Group-based programs

Langwarrin Hub

From July to September 2021, MiLifeVictoria experienced another 90 days of lockdown which affected Victorians in the first half of the financial year. The Langwarrin Hub remained open to clients who were deemed to be vulnerable. Staff continued to wear PPE, and clients, who were mainly one-on-one , were able to maintain some normality, albeit within the site with no community access. Programs were pivoted to ensure people were still getting up and about, as COVID-19 led to many mobility issues driven by sedentary behaviour and not enough outdoor activity.

Buses lay dormant as transport services were unable to operate. Staff and clients were matched depending on where they lived, and staff transported clients to site in the morning and drove them home at the end of the day.

Staff ran online activities throughout the day and were able to connect with clients who were at home or in Supported Living. This was a great opportunity for everyone to see their friends online and helped to maintain client engagement.

In January 2022, just as clients were set to return to the site, a large storm caused extensive damage to the main Langwarrin building. Unfortunately, this was not a quick fix and once again the programs had to pivot in an attempt to continue with as little disruption to client’s routines as possible.

For the first few months of the year programs were held in the blue building at the Langwarrin Hub, as well as offsite at the local Community Centre. Marquees and portable toilets were also hired to accommodate staff and clients, and where possible, programs were held outdoors in local parks and gardens. The building works were completed in April with programs returning to the white building after the Easter break.

During this time Kate Clipsham moved across to a newly created role in clinical support and training, and Amanda Youngs took over the day-to-day management of the Langwarrin Hub as well as her role as the CEO. Donna Wilde was appointed to the role of Senior Manager Client Services in May. Donna comes to MiLife-Victoria with over 30 years of experience within the disability sector in Government and not-for-profit organisations across Victoria and the Northern Territory.

Term 2 saw the return of some normality within the group programs with clients and staff able to relocate back into the white building, coupled with the ability to return to community-based programs such as bowling, gym and basketball. This led to many positive outcomes for clients as they love being outdoors and back in the community and have been able to flourish again which was wonderful to see.

Events have also been on the agenda for the Langwarrin Hub and they have celebrated Christmas in July, and raised over $400 for the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. Other fun activities at Langwarrin included Pyjama Day to mark the winter solstice. Clients and staff have really enjoyed preparing for and participating in these events with many more scheduled over the next 12 months.

Clients have also been enjoying ‘Happy Hour’ every Wednesday with Kevin from Hey Dee Ho Music popping in for an hour of music, dancing and a whole lot of fun. Clients love the music and it’s been wonderful to see their eyes light up as they sing, dance and play along to the songs.

There is a new and vibrant direction for Langwarrin over the next financial year with more individualised programs for clients. The reinvigorated key worker role will allow for more individual communication with families. Clients can expect to see an injection of fun, community and social consciousness as they get involved in more events which support the fundraising efforts of organisations and foundations.

Cranbourne Hub

Over the past 12 months the Cranbourne Hub has undergone many changes which have seen the quality of the programs and client support grow from strength to strength.

During the lengthy lockdown in the second half of 2021 the site was closed with clients from the site who were deemed vulnerable supported at the Langwarrin Hub while other clients were offered online activities. This time was challenging for many of the clients and there were reports of negative effects on clients’ mental health and wellbeing, as well as feelings of anxiety and isolation.

With programs returning to ‘somewhat normal’ delivery in January there was a lot of work to be done with the clients to reintegrate them into the social setting and into the local community. Clients were eased back in with small walks around the block and to the shops, with community programs not starting back properly until the middle of the year.

Many changes happened at the Cranbourne Hub early in the new year, with a number of employees deciding to take up external career opportunities. This led to hiring a new cohort of staff as well as the introduction of some new roles, including a Coordinator for the Hub, which saw Suzanne Pate move across from her previous role as Support Coordinator.

Early in 2022, Glecelyn Warner moved across from Langwarrin into a newly created role at the Cranbourne Hub. Her role involves supporting and coaching staff and assisting clients to become more empowered by encouraging them to raise concerns and provide feedback. The re-establishment of client committees at Cranbourne has also assisted in the empowerment of clients.

While the new year saw clients return to the Cranbourne Hub, it has not come without its challenges. COVID-19 and other illnesses have continued to plague the workforce and has, in some cases, led to sending clients home for the day as there have not been the staff to support them.

Changes to the staffing structure saw the introduction of split shifts, this provided staff with a lot more time to dedicate to planning and preparing the programs they are delivering throughout the day. This has led to a huge paradigm shift in the way MiLife-Victoria delivers programs, focusing on providing clients with choice and control over their daily activities, and better care for the clients. Further, there has also been an increased focus on staff training, including Mealtime Management training and Healthy Eating training which went hand in hand with vulnerability assessments.

Some of the fun things which clients have enjoyed during the year was the ‘Minute to Win It’ games they played, which included some fun activities with a link back to the TV show. Clients also loved the Alice in Wonderland High Tea which was organised by one of the groups with all Cranbourne clients invited to attend. A lot of planning was involved in the event, with clients spending weeks creating decorations such as teacups, placemats, table settings and more. On the day, the group baked scones and raspberry tarts as well as making sausage rolls and finger sandwiches.

More activities which help with client socialisation and physical and mental wellbeing are planned for the future as we head into the new financial year.