MerriNews Volume 15. April 2017
Inside this issue:
1. NDIS BOOST IN REGIONAL VICTORIA
2. “MY FIRST NAME”
3. 20 YEARS OF CARER SUPPORT
4. KEEPING OUR PETS SAFE
Inside this issue: 2 Welcome 3 NDIS boost for Ovens Murray 3 The Healthy Mind Hub 4 “My First Name” 5 Keeping our pets safe 5 New support for queer community 7 20 years of carer support 8 Urdu-speaking women support to continue
Merri Health @MerriHealth
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2. | MerriNews April 2017
Welcome
Welcome to the first edition of MerriNews for 2017. The year has certainly kicked off at a cracking pace with a lot of activity and exciting new developments taking place, while continuing to position ourselves well ahead of the government reforms impacting the sector. The continuing roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is seeing Merri move more into the area of service provision with several new and expanding services. In addition, Merri was the successful tenderer for the provision of Local Area Coordination for Early Childhood Intervention Services in the Ovens Murray area in regional Victoria; an area within the Hume region where Merri delivers the Victims Assistance Program. This development will further build on our services to the communities in the north east of Victoria.
We continue to receive recognition for many of our programs including YGLAM, our youth theatre ensemble for our LGBTIQ community, who received a nomination for the Victorian State Government Young Achievers Award.
We have had a continued focus on strengthening the family services we deliver, especially specific communities and local areas of need within our catchment areas. We have now commenced Ready Set Prep; a program supporting school readiness among newly arrived and migrant children and their families within Fawkner. We are also pleased to be the successful partner in the ‘Cradle to Kinder’ tender that will see us delivering services with partner organisations supporting parents with complex needs to achieve optimal outcomes for children and families across the region.
We are also excited to commence planning for our 2018-21 strategic plan that will take shape over the coming months. There will be opportunities for us to hear from our clients, members, staff and key partners to help inform this new plan to help guide Merri’s continuing growth and commitment to support communities.
Our commitment to ensuring our facilities are inviting and of a high standard has seen the upgrade of our Brunswick, Glenlyon Road site, and work is well advanced with significant upgrades taking place at our Brunswick West, Moreland Road site.
Enjoy reading our updates on the activities at Merri in supporting our vision for healthy and connected communities. Nigel Fidgeon Chief Executive Officer – Merri Health
NDIS boost for Ovens Murray We’re your Local Area Coordinators in the Ovens Murray region! Merri Health is set to deliver local area coordination for early childhood early intervention (ECEI) services to support the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Work in the Ovens Murray region will commence from July, to support families with children aged 0 – 6 with a developmental delay or disability, in the
The Healthy Mind Hub New brand for people on their recovery journey. Merri Health launches a new brand that supports people on their recovery journey to help them work through mental health issues and reach their personal goals. The Healthy Mind Hub will house the mental health support services
lead up to the transition to the NDIS in October.
Support is in partnership with National Disability Insurance Agency.
As the local ECEI partner, Merri Health will support children and their family or carer, linking them with flexible and responsive services in the area.
What do Local Area Coordinators do? Local Area Coordinators have three key roles: >> They link clients to the NDIS, >> Link clients to information and support in the community, and >> Work with their local community to make sure it is more welcoming and inclusive for people with disability.
Family and community support services general manager Tassia Michaleas said the team will be working closely with local providers to find families the right supports. “We’ve been providing early childhood intervention services for more than 10 years and will use our expertise and understanding to support families. We’re familiar with the differing needs of north eastern Victoria and will be linking families with local service providers for individualised support,” Ms Michaleas said.
including group activities under the Day 2 Day Living calendar and one-on-one support programs, known as PHaMS. Volunteer, James found Day 2 Day Living a great benefit to him, having used it for his own recovery as well as giving back to the community by helping clients through their own challenges. “I’ve done a great deal of volunteering in the past and while that’s been very good and beneficial, this is different – in fact I’d say honestly that the work I’ve done here has been life changing,” James said. Clients have the opportunity to get involved activities that suit their interests and strengths, and are offered a chance
Talk to us about the NDIS ndis@merrihealth.org.au 1300 MERRI H (1300 63774 4)
to make new friends and connections, develop skills, and support one another. James experienced firsthand Merri Health’s ability to connect clients with other services to support their health needs through the local network. “I was seeing a therapist here and they suggested that I volunteer with the band because they needed someone. It took me a little while to get the confidence to do that but when I did, I found it was just fantastic,” James said.
The Healthy Mind Hub will offer services under the NDIS. Talk to us about how you can include these services in your plan.
MerriNews April 2017 | 3.
My First Name Client Fauzia, wrote “My First Name” in a recent group activity to help women build healthy relationships with their family.
I am a person I am a woman An Introduction all on its own
I’ll earn my own money so you don’t worry honey I’ll go buy my own pastry and tart
I have my own thoughts, thinking and mindset I am unique and I’m not a clone
To defend myself and to fend for myself I won’t bend myself anymore
I am the warmth and the cheer and the sunshine To help everyone through this world made of stone
I don’t want any dictation To build my skills and my craft
Whether I’m Indian Asian or Spanish My nationality is defined by my home
So Hello! World! Here’s me again Ready to play the game
If I’m respected, valued and cared for You’ll find me happier than a queen on a throne Much I don’t ask for, few are my needs But I have some birthrights upon me bestown My freedom to speak, sense and act as I deem right You should give me as gifts and not as a loan All the pain and the hardships the tears and the toil With resilience and silence, I have always borne
I’ll set the rules and the Ts and Cs I’m the picture and I’m the frame And don’t you ever forget who I am I’m a woman and that’s my claim to fame I don’t need my surname To say I’m tame My introduction completes with my first name.
Yet torment and torture abuse and neglect have left me all broken tattered and torn…… But! Enough is enough! Now it’ll all be tit for tat ‘Coz I have become a bit of a brat I will take this, and I won’t take that I’m now wearing work wear I’ve thrown off the hat If you so much as tease me or taunt me or hurt me I’ll punch you in the ego till it’s empty and flat For decades and centuries I’ve bowed low before you I served you only to be treated like a doormat Now you’ll be opening doors for me And watch me make a brand new start I’ll no longer be leaning on anyone now I’ll feel with my mind and think with my heart I’ve evolved and grown and I’m smarter than smart I’ve learnt that living is simply an art
4. | MerriNews April 2017
“I wrote the above lines in my humble tribute to the women who have always surrendered and submitted to social and family obligations, and pressures at the cost of their own dreams and self realisation. It is now time for their reawakening and for them to assume their dignity and true identity and above all their self respect.” – Fauzia
New support for queer community A new drug and alcohol intervention service is set to help hundreds of vulnerable people in the north. As a partnership between Merri Health and Drummond Street Services, Q Health will provide individual, couple and family counselling to anyone that identifies as same-sex attracted and gender diverse, and is experiencing alcohol and drug issues.
Keeping our pets safe The Victims Assistance Program will focus on a project to help women and children leave their violent homes sooner by addressing their concerns of providing safe, temporary accommodation for their pets. Initiated by Merri Health’s Victims Assistance Program community educator Jo Seymour, Keeping our Pets Safe is a new program that is working to enhance and coordinate the northern metropolitan region’s response to pets in family violence situations. The program will focus on local councils as well as the integrated family violence service system and animal welfare agencies, such as the Lort Smith Animal Hospital. It will mean that when a person decides to leave a violent relationship, they have the option of boarding their pets while searching for more suitable accommodation. A recent study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, found that one in three women delay leaving family violence situations due to concerns about leaving their pets behind.
findings and to Moreland City Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013– 2017, under which they offered free housing for animals where this was needed to support a woman leaving violence. The project team currently includes representatives from the seven northern metropolitan councils, Victoria Police specialist family violence team, and the Northern Integrated Family Violence Services (NIFVS). Merri Health is facilitating the project, to allow all partners and networks to work through the issues and concerns together. The NIFVS’ coordination team is supporting the project by providing specialised training on animal abuse in the context of family violence to all animal management teams in the local councils. Victoria Police have also been involved in the training.
The project comes in response to these
“Pets are part of the family and should be considered as such by support services when a family needs to leave a violent situation.” – Jo Seymour
The service will help people like 22-year-old Sasha who attends drummond street services. “When I was stressed or fought with my family so they would accept me, I would take lots of drugs and it wasn’t good for me. All we needed was a safe space to get help. We’ve now been able to sort through our issues a lot better,” Sasha said. Drummond street services chief executive Karen Field said partnering with Merri Health will help support a large group of at-risk people across the north. “We know that there are minimal alcohol and drug specialist services for the queer community and yet, they are among the most disadvantaged groups...We’re here to address that.” Ms Field said. “ Merri Health chief executive Nigel Fidgeon said the initiative would build on the many alcohol and drug services offered by Merri Health. “Q Health will help us extend support to those most at-risk that have limited service access,” Mr Fidgeon said. Q Health is a free and confidential service and will be available to anyone living in Brimbank, Darebin, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Moreland, Wyndham and Yarra. Anyone can self-refer to the service by calling 1800LGBTIQ or emailing info@ queerspace.org.au.
Q Health has been funded by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) under the Primary Health Networks Programme – An Australian Government Initiative. MerriNews Month 2016 | 5.
Together, we can stop elder abuse
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On this day, we stand up against the abuse and suffering inflicted on older people; some who are unable to speak up for themselves. Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member, friend or carer. This abuse can be in the form of physical, social, financial, psychological, or sexual abuse and can include mistreatment and neglect. According to the United Nations, around 4 to 6 percent of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. This percentage is predicted to grow as many countries are experiencing ageing populations.
Finding new ways to support you Every carers’ experience is unique, which is why CarerLinks North have been engaging carers in different ways to support their individual needs. CarerLinks North have had a busy start to 2017 with a number of events, forums and consumer engagment exercises. Some activities that they’ve recently organised for carers include: >>
This year, Merri Health will be hosting a number of events including an open forum with Moreland City Coucil on 15 June. For more information on our events for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, head to our website www.merrihealth.org.au. Where can I find out more?
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coaches and peer support facilitators attended a morning tea for Wellness at Home. Clients and their carers were invited along to learn more about the services offered to carers.
Visiting Coburg Special Developmental School and Interchange North West to talk to parents about their concerns around the NDIS. They discussed how to prepare for the NDIS, hints and tips for the planning phase, carer support, and others supports they can access.
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CarerLinks North and Wandarra took 100 people from the community out for a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula. The group enjoyed the beautiful countryside with lunch in Rosebud, followed by a ride on the Eagle Skylift at Arthur’s Seat.
Some parents who came along were already accessing the NDIS and were able to share their experiences. The event received positive feedback as parents found it useful in the lead up to the NDIS roll out in Hume and Moreland.
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The team joined other Merri staff at the Midsumma Festival in January to engage with the LGBTIQ community. They had a great day sharing information about the services CarerLinks North offer and recruiting carers to join the carer engagement register!
One of our health and wellbeing
Seniors Rights Victoria www.seniorsrights.org.au Seniors Rights Victoria helpline 1300 368 821 Elder Abuse Awareness Day www.elderabuseawarenessday.org.au
6. | MerriNews Month 2016
The team are constantly seeking feedback to better service their clients. If you have any feedback or suggestions email CarerLinksNorth@merrihealth.org. au or call (03) 9495 2500.
20 years of support CarerLinks North is set to celebrate their anniversary with a reflection report filled with the voices and experiences of carers whose caring journeys have been impacted by the service.
2017 marks 20 years of service to carers in the northern region. CarerLinks North will be taking this opportunity to celebrate the carers that the service has helped over the past two decades. As part of the celebrations, CarerLinks North will be preparing a reflection report, looking back at major milestones and capturing the experiences and stories of those who have used the service. The report will also promote the role carers play in the community and highlight the on-going need for acknowledgment, support and assistance so that they can continue to care. Over the past 20 years, CarerLinks North has grown and adapted to continue to provide support to carers. Each year, Carerlinks North supports approximately 3,500 carers under both Commonwealth and State Government funded programs. The team are seeking input for this report. If you’re interested in contributing your reflections contact the team by emailing CLN20years@merrihealth.org.au or call Tamara Powell on (03) 9495 2500.
Mood and food for carer wellbeing CarerLinks North hosted a workshop for carers focusing on food and nutrition to help prevent symptoms of depression and mood disorders due to the high demands of their caring role. Facilitated by carer health and wellbeing coach Collette, who is also an Accredited Practising Dietitian, the workshop discussed ways of improving overall wellness through food choices – with fighting fatigue being a hot topic! Carers had the opportunity to develop their own meal plans which helped a lot of carers learn ways of including healthier foods into their diets. A survey conducted pre- and post- workshop found a dramatic increase in knowledge of nutrition and mental health after the workshop. The workshop received so much positive feedback that it will be held again in the near future.
“The workshop was wonderful, I learned a lot about food and that healthy can be delicious!” – Carer, 2017.
MerriNews April 2017 | 7.
Urdu-speaking women support to continue Moreland’s Urdu-speaking women’s group will continue for another two years thanks to a new grant supporting the growth of culturally diverse communities in Victoria. Since 2015, the group who meet in Fawkner, has been providing newly arrived Urdu-speaking women with community support and social connectedness.
“I don’t know many Pakistani people but have now met a lot of ladies. It’s been good to socialise. If anyone has a similar problem, they help each other out,” said a participant of the group.
The group meet fortnightly for social activities and education via professional guest speakers.
The group was started by local women Sadia Muhammad and Sarwat Nauman in 2014.
Community development officer at Merri Health Sadia Muhammad said the group addressed isolation and mental wellbeing, with more than 200 attendees from Moreland and beyond.
Women are encouraged to join the group by contacting Sadia or Sarwat in Urdu or English.
“It’s wonderful to be able to support newly arrived women to connect with Moreland’s wider community. When you have no one to turn to, this group can mean the world of difference,” Ms Muhammad said. Merri Health has received $68,000 to support the group to build leadership, further increase social connectivity and prevent family violence through education.
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Sadia on 0497 085 395 or email Sadia.Muhammad@ merrihealth.org.au
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Sarwat on 0497 085 397 or email Sarwat.Nauman@merrihealth. org.au
The grant is supported by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victoria.
Brunswick
Brunswick West PAG
Fawkner
Thornbury
Chifley Drive, Preston
11 Glenlyon Road Brunswick VIC 3056
382–386 Moreland Road Brunswick West VIC 3055
79 Jukes Road Fawkner VIC 3060
298 Victoria Road Thornbury VIC 3073
Level 2, 110 Chifley Drive Preston VIC 3072
t: 03 9387 6711
t: 03 9386 3575
t: 03 9357 2444
t: 03 9484 5314
t: 03 9495 2500
Coburg
Harding Street, Coburg
Glenroy
Victoria Street, Coburg
Interchange North West
93 Bell Street Coburg VIC 3058
1st Floor, 368 Sydney Road Coburg VIC 3058
5D Cromwell Street Glenroy VIC 3046
21 Victoria Street Coburg VIC 3058
Shop 9E Anderson Street Pascoe Vale VIC 3044
t: 03 9350 4000
t: 03 8319 7400
t: 03 9304 9200
t: 03 9355 9900
t: 03 9350 4600
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is provided by Merri Community Health Services and is for general information purposes only. While information is current at the time of publication, subsequent changes to events may occur. MCHS ventures to provide current and accurate information and we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or availability, with respect to this publication. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore at your own risk. In no event will MCHS and its employees be responsible or liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or significant loss or damage, or any type loss or damage whatsoever, suffered by any person as the result of reliance on information contained in this publication.