a variety of events and activities being run throughout National Carers Week. WHEN: OCTOBER 14TH - 20TH For event details or to Register your event visit: www.carersweek.com.au
PARENTS & CARERS CONFERENCE “HEALTHY ME, HEALTHY YOU” Down Syndrome NSW, The Right Start Foundation and Community Links Wellbeing have joined forces to facilitate a free conference for parents and carers who care for a child, teenager or young adult who have any type of disability. When: Friday 3 August 2018, 8.30am-2.30pm. Where: Conference Room, Picton Valley Motel, 1665 Remembrance Driveway, Picton NSW 2571 For more information contact Down Syndrome Australia 02 9841 4444 or www.downsyndromensw.org.au
FREE ‘FINANCIAL FREEDOM’ WORKSHOPS Free workshops are being held to learn practical strategies around taking control of your finances, getting out of debt or saving a bit of extra money each week. The four hour courses are being run by Macarthur Community College. When: Saturday, 18 August 2018 Time:
9.30am-1.30pm
Where: Cartwright OR When: Saturday, 1 September 2018 Time:
9.30am-1.30pm
Where: Campbelltown Bookings are required for these courses. For more information and to book, please call (02) 9826 6455
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS TRYTIME CHAMPION TRAINING Many of our clients love sport and need an avenue to be able to play together in a friendly and competitive spirit. That’s why we established the Trytime Brother’s Football Team 3 years ago. Since then it has been very successful in creating friendships, encouraging team work and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Recently on Sunday the 8th of July Trytime Brother’s Football team, had the opportunity to participate in a closed training session watching the NSW Blues team at Allianz stadium. The team was over the moon as they are huge football fanatics and not to mention Blues Fans! Everyone was excited to watch the training session with the hopes of meeting one of the football stars. “I really liked the day and enjoyed meeting players. It was a big stadium” said Lawrence Camilleri. Dean Elliot snapped a shot with legend Paul Gallen before taking the opportunity to show case his League talents, tackling full back Tyrone Peachey who thought Dean showed rare talent! All clients had a fantastic day meeting League greats like Brad Fittler and Paul Gallen and the current NSW team. This was a first for our Trytime team but hopefully not the last! Go Blues!
CHERRYWOOD A TRUE SUPERSITE Our Cherrywood Supersite is full of unique opportunities for clients who visit. We created this supersite as a way to bring new and innovative activities for clients and create opportunities to learn new skills. Due to the success of the Bushbred equine therapy program for clients at the Cherrywood Supersite, the program has expanded even further to include animal husbandry, which covers topics about the day-to-day care and raising of livestock. Through these highly engaging learning activities, participants learn about social interaction by interacting with animals and honing these skills to use in everyday life. Just look at the smiles on the faces of our Afford clients as they participate in the Bushbred program. We look forward to hearing more about the interesting activities and adventures of clients at the Cherrywood Supersite!
BOOK TODAY
To make a booking and join the Bushbred program call Aaron: 1300 233 673
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS FORMER RESIDENTS AND CARERS FAREWELL CHERRYWOOD After many years, around 50 former residents, Afford staff and carers gathered together to offer a fond farewell to Cherrywood Village. Cherrywood Villages was home to a group of residents who would get involved in many activities that developed their life skills and social skills. Today, as we shed a tearful goodbye to a place we loved, we can also celebrate the transformation that has taken place as Cherrywood Village has become our buzzing Cherrywood Hub - a place for people with disabilities across Sydney to visit and enjoy a range of programs. The huge space allows for participants to take part in activities such as like animal therapy, sensory gardens, art and craft, cooking and so much more.
ORAN PARK CARERS
At Afford, we recognise the strength and the dedication it takes to be a Carer and we also recognise that the role of carers is a significant part of the health and happiness of our clients. It’s the love, care and sacrifice that carers give to their loved ones that makes all the difference. That’s why we are working with Carers NSW and Together Carers to host Carers Events to provide advice and support for carers through the NDIS, as well as providing opportunities for social interaction with people with similar experiences. Oran Park Lifestyle Centre recently held an amazing Carer’s Night for 33 carers at a Thai restaurant. The event presented a great opportunity for all the families to put their feet up and spend some quality time together.
At the farewell, many tears were shed as attendees talked about the friends they met and the staff that supported them. One resident in particular said that she had lived at Cherrywood Village for 36 years and had moved in when she was 18. Everyone said that Cherrywood Village was such a great time in their lives, yet they also were looking forward to creating new memories in their new homes. The gathering together of former residents, Afford staff and carers was a lovely celebration of good times had by all at Cherrywood Village. The event was themed ‘An End of An Era’, as chosen by residents, with many dressing up to mark the occasion. Old and new friends enjoyed taking photos in the photo booth area and reminiscing with each other about the good times at Cherrywood Village. There was also a photo wall where staff had displayed photos from the past and present. Everyone said that the highlight of the night was having everyone reminiscing on old times. It was an emotional day, but we all know that no matter where we move, the friendships that were created at Cherrywood will remain rock solid.
The evening was attended by existing families as well as new families and was a great way for people to meet each other and the Oran Park Lifestyle Centre staff. Many carers later thanked Afford for hosting such an enjoyable night. It’s important for carers to be able to connect, to share their experiences with one another and form new friendships. While carers were enjoying their dinner, Oran Park clients were enjoying a fun at disco night at the Centre. Afford thanks Carers NSW and Together Carers for their support and funding for these informative and fun Carer events.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au