CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 46 - April 2022
MAKE EASTER ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL It’s time to hop into the Easter spirit and start planning celebrations with our loved ones. Activities like Easter egg hunts, giving the gift of chocolate and Easter crafts are great ways to embrace the fun of the season and with pre-planning, these festivities can be inclusive for all. EASTER EGG HUNTS Participating in an Easter egg hunt is a great way to practice communication, motor skills and promote social inclusion. • Host the hunt indoors or where the ground is level for people with mobility concerns and mark a designated search zone. • Hide eggs at eye level in easy to reach locations. • Assign a colour or number of eggs to each participant so they have an equal amount of eggs to collect. • Give participants the option to keep their eggs or trade them in for another prize. • When using a wheelchair, attach the egg basket so they can be hands-free. • For people with vision impairment, tie helium balloons to the eggs. GIFT GIVING Whilst chocolate is a typical Easter gift, consider other alternatives if you have loved ones who can’t eat chocolate due to allergies or its consistency. Easter-themed items also make egg-cellent gift alternatives. • Easter pyjamas • Easter plush toys • Fill plastic eggs with miniature toys • Books – Eg. Peter Rabbit and friends. CRAFTS Using our minds, hands and hearts to create art pieces is a fantastic sensory experience for people of all abilities. Visit the below links for some craft ideas: • https://bit.ly/363EoyV. • https://bit.ly/37g7Y4C. We hope you have a hoppin’ good Easter and enjoy the time with family and friends.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS
Edition 46
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CHOCOLATE EASTER NESTS We have the perfect no-bake dessert for your Easter weekend. It’s a great way to use up spare Easter eggs and the recipe is quick and easy! INGREDIENTS:
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• 2 00g milk chocolate, chopped • 20g butter, chopped • 100g fried noodles • 4 0g (1/2 cup) shredded toasted coconut • 2 bags of speckled Easter eggs (Darrel Lea, Cadbury or MnM’s) METHOD: 1. Line the base of a pan with baking paper. 2. Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir with a metal spoon for 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth, then remove from heat. 3. Add the fried noodles and coconut, then stir to combine. 4. Spoon the mixture into small mounds on the prepared tray. 5. Create a hollow in the centre of each mound, then place three chocolate eggs on top. 6. Place in the fridge for 30 mins or until set. 7. Store in an airtight container. Recipe thanks to Taste: https://bit.ly/3MeMbJN.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 46
DISCOVER EMPLOYMENT WITH YOUR CARING WAY Are you an unpaid carer looking to get back into the workforce but are unsure where to start? Your Caring Way (an initiative of Carers Queensland) offers free employment services, subsidised training options, and personalised coaching for unpaid carers across Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia. They understand what it means to look after a family member or loved one and provide flexible options and ongoing support. The team will listen to your needs, assist in learning and work with carers to create a stepby-step plan for achieving their life goals and aspirations. Your new future begins today with their network of vetted carer friendly businesses and an experienced team helping you prepare and transition back into (or enter) the workforce. The Your Caring program follows three easy steps: • Plan – A coach will work with you to create a personalised plan based on your life goals and aspirations. • Grow – Gain the skills to fulfil your goals through study, training, or on-the-job opportunities. • Achieve – Whether it’s employment, volunteering, or even further study, they will help you live your best life. Whether you’re interested in training, volunteering, or want to go back to work, Your Caring Way can set you on the path to success. Contact Your Caring Way to take the first step to your new future. Call the team on 1300 585 636, email info@yourcaringway.com.au, or register your interest at www. yourcaringway.com.au/register. You can also connect with them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ YourCaringWay. We hope our carers in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
SENSORY FUN AT THE MCG As a Social Inclusion Partner with The Hawthorn Hawks Football Club, Afford has a dedicated sensory space at every Hawks home game hosted at the MCG Stadium. The calming and comfortable space is fantastic for people of all ages and abilities. They can relax, unwind and self-regulate their emotions and have a break from the stimulating football environment. Thanks to this partnership, Afford can also offer our clients and their carers tickets to the Hawthorn Hawks’ home games. The upcoming games are: • Round 5: April 18th at 3:20 pm Opposition: Geelong Cats
•R ound 9: May 14th at 1:45 pm Opposition: Richmond
If you would like tickets, please contact marketing@afford.com.au.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 46
check out these upcoming events
Events give carers the opportunity to connect with each other and find support!
EVENT
DETAILS
EVENT
Wed, April 20th 2022 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Strathpine Library 1 Station St, Strathpine QLD 4500
By Afford Customer Care Join Kathryn from Afford’s Customer Care team for a free information session on the NDIS! Learn how to apply for NDIS and how it can assist you. Contact Kathryn Onaghise: 1300 233 673 or 0421 561 212 kathryn.onaghise@ afford.com.au
EVENT
Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE Information Session
DETAILS
Carer Support Groups: a workshop for facilitators Wed, May 18th 2022 3 week course 10:30am 12:30pm Online event
DETAILS Cost: FREE
By Carers NSW
Mingle 2022
An interactive 3-week workshop covering a broad range of topics and issues that relate to the role of a carer support group facilitator. For more information visit https://bit. ly/3O0ppqy.
Thurs, May 19th 2022 10:30am 1:30pm Frankston Arts Centre 2737 Davey Street Frankston
By Carers VIC Celebrate Carers VIC turning 30! Join us at Mingle 2022 for an exciting live performance from Elvis tribute artist Damian Mullin, delicious morning tea and lunch. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about carer services in your local area, reconnect with other carers and take a break to prioritise your wellbeing. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3O7tF7B.
View other events here.
Contact Fleur 0420 794 336 fleur.lerwill@ afford.com.au
ADELAIDE SCHOOL LEAVER EM RE GI ST ER NO W !
C LI C K HERE
PLOYMENT SUPPORTS
FR EE W EB IN A R
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au