Staff Matters 14

Staff Matters

July 24, 2015 - Issue 14 Week 4

AFFORD Staff Go Above and Beyond In this Issue Page 1 • AFFORD staff Above and Beyond

Page 2 • Staff Profile • Our Expectations

Pictured above: Michelle Jeffrey and Blanca Lopez

Pictured above: Pat Marshall and Ngaire McKechnie

Sharon Jennings, Wendy Bricknell, Suzette Montana, Ngaire Mckecknie, Pat Marshall, Michelle Jeffrey and Blanca Lopez all recently attended a 7am training session at Nepean hospital in Penrith in support of Paul Drew’s care and management of his stoma colostomy. Paul had major surgery and staff attended training to learn about how to care for him, so they could then train other Cherrywood staff.

Sharon came after finishing night shift, Ngaire and Wendy who were off duty volunteered their time, Suzette came back early after finishing duty the night before and Pat came in early before work to attend the training. Michelle and Blanca also attended the training and they are always there as support whenever residents need them.

Nursing staff at Nepean and the Stoma Educator were impressed with the interactions AFFORD staff had with Paul and how he responded to staff with such enthusiasm given how difficult his hospitalisation and surgery was for him.

These staff members embody the AFFORD mission and values and they represented AFFORD in an impeccable manner. Congratulations and well done to everyone involved.

T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au

Page 3 • TTW Trivia Night

Page 4 • Lilly Loves Guildford • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh

AFFORD Fact In 1973, AFFORD moved its administrative headquarters to North Terrace, Bankstown and in the same year announced plans for developing a recreational BBQ area at the Cherrywood Village site.

Staff Matters

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July 24, 2015 - Issue 14

Staff Profile

DES - What are our expectations

Angela Dion, The Employment Manager for DES has written an article on her idea of expecations of the customer

Sandra Morrisey-Smith Disability Support Worker Campbelltown

Favourite Song: Lay me down – Sam Smith Favourite Movie: The Green Mile Favourite Hobbies: Scrapbooking, making cupcakes Favourite Foods: Chocolate Cream Cake – from Waminda Bakery If you could be an animal what would you be: Tiger – beautiful and sleek, yet deadly What is your dream holiday destination: England – to see all of the old buildings and castles If you won Lotto what would you spend the money on: Buy a house If you had the power what would you change about the world: Eliminate poverty and homelessness What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: Having the opportunity of a full time job at Campbelltown If you had to teach something what would you teach: N/A

When working with a new or even a current customer, it is important to reflect on our expectations towards them. Our expectations can potentially create bias and influence our actions towards our customers.

Expectations can assist or hinder us, be general or specific, learned or conditioned. We need to develop a sense of self awareness for the progression and growth of our customers.

I recently had a first appointment with a 22 year old male diagnosed with ADD, ADHD and depression. I found that my initial expectations and bias were influenced by past experiences with a young male similar in age and possibly similar in diagnosis. The previous similar encounters had potentially clouded my expectations of this new customer. It reminded me of the importance of monitoring myself and my expectations towards the new customer, as my expectations can affect his pursuit of a better life.

Upon our initial contact with a new customer we will have an immediate bias, either positive or negative towards them. As much as we like to think we are non-judgemental, our past conditioning, experiences, education and upbringing will create initial responses. The self-awareness to realise this brings us closer to working with this customer instead of our “ideal” customer. We cannot stop our immediate thoughts, perceptions and expectations, but we can consciously consider whether these initial thoughts are beneficial or may be obstacles.

If we can mentally pause for a moment and ask ourselves “Are my expectations realistic or unrealistic”? “Are my expectations emotionally driven or rationally directed?”, “Are they determining the outcome of the customer?” If we honestly address these questions we will have a much greater chance of creating growth and personal fulfilment for our customers.

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Staff Matters July 24, 2015 - Issue 14

TTW Annual Trivia Night Last Saturday night was the annual Transition to Work Trivia Night, held to raise much needed funds to take the Transition To Work trainees away on a holiday camp every year. This year over 150 people attended the night which had a superhero theme - many people dressed up in costumes and there were superhero themed trivia questions. There were prizes for best dressed and those who misbehaved by using their mobile phones ran the risk of being handcuffed by Batgirl and the Joker - just ask Steve Herald! Lucky door prizes, raffle tickets and a silent auction made for some fun and everyone got into the spirit of the night.

From lolly snakes to kid’s playhouses it was there to be won. There will be some good looking AFFORD vehicles judging by how many car cleaning kits were given out!

At the end of the trivia questions there was a tie for first place so Jermyn Chan organised a coin toss to decide the winner and Team Lex Luthor won. They were very excited about this to say the least.

Overall $5,645 was raised, even more than last year, which means the trainees can attend the camp without huge out of pocket expenses. A big thank you to all staff who attended, those who assisted on the night, in setting up and to Lyn Wallace for coordinating the entire Trivia night. Thanks also to the sponsors and staff who donated items for the raffle and giveaways.

Next on Lyn’s fundraising list is a shopping trip in November - stay tuned for more details on this.

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Staff Matters

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July 24, 2015 - Issue 14

Lilly Loves Guildford After the 2 day AFFORD conference recently, the Team Leader for Guildford Day Program, Mirela Radman, returned to Guildford on the Friday to be greeted enthusiastically by little Lilly the cat!

Lilly’s owners were moving last weekend and the Day Program were not sure if they would be taking Lilly with them as she seems to love being at AFFORD Guildford.

When Lilly hears Guildford Day Program staff return to the office after a weekend, she bolts across the road to greet everyone, which puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Pictured left: Mirela with Lilly the cat

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Pictured above Tammy Mills, Coordinator and Donald Searle Team Leader at Jamisontown Day Program

Please send in your selfies to Deb Fucci

Have a laugh