CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 45 - March 2022
FUN FOR ALL AT ACCESSIBLE PARKS Spending time outdoors with a carefree day at the park is a great way to work on personal goals, relieve stress and encourage creative play. Parks Week was held from March 6th to 14th so we spoke to our Lifestyle Assistant, Kim Stephenson from Campbelltown Day Program, about how inclusive playgrounds can help our clients feel welcome in the community and achieve their goals. “We recently went to the new Variety Livvi’s Place at Hammondville. It is an accessible playground that has something for everyone. No one is excluded at all,” said Kim. Variety partnered with the Touched by Olivia Foundation to create these ‘Livvi’s Place’ bespoke play spaces across New South Wales. Each playground has been designed for people of all ages and abilities in consultation with local communities. Inclusive parks and playgrounds are important for everyone and promote acceptance, tolerance and diversity. At Hammondville, inclusive seesaw and the merry-go-round can be used, which has created many smiles amongst our clients. “At most parks, there is nothing for our wheelchair clients to use but at Hammondville, they have options. There are shade sails for if they do want to sit back and relax and pathways so everyone can move around easily,” continued Kim. Another fantastic playground feature is the communication board with sensory items and sounds. It makes play engaging for our clients and they enjoy the contrasting textures. The giant slide and the inground trampolines were also a hit amongst everyone. “The only way they could make this space better is by adding toilets on the premises. They haven’t been built yet, so carers or lifestyle assistants need to know before attending. It also does get quite hot there even with the shade sails,” said Kim. Campbelltown Day Program also likes to attend the Variety Livvi’s Place at Glenfield, which has water features and a double flying fox. Parks are for everyone, and it is fantastic to see more accessible play areas opening. Check out the below links to find your local inclusive park. • Melbourne - https://bit.ly/3tKcTCb
• Brisbane - https://bit.ly/3pUHXOF
• Sydney - https://bit.ly/3MCOO95
• Caboolture - https://bit.ly/3pTC2cr
• Illawarra - https://bit.ly/3vQ63hj
• Perth - https://bit.ly/3sZJTaC
• Gold Coast - https://bit.ly/3KsOTdC
• Adelaide - https://bit.ly/3pRkPk1
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS
Edition 45
Zlike us on facebookZ share your thoughts and ask other carers for advice Did you know Afford has a Facebook page dedicated to our carers? It’s your go to for connecting with other carers in the Afford community. Head over and give our page a like! www.facebook.com/AffordCarers
NO BAKE MARS BAR SLICE Even though the Easter Bunny won’t be delivering surprises until next month, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy a chocolate-y desert now. Try our easy no bake Mars Bar slice to satisfy those chocolate cravings. INGREDIENTS: • 4 x 60g Mars Bars, chopped • 1 00g unsalted butter, chopped • 3 cup (105g) rice bubbles • 2 00g milk or dark chocolate, chopped • 2 teaspoon vegetable oil METHOD: 1. Line the base of a pan with baking paper. 2. Chop the Mars Bars into small sections. Then add chopped Mars Bars and butter to a medium saucepan. Stir over low heat for five minutes or until melted. 3. Place Rice Bubbles in a large heatproof bowl. Add chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Press mixture into pan and refrigerate until it is firm. 4. Chop the chocolate of choice, then combine with oil in a medium heatproof bowl. 5. Place bowl over a medium saucepan of simmering water (don’t let water touch the base of the bowl) and stir to melt the chocolate. 6. Spread evenly over slice, then refrigerate until set. 7. Using a hot knife, cut into small bars. Recipe thanks to Taste: https://www.womensweeklyfood. com.au/recipes/no-bake-mars-bar-slice-29259.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 45
EXCITING NEW SERVICES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA Afford is proud to announce that our supports and services are expanding in Adelaide! School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) are now up and running and we are excited to share that there are new vacancies in our short term accommodation homes. Afford’s SLES program will equip your loved ones with the skills, knowledge and real-world experience they need to enter work or further training with confidence. Since launching in SA, four trainees have signed up to discover the world of work and develop a range of employability skills. Our trainees have made fantastic progress towards their individual goals in just two months. “Matthew has landed his first placement, Kael has come out of his shell and James and Daniella have enjoyed all our activities. We have gone on two industry visits and they love it,” said Acting SLES Vocational Trainer, Hayley Ovens. Afford is also currently taking expressions of interest for our short term accommodation home in Evanston Gardens. The modern home has an open floor plan with plenty of communal space and a patio area, perfect for warm days. This home is set in a quiet location near shopping centres, parks and train stations. All of Afford’s Respites are a home away from home. Carers and families can rest assured that their loved ones are being looked after while taking some much-needed time for themselves. Over a weekend or a few weeks, our residents have the opportunity to try new activities and make friends while being supported 24/7. Please contact our friendly customer care team on 1300 233 673 or at customercare@afford.com.au to learn more!
MOVIE MAGIC FOR CARERS Carers Australia has partnered with Hoyts Cinemas to offer generous movie ticket discounts to carers who attend movie sessions with the person they are caring for. When taking a client or loved one to the cinema, carers can purchase an adult ticket for just $1.10. To take advantage of this offer, carers must show their state or territory Carers Association card or any other card with government-recognised carer identification, such as a Healthcare Card or Centrelink Pension Card. There is a maximum of 1 ticket per day per carer. Hoyts Cinemas operates across the same states as Afford Services and we look forward to seeing our carers use this fantastic offer. For more information, visit the Carers Australia website: https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/hoyts-carer-consession/
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 45
check out these upcoming events
Events give carers the opportunity to connect with each other and find support!
EVENT
DETAILS
EVENT
EVENT
Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE Laughter Yoga
DETAILS
By Carers QLD
Laughter is the best Tuesday, medicine. Laughter yoga March 29th is a combination of deep 2022 breathing, deep laughter 10:30 AM - and physical movement that creates harmony 11:00 AM between mind and body. Online Learn the art of letting event go and having fun with Laughter Yoga, suitable for all ages and abilities. For more information visit the Carers QLD website.
Carer Meet By Carers NSW Up Carers NSW runs an Monday, online drop-in chat March for carers across 28th 2022 NSW. Pour a coffee and join fellow 2:00pm carers for a casual 3:30pm chat. Online Exchange helpful event information, make new friends and find your community.
DETAILS Cost: FREE
5 Ways to Wellbeing
By Carers SA
This workshop will introduce Thursday, you to five simple & effective March 31st ways to improve your 2022 psychological and emotional health. 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Online event
For more information visit the Carers NSW website.
Research from around the world shows you can improve your wellbeing by doing five simple things as part of your day: connect, be active, keep learning, be aware and help others. For more information visit the Carers SA website.
Contact Fleur 0420 794 336 fleur.lerwill@ afford.com.au
S H O RT T E R M A C C O M M O D A T IO N 5
VA CA NC IE S AVAI LA BL E NO W !
EV A N ST ON G A RD EN
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au