CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 36 - June 2021
CARER SUPPORT PROGRAM GIVES OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT AND RELAX The parents and carers of our Afford clients are incredible individuals who demonstrate dedication, courage and empathy in everything they do. Afford regularly hosts carers events where parents and carers can come together for some fun, friendship and relaxation. Our teams across Sydney recently celebrated with a range of day and night events in their local area. The Mount Druitt Day Program team visited the cajun seafood restaurant, Kickin’ Inn for some spicy seafood to celebrate their first carers event of the year. With approximately 30 parents and carers in attendance, the restaurant was soon bustling with laughter and stories being shared. “It was great to build rapport with each other and keep in touch! It’s also important for parents and carers to know they have each other as a support system and can build friendships,” said Team Leader, Keleiola Tino. Parents and carers from the Cherrywood Day Program celebrated with a dinner cruise on the Nepean Belle Paddle wheeler followed by a chat around the campfire at Nepean River Jetty, Tench Reserve. “The best part of the night was when everybody gathered around the campfire to share their stories and have a good time. It is also great to meet the parents in person, some of which I had never met before,” said Lifestyle Assistant, Ilaisaane Ngalu. The Kings Park Day Program parents and carers celebrated a little differently with a spa and afternoon tea, day out. They visited Woodcroft Village for manicures, pedicures and coffee while getting to spend some quality time together. “These four parents have been coming to our events for a long time and know each other well. Everyone was happy, the atmosphere was warm and we had lots of laughs,” said Lifestyle Assistant Kay Wongwai. Our carers events are an excellent way for families, friends and carers to socialise with others who have shared life experiences and develop meaningful friendships. Make sure you get involved with the next event organised near you.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 36
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
A WARM WINTER PUMPKIN SOUP Warm up this winter with a delicious pumpkin soup! INGREDIENTS: •1 medium brown onion, chopped •1 clove garlic, crushed •1 tablespoon olive oil •7 50g pumpkin, peeled and cubed • 1 large potato, peeled and cubed •4 cups vegetable or chicken stock* •¼ cup low-fat natural yoghurt METHOD: 1. H eat oil in a large pot and cook onion and garlic over low heat until onion is translucent. 2. Add pumpkin, potato and stock and bring to the boil. 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until pumpkin is tender. 4. Remove from heat and cool slightly. 5. Puree in a blender until smooth. 6. Add yoghurt to serve. TIPS: If the soup is too thick add a little low-fat milk to make desired consistency. Full recipe thanks to the Queensland Government: https://www.healthier.qld.gov. au/food/recipes/pumpkin-soup/
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 36
EXPLORE AUSTRALIA WITH SUPPORT FROM AFFORD GETAWAYS Afford Getaways provides the opportunity to support our clients in unique adventures across Australia. Lifestyle Assistant, Melissa Stuart, recently travelled with Lisa from our Bluebird Supported Accommodation to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, where they stayed for two nights and toured the local sites. The day at the zoo was a wild adventure with Lisa seeing both exotic and endangered animals and getting to explore the zoo via an electric cart to make the most of her time there. “Lisa was wild about her trip and it was a great getaway. The staff at the zoo were very accommodating and Lisa had an amazing day,” said Melissa. Throughout the day, Joshua, our videographer, captured many of Lisa’s favourite moments, which can be viewed in a highlight reel on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9llto7CsiE On their final day in Dubbo, Lisa and Melissa visited the Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens and Old Dubbo Gaol then headed back to the train station for the scenic trip home. “I was so happy that Lisa had the opportunity to do something like this and it was such a privilege to share it with her,” Melissa continued. Our Affordian’s love to be part of these special experiences with their clients and see them grow in confidence whilst enjoying their new adventures.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 36
check out these upcoming events Events give carers the opportunity to connect with each other and find support!
WA EVENTS Event Perth Disability Expo
DETAILS Cost - FREE By Developing Australian Communities
At Developing Australian Friday 11th Communities, we & Saturday continuously widen our 12th June reach to provide our community with the latest 10:00 AM information about our 4:00 PM events. For more information: https://bit.ly/3bRU4F9
VIC EVENTS Event
DETAILS Cost - FREE
Having a Say By VALID Conference The Having a Say Tuesday conference is the 15th largest conference for - Thursday people with disabilities 17th June within Australia where people can find their Multiple times check voice, to speak up, to be heard and to be event link respected. For more information: https://bit.ly/3bZpdq2
QLD EVENTS Event
DETAILS Cost - FREE
Gold Coast By Social Impact Disability Expo The Gold Coast Disability Expo will link thousands Friday of people with a disability 18th with hundreds of product Saturday and service providers 19th June as well as presenting a range of informative and 9:00 AM - interactive presentations 3:00 PM delivered by industry experts. For more information: https://bit.ly/3w5yTa2
words of wisdom
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au