Staff Matters 223 by Afford

Staff Matters September 20, 2019 Issue 223 Week 12

CARING ABOUT OUR STAFF WELCOME HOME, CHRIS!

In This Issue

At our group homes, we go above and beyond to ensure that our residents feel at home, are included, feel safe and happy so that they can enjoy the Afford Lifestyle. Our group homes are filled with care, friendships and the best quality supports available within the disability sector.

Welcome Home, Chris! Joke of The Week Afford Trivia

There is a key difference in the supports that we provide compared to competitors, that being our cando attitude. We never take no for an answer and strive in every way possible to support our clients in every way.

Welcome Home, Chris Cont.! Reminder

Afford Centre Stage at the Sydney Expo Affordians Glove Up For Fitness Challenge

Our culture is all about our teams and tribes, which means that teams across all departments band together to get things done. This was the case for one of our most complex group home residents, Chris Hopping.

Buzzin’ Around the Lazy Susan Handyman Timetable

Chris found Afford more than 5 years ago and has been with us since he finished school. He originally started with us at Campbelltown Day Program. He was living with his parents at the time and wanted his own independence and freedom.

Upcoming Events Afford Trivia Answer Selfies of the Week

It wasn’t long before Chris was living in our Narellan Group home with 4 other boys, where it quickly became obvious that it wasn’t suited to his needs. Chris has complex behaviours and needs a lot of 1:1 support. His behaviours are quite extreme and we knew we had to do something drastic to help Chris live a better and fulfilling life. Reviews were undertaken with the support of Kym Mafi (State Manager for Accommodation and Respite), also assisting with Restrictive Practice Applications and medication reviews. Chris’ Afford Psychologist, Simone Halse set to work on a behaviour review and the Team Leader of his group home, Enamul Mazumder worked tirelessly to make sure his staff were appropriately trained to support him. We knew that a new place for Chris would be the key to unlocking his potential to live the true Afford Lifestyle. This is when we found the Mount Annan house, which would become the first complex housing to be offered by Afford. It was purchased specifically for Chris and he couldn’t be more excited.

AFFORD TRIVIA

What year was our Transition to Retirement Program launched by the Minister, Honourable Andrew Constance MP?

www.afford.com.au

Staff Matters

STAFF PROFILE NAME: Bernadette Van Zyl POSITION: Lifestyle Assistant LOCATION: Caboolture, QLD FAVOURITE MUSIC/SONG? Three Little Birds - Bob Marley FAVOURITE MOVIE? Spirited Away FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Photography FAVOURITE FOODS? Mexican IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A cheetah WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? World trip IF YOU HAD THE POWER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? Hunger IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? Patience SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT ME? I can't sing!

September 20, 2019 Issue 223

WELCOME HOME, CHRIS CONT. “Chris has been saying for a long time he wanted to live in a new house and live with new friends.” When I went and looked at the house, it was gorgeous and perfect” – Kiralee Jackson District Manager, South West Accommodation Services. All hands were on deck in the genuine Afford Way, with our Ops Team, Specialist Services Team and Property Team working together to make this happen. The correct funding was essential as the home would be heavily staffed to assist Chris in every way needed. Ebenezer Oti, who was the key Lifestyle Assistant working with Chris at the Narellan home before he moved told him, “Wherever I am going, you’re coming”. Ebenezer is now the new Team Leader at the Mount Annan home. Once the home was purchased, Ebenezer launched into action and went out on a Fantastic Furniture and Kmart run to stock up the house. He then spent the day putting the furniture together, getting it ready for Chris to move in. Chris was very excited for a new housemate Luke Carroll to arrive at Mount Annan who moved into the home last Tuesday. The pair have been enjoying their new home and making new memories. All of this would not be possible without the help of every single department banding together to make this a reality for Chris; so he can live the true Afford Lifestyle. What a great example of the outcomes we are able to achieve when we take advantage of the expertise of our diverse teams. Welcome home, Chris!

Reminder!

General reminders for ALL Staff: • A reminder that medication processes, procedures and checklists are available on the intranet. • A reminder of the importance to attend all staff meetings. • Get magical under the sea at this year’s Annual NSW Gala Ball! Held at the magical Le Montage, this is one event you don’t want to miss! See you there!

www.afford.com.au

September 20, 2019 Issue 223

Staff Matters AFFORD CENTRE STAGE AT THE SYDNEY DISABILITY EXPO

Afford has made a huge splash in Sydney over the weekend with teams from NSW and QLD attending the long anticipated Sydney Seniors and Disability Expo at the Sydney Showgrounds in Olympic Park. Afford took centre stage as a Platinum Sponsor, with over 120 providers at the expo, we were positioned in the premium spot at the entrance to maximise our brand visibility. Staff were blown away at the number of enquiries received, with everyone wanting to visit our colourful and engaging booth. With a fresh new look wall, featuring the friendly face of one of our Southport client, Josh, we once again captured the attention of visitors and our competitors. Another drawcard to our stall where our guest therapy dogs, Tinkerbelle and Ladybelle, who were accompanied by their owner Paula from Dandy Dog Training. We also had Danielle from Sydney Fun Faces, decorating the faces of our stall visitors. Another first for our expos was the $1,000 Flight Centre Voucher giveaway, which was the biggest prize we have offered at an expo. All attendees who registered their details with us were eligible for the prize. Lucky winner Mark Touma from Banksia NSW was drawn as the winner of this awesome prize! The focus for the expo is to bring together everyone in the Sydney Disability sector and promote services that enhance the lives of people with disability. Being a Platinum sponsor of the event allows us to showcase our industry leading services and supports to our Sydney community. The Customer Care team had the opportunity to talk Afford services with over 2,000+ people who attended the free expo over the two days. Thank you to the amazing staff who participated at the expo your hard work and dedication is what makes us the great organisation that we are and will continue to be.

AFFORDIANS GLOVE UP FOR FITNESS CHALLENGE

Afford is passionate about ensuring all of our clients and Staff live a healthy lifestyle. With Employer of Choice incentives such as the fitness passport, Afford make it easier for Staff to exercise and be healthy. At the National Head Office in Minchinbury, a lot of our staff spend the majority of their day sitting down, and may not have the time to work out. So, a group of ladies from Head Office put on their thinking caps in a brainstorming session at the recent Sunshine Coast conference to find a solution. It was suggested an 8-week challenge would be a great way to increase their activity. Afford is always supportive of new initiatives that promote teamwork, healthy living and self-improvement, so the 8-week transformation challenge started last Wednesday. The challenge was organised by Kim Nguyen, our Property Manager, who invited all Staff, including our factory employees, to get involved. As part of the challenge, staff had the opportunity to complete a body scan which gave them an insight into their body fat percentage, healthy stats and body type. Our two personal trainers, Tony and Jemal, kicked off the session with a killer boxing routine. “Keep in mind this is about getting out there and moving. If you have never trained before or are an absolute fitness freak, we are all there to have fun together and promote a healthy office culture” said Kim. Let’s get moving Afford Tribe and kick start our fitness goals! Remember, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing forward a new suggestion to benefit the Afford Community.

www.afford.com.au

September 20, 2019 Issue 223

Staff Matters BUZZIN’ AROUND THE LAZY SUSAN

Buzz nights are a part of the Afford Way and are essential in keeping the team culture alive. They are a great way to let off some steam and get to know your workmates in a less formal atmosphere where you can vibe with your tribe. In the selfie from a recent QLD Buzz night, note the round table, this was a huge success as everyone was able to see and speak to each other and collaborate meaningfully in a large group. The ‘Lazy Susan Challenge’ is a great way to get to know your workmates in a fun and informative way. Just like the childhood game, spin the bottle, this game uses a Lazy Susan and teapot in the middle of the table, which each staff member takes a turn to spin and then the person it lands on needs to do something. Loads of laughs and fun to be had! Our culture fosters and promotes a team and tribes vibe, where everyone works together to get the job done. We spend a lot of time with our work colleagues, so it’s important to get to know and respect your colleagues. Having great working relationships with your colleagues can be the key to making coming to work fun! All buzz nights are started with a team meeting and then the relaxation, bonding and fun begin. CHALLENGE: If you know a restaurant or location that has a round table for your next buzz night, we would love to hear your recommendations. Or maybe just purchase your own lazy Susan and teapot and incorporate a game of spin the teapot to incorporate a bit of fun into your night. If the spout lands on you, then the spotlights on YOU! Buzz nights should be encouraged and we love to see what you and your tribe get up too! So get buzzing! Send us your buzz night stories to marketing@afford.com.au.

Handyman Timetable

Meet Our Handyman Tahier

Our Handy Man, Tahier, will be at the following sites this week: - 23rd September: Marrickville ADE, Ashfield and Bexley - 24th September: Belmore and Bexley - 25th September: St Andrews and Leumeah - 26th September: Mount Annan, Narellan Vale and Narellan

SELFIES OF THE WEEK

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Pawsome Lugg's newSelfie Above: Mel furbaby, D aphnee.

UPCOMING EVENTS DATE:

EVENT:

1-30 September

Starlight Movie Month

1-30 September

Blue September

1-30 September

Foster Care Month

26 September

World Maritime Day

Afford Trivia Answer: 2012!