Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006
We see... We hear... We help...
Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006
Mission Statement The mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia is to deepen the Catholic faith of its members and to go out into our nation to heighten awareness of Jesus Christ. We do this by sharing ourselves – who we are, and what we have – with people in need on a person-to-person basis. We seek to co-operate in shaping a more just and compassionate Australian community, and to share our resources with our twinned countries. Our preferred option in this mission of service is to work with people in development by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Contents
Mission Statement
2
Agenda
4
From the President
5
Session 1: Case Studies and Findings
7
Session 2A: Mental Health
15
Session 2B: Compeer
20
Session 3: Good Practice for Social Justice
22
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Agenda 9.00 am
Registration
9.30 am
Welcome and housekeeping
9.35 am
Spiritual Reflection
9.50 am
Forum Opening - Jim Grealish, State President
10.00 am
Session 1: Case Studies and Findings z
Introduction of session
z
Individual cases - Presentation, Discussion, Conclusions
11.15 am
Morning break
11.35 am
Session 1: Case Studies and Findings (continued)
12 20 pm
Session 1: Case Studies and Findings (general conclusions)
12.30 pm
Lunch
1.15 pm
Session 2A: Mental Health Presentation on mental health programs in Victoria and nationally by Frances Warren, Membership and Development Manager Session 2B: Compeer Presentation on Compeer programs in Victoria by Geoff Brown, Compeer Manager
2.00 pm
Session 3: Good Practice for Conference Social Justice Open dialogue on "good practice" in social justice and use of conference/Society resources
3.00 pm
Forum conclusions, publication of findings
3.15 pm
Thank you to all and closing prayers
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 From the President I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to this forum today. That so many of you are prepared to devote your time and your life experiences to this cause is a reason for us to be reassured. In reality, the call for Jim Grealish (left) and Tony Dalton justice is not an option for those who claim to be Christians. It is a call that resonates through both the Old and the New Testaments. Recently Gavin Dufty stated that the Social Justice committee was only three years old. I must say, I was surprised at that because the work you do has fitted into the work of the Society in a seamless way. You seem to have always been there. I would like to congratulate you all for the work you do, but more importantly for the impact you are making on Society. Your research is thorough and reasoned. Equally important, it is apolitical. If we become partisan, then we are doomed. I am also impressed that you pick your issues. Military history is littered with examples of trying to fight on too many fronts simultaneously! The impact you have made on the breaching argument has galvanised all the serious players in the welfare sector. That you have been able to separate the power companies from millions of dollars in overcharged bills is an epic story in itself.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006
I am sure that today will evince many stories of successfully tackling justice issues at the conference and council level. The important thing is that your work impacts favourably on the lives of people who are powerless. To be an advocate for social justice requires courage. Inevitably resolution of an issue requires a concession of some person's or group's entrenched interest. People or groups do not give up their advantages easily. Courage is also required in recognising that the struggle can seem to go on endlessly. It may be easier to quit and get on with some more attractive option. Pursuing these hard issues will always be a minority activity. But there is help. We have talented people like Gavin Dufty and John Falzon. We have some talented people on our national, state and local committees. We have a rich way of thought and philosophy from our founder. And, finally, we have Christ's promise in the Beatitudes that those who hunger and thirst for what is right will be blessed. So, on behalf of the Society, thank you for what you do. Enjoy your day with your friends and good luck with your work.
Jim Grealish State President
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 1: Case Studies and Findings Case 1: The Gambler Presented by:
Shirley Amsing, Golden Square
A woman called on the conference for help. About 32 yrs old, she has a three year old daughter. She has to visit the hospital dental clinic from time to time, because most of her teeth have been damaged or knocked out by her abusive husband/partner, who is an habitual gambler. She needed food very badly, because he takes all the money to feed his habit. If she tries to hide some money he finds it and then he gets very violent and hurts her. When asked if she had thought of leaving him, even for the sake of the child, she replied that she loved him. As she has no local support (her family is interstate), the conference contacted the local community centre, and spoke to a gambling counsellor, who then spoke with the woman and arranged to see her personally a short time later. The conference member also arranged to visit the counsellor the following day, to gather information on the support offered by the centre for people with gambling problems: z z z z
They provide mini-seminars, run by their community coordinator. Within limits, they can pay for utilities and rental, provide food vouchers, and help with school expenses. They provide counselling and support for the gambler's family, including children. They have a counselling course for the gambler.
The conference member endeavoured to obtain brochures, but none was available.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Case 1: The Gambler (continued) Findings z z z
The real problem was not immediately obvious - it took conference sensitivity to discover it. Underlying issues / causes had to be addressed to bring true help. Networking / referral to other agencies (Gamblers Help) was vital in this case.
The conference resources used were time, small amount of money, community networks, local knowledge, support and experience, and teamwork by conference members. Justice issues of public policy are identified in the case, involving scope of regulation. The effects of addiction are wider than just the individual e.g. family violence can often follow. Suggested local activity e.g. raise issue with local member to ensure adequate resources and supports for families afflicted by gambling.
Case 2: The Girl with Wings Presented by: Tom Maher, Bendigo From a conference notebook circa. 2004: Dad on a very low wage, daughter with kidney disease. Dad will donate one of his kidneys to his daughter - operation scheduled at Melbourne hospital later in year. Conference supplying medications, weekly food and fuel, money for phone. May need e-tag for travel to and from Melbourne during treatment. Extra clothes needed for hospital - supplied. School uniform and books supplied. Vouchers for Target supplied. Forward to April 2006 Conference asked for extra help with petrol costs as family now spending $60 on each trip to Melbourne for daughter's on-going treatment after the transplant. With soaring petrol prices, situation becoming unsustainable.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Case 2: The Girl with Wings (continued) Conference arranges local newspaper story covering the family's plight. Arising from the newspaper article, family contacted by Angel Flight Australia, who are now flying the daughter and mother to and from Melbourne for each treatment at no cost to the family. Findings z z
In this case, Conference stayed the long course with this family. The Conference became a catalyst for community response, which was key to the success in this case.
A wide range of conference resources were involved, including members' time, finance, substantial material assistance, local knowledge, media contacts and publicity. Justice issues raised were access to medical services and discrimination due to location, including private costs of medical transport. Can concessions on cost of E-Tags be obtained for medical transport?
Case 3: The Wet Children Presented by: Jess Boccia, Vinnies Youth - Geelong The sun was shining brightly as excited families gathered at the front of Adventure Park. Children chatted enthusiastically to volunteers, parents and anyone who would listen, about what they were going to do once inside the gates. Inside, the kids were eager to get right into the adventures, with the waterslide being a particular favourite. Many parents were also into the action with the kids, while others preferred to relax in the barn and chat with the volunteers who were preparing for lunch. After two noisy hours of fun, everyone had worked up an appetite and the smell of the barbecue brought the kids and their parents back to the barn for lunch. All were hungry and while some of the Vinnies Youth cooked sausages, others, aware of the growing line, piled sausages onto the barbie and tried to devise ways to make them cook faster. One Young Vinnie even suggested that a song might just do the trick. 9 | Social Justice Committee
Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Case 3: The Wet Children (continued) Children (many dripping wet) excitedly told the Vinnies Youth all about the activities as they ate, while parents socialised with both Vinnies Youth and other families. After lunch, most of the Vinnies Youth were led away to the various park attractions by the re-energised children. With the barbecue out of the way, the Vinnies Youth were free to spend the remainder of the day joining in with the kids. The day came to an end all too soon. Many parents expressed their gratitude to the Vinnies Youth, and there were many smiles, handshakes and hugs from children. Just for one day, families had been able to forget their troubles and spend some time just having fun. The smiles on the children's faces, the great conversations with parents and seeing families spend some quality time together had made the Adventure Park Family Day well worth the time and effort spent organising and running it. It seemed that everyone had thoroughly enjoyed their day, and all Vinnies Youth agreed that it was a huge success. Findings z z z
Disadvantaged children became involved in activities that are normal for other children. Importance of conference action which promotes social inclusion, for children especially. Conference guidelines for good practice include support for recreational activities for contacts and their children.
Justice issue of social exclusion of children from low income families.
Case 4: The Loner Presented by: Bob Pollock, Red Cliffs A shopkeeper in a small country town approached a member of the local conference about an elderly sick man who had an amount of $300 owing for goods received and seemed unable to manage his affairs. The man in question had, after battling alcohol and marriage problems, lost his home, and moved in with a relative. When he became ill with cancer and after being told that the doctors could do no more to treat his condition, he decided to live alone and not be a burden to anyone else. 10 | St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Case 4: The Loner (continued) Consequently he approached a local social services organisation which was able to provide him with a roof over his head, in a unit belonging to another local organisation. He was taken to this unit and had lived there with his swag and a small fridge until the shopkeeper mentioned above spoke to a conference member. On our first visit the man said he needed nothing, but on being asked about some fruit and vegetables, he told us that he had seen a cauliflower in the shop but he could not afford to buy it. We returned later in the day with vegetables and meat, and then discovered that he had no bed or furniture except the fridge. We supplied him with a table and chair, a bed and pillows, sheets and blankets. We also bought a washing machine for him and arranged for him to pay it off at ten dollars each week from his pension, which he was happy to do. Conference members continued to visit him on a regular basis and when needed, helped out with some extra food. He was a lonely man who kept himself well locked in his unit. Just recently, he fell in his unit and hit his head and as a result died. Conference members attended his funeral, very saddened to think that this man had been placed in a unit with no facilities for his comfort by a government funded organisation. Findings z z z z
Failure of government funded community assistance to meet the contact's needs. Gaining contact's confidence allowed conference assistance to be provided. Networking with local resources added value to conference efforts. Dignity / ownership and independence of contact preserved by nominal repayment of purchase.
Conference provided many supports in addition to housing, using range of conference resources - member's time, finance, purchased food, furniture. Friendship and care provided for a lonely man. Justice issues include funding by government (e.g. affordable housing, mental health services) and social exclusion. Conferences should pursue No Interest Loans Schemes. 11 | Social Justice Committee
Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Case 5: The Man in the Caravan Presented by: Brian Lenten, Bendigo Conference was asked on a Tuesday to visit a man who was about to lose his housing. He had been living in a rented house with his long-term partner who held the lease. The partner had moved out, and the landlord had insisted that the premises be vacated within one week of the date of visit by the conference. With nowhere to live, and now without transport (which had been taken by the partner), the man was deeply depressed. The conference members called on the real estate agent concerned, and arrangements were made for the man to meet with a housing group on Friday for advice. On Wednesday, the members again visited the man and arranged to take him to work on the Friday, and pick him up from work and take him to the housing group meeting. On Thursday, members were contacted by the man's mother, enquiring if money was needed for a bond. On Friday, members picked the man up at 6.00am and drove him to work. They again picked him up at 2.30pm and drove him to the housing group meeting. On Saturday, the members again picked up the man, and took him to a caravan park, where accommodation was arranged. Fortunately, a work-mate of the man was also staying at the caravan park, so his transport to and from work was sorted out. The caravan into which the man was moving did not have cooling, so the conference purchased a fan. On Sunday, the man's mother phoned again, and arrangements were made for her to send money for two weeks at the caravan park to the members. This was passed over to the caravan park on Monday. On Tuesday, the conference moved the man out of the rented house and into the caravan park.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Case 5: The Man in the Caravan (continued) The conference is holding the man's washing machine and other household items in storage for him free of charge, and will continue to work with him, in the hope that he can achieve a better lifestyle. Findings z z z z
Through listening, members were able to relate to contact's emotions. Conference displayed genuine care for the person being assisted. Local networks were used to find accommodation (estate agent, housing group) Long term commitment was undertaken with this contact.
Concentrated efforts were made by members in the early stages of this case highly focused use of conference resources. A potential issue of depression/mental illness was identified, and referral suggested. Justice issues identified were social exclusion, lack of support for mental illness, loss of personal dignity.
Case 6: The New Arrivals Presented by: Marita Taverner, Shepparton I'd like to tell you a bit about the settlement of refugees in the Shepparton area. About five years ago, many Iraqi and Afghan families came to Shepparton from detention centres. I don't know who helped them find housing, but their first port of call was then the St Vincent de Paul Society. Conferences provided food and a large quantity and wide variety of household goods. These families have now settled well into the community, and seldom call on us for assistance, although we do keep in touch with some of them. In just the past year, seven families from the Congo, and four more Afghan families have arrived, and the local TAFE has the contract for settling the families in. Conferences are working closely with TAFE. We provide warm jackets for each person on arrival at Tullamarine, and some additional blankets and a few toys for the children on arrival in Shepparton. 13 | Social Justice Committee
Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Case 6: The New Arrivals (continued) The day after arrival, we take them out to the centre, and supply all the clothes they need. Later, furniture on top of that provided by TAFE is given to the families, as the contract allowance is in many cases insufficient for the number of people in the household. Conference members are also helping these people adjust to their new lifestyle, particularly in learning to use household appliances with which they are completely unfamiliar. Eggs should not be kept in the freezer! The families are included on the conference bread run. At present, we have seven families on the list, with 13 adults and 37 children. and we are expecting three more Congolese families to arrive shortly. Findings z
z z
Diversity of support/options needed in work with migrants - care, tolerance, listening, friendship, networks, energy, sense of community, dignity, charity, money and time. Conference was able to provide all of these, in addition to the material assistance with food, clothing and furniture. An excellent example of the great diversity of conference resources.
Justice issue identified is the inadequacy of material provision made by government for incoming migrant refugees.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 2A: Mental Health Frances Warren, Membership & Development Manager I am pleased to be able to speak with you today about the training which is being offered through the Membership and Development team to help conference members to be more effective in assisting people with a mental illness. You can see from the brochure which you received when you arrived today that the training we are offering on mental illness is one of a range of programs being offered, all with the intention of helping conference members to develop good practices. The good practices we are promoting in all our training programs involve helping members to: z z z z z
Communicate effectively with the people they are trying to help Identify and gain insight into the various factors which may be impacting on a person's situation Think broadly and creatively about how the person/family can be assisted Be aware of the various resources (including Social Justice officers) they can draw upon to assist the individual or family Be more confident in making referrals
History to the Training in Mental Illness z
z z z z
Our decision to develop and offer training specifically in mental illness came about as a result of a conference survey we undertook in early 2005 Part of that survey included questions about what conference members saw as their training needs About 25% of respondents indicated that they wanted training about mental illness We then did a second survey to "flesh out" more details about their training requirements In this second survey, to our surprise, we found that there were pockets of resistance to any mental health training at all. The reasons offered varied: some were arguing that they were not mental health professionals and didn't want to become so. They somehow (falsely) thought that having more knowledge would put them into a diagnostic 15 | Social Justice Committee
Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 2A: Mental Health (continued)
z
or therapeutic role. Some others argued that they were flat out doing home visits to provide basic material aid and felt that they did not have the time to spend with the people they visited in pursuing anything that involved time in relationship building (ie along the Compeer model). Quite frankly, the negative responses to training from some conferences did cause us to reflect on whether we were doing the right thing in providing training in this area. We knew that it would be costly to develop and roll out (as we knew we would need to hire trainers with specific expertise) and we knew we were in unchartered waters about knowing the true extent of demand for such training. However, we decided to proceed anyway.
Rationale for offering the course Our decision to offer the mental illness training was informed by our knowledge that people with mental illness are amongst the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community and that, as such, servicing them is integral to the Vincentian vocation. Whilst I am sure that this audience of Social Justice officers already has a good understanding of the strong link between mental illness and disadvantage, I'd like to just quickly review some findings to substantiate that before I get specifically onto the new St Vincent de Paul Society training program: 1. We know that the incidence of mental illness in Australia is high. Material put before the recent Senate Select Committee on Mental Health stated that: z
z z z z
1% of the population will experience schizophrenia at some time in their lives (there are currently 45,000 people in Victoria alone with schizophrenia) 2% will experience a bi-polar disorder Around 20% of people may experience depression at some stage in their lives, and About 10% of people may experience an anxiety disorder The Senate Select Committee was further advised that the two high prevalence disorders (depression and anxiety) can be extremely serious but can often go unnoticed and untreated, particularly if the person is not acutely ill.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 2A: Mental Health (continued) 2. We also know that mental illness can have serious consequences for both the person with the illness and those who support him/her. a) We know that the person with the mental illness will experience many or all of the following: z z z z
z
z
z
z z z
Loss of confidence/self esteem Pressure/loss/fracture in personal relationships Withdrawal/social isolation/alienation Difficulties in getting and keeping employment (The Mental Health Council of Australia submitted to the Senate Select Committee that less than 30% of people with a mental illness participate in the workforce, despite evidence that working is therapeutic). This has huge implications for keeping a person in poverty, increasing their social isolation and decreasing their feelings of self worth Difficulties in managing the additional costs associated with the illness, such as medications and additional transport costs to get to appointments Difficulties with daily tasks: lacking the energy, motivation, or clarity of thinking needed to organise bills, do housework, keep appointments, plan and prepare meals, look after children Difficulties in dealing with the consequences which can arise from periods of being unwell: eg following on from indiscriminate use of credit during a "high" or incurring fines for parking infringements and so forth Difficulties managing the side effects of some medications The increased risk of self medication with either alcohol or drugs Dealing with discrimination in most aspects of their lives including employment, housing, getting credit, and participation in recreation
b) We also know that the carers (usually family) of people with a mental illness will also be affected by that person's illness: z
z
The Senate Select Committee heard that a lot of families disintegrate due to the strain of learning to cope with mental illness and still trying to hold a family unit together. They heard about the challenge which carers can have in maintaining full time employment and that when they have to leave their job because of the demands of caring, they are often not eligible for the carers' allowance 17 | Social Justice Committee
Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 2A: Mental Health (continued) z
z
z
z z z
They heard how families may have to bear a number of additional costs such as: providing transport to appointments, paying for fees for accessing healthcare professionals not covered under Medicare, replacing items lost by loved ones during episodes of psychosis or dysfunction, including clothing, repairs and replacement of furniture and lost rental bonds, payment of fines and debts accumulated by the mentally ill family member including court fines, parking fines, credit card debts, hire purchase debts and telephone debts. They heard how family carers can lose their sense of self and that they can experience massive stress, anxiety and grief about not being able to "fix" the problem. The Senate Select Committee also heard about the pressures that can be put on child and young people who are carers. Children of parents who are mentally ill have a greater likelihood than other children of having emotional and behavioural problems. We know that. Children worry about their parents and are not given information from health professionals which would reduce their anxiety. Parents do not seek help and support due to fear of their children being taken from them by welfare authorities. Parents and family are reluctant to talk with children about the mental illness of a family member and as a result, children feel isolated not knowing that other children share their family experience.
Mental Illness training Having briefly described the impacts of mental illness on the person with the illness and any carers which may be involved, I will now briefly describe the actual training program: z
z
z z
The program has been developed by the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, with strong input from Membership and Development to ensure it was relevant to Vincentians The program is now being delivered by The Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria across the State, again with Membership and Development support, throughout 2006. Another 12 sessions are scheduled and budgeted for 2007. There has been strong take up of the program. The training is concentrated into a single day (this by conference request demand) The program includes a component on dual diagnosis.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 2A: Mental Health (continued) What will doing the Mental Illness course do for you? If you do the course it will: z z
z z z
z z
z
z
z z z z
Help you to understand the different types of mental illness and possible indicators that someone has a mental illness Help you understand the treatments for Mental Illness, the episodic nature of most mental illness including the importance of encouraging people to continue medication, and, importantly, the recovery process Help you understand the side effects of some medications Help you gain some insight into how the person might be thinking, feeling, and behaving with various mental illnesses Give you some insights into how the ordinary tasks of daily living may be difficult/impossible for someone with mental illness and how, because of their illness, things can go haywire with bills not being paid, debts accumulating, appointments not being kept, etc Help you to communicate appropriately, constructively and comfortably. Help you understand the myriad range of ways you could help by providing simple things which make such a difference: invite someone with a mental illness out for a coffee, invite them out for a walk, a drive in the car, take them a book, newspaper or magazine of interest, offer to do or pay for a facial/hairdo/pedicure/manicure, help with shopping, appointments or chores Help you understand the likelihood of discrimination and the role you might play in advocacy with and on behalf of the person being discriminated against Gives you some insights into dual diagnosis, where people are both mentally ill and are also addicted to alcohol or other substances and the cycle of change Helps you to be alert to safety but not unnecessarily alarmed Helps you to be more comfortable in responding if suicide is raised or if you are concerned in this regard Gives you some referral options Helps you understand that you should be prepared to be in for the long haul - things may not resolve quickly.
In summary it will improve the quality of what you do - it will help you to give the person with the mental illness and any carer involved a "hand up".
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 2B: Compeer Geoff Brown, Compeer Manager Mental illness in Australia One in five Australians will experience a mental illness. Some people experience their illness only once and fully recover. For others, it recurs throughout their lives. Most mental illness can be effectively treated. About Compeer Compeer is a model mental health program established 30 years ago and operating in over 100 locations in the United States, Canada and Australia. Compeer Melbourne is a member of Compeer International. The word "Compeer" is a combination of "companion" and "peer". Volunteers are to be supportive companions and role models, not social workers, carers or parents. Professor Allan Fels AO, Dean of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government is the Patron of the program in Victoria. St Vincent de Paul Society supports Compeer in Australia. What does Compeer offer? Compeer volunteers are matched with a companion who is receiving mental health treatment. Compeer volunteers meet with their companions for one hour each week (for at least one year). They share interests and activities, go to the pictures, play sport, walk or share coffee. Some volunteers extend their commitment past one year and some spend more than one hour weekly with their companion. Compeer offers training, ongoing support and regular supervision to volunteers. Steady, reliable and caring companionship can make all the difference, bringing joy and hope into a life that may be empty of both. Through the gift of their friendship, volunteers will gain a sense of satisfaction and personal growth and have the opportunity to help another.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 2B: Compeer (continued) Who can volunteer? Compeer volunteers come from all walks of life, all nationalities, all religions (or no religious affiliation). They are men and women aged over 21 who are: z z z z z
friendly accepting emotionally mature and stable able to commit for one year or more live in Melbourne's eastern suburbs
How do people volunteer? Apply z z z z
Complete a written application Schedule an interview with Compeer Provide three referees Complete a police check
Train z
Attend training sessions
Match z
Guided by Compeer staff and the referring mental health professional, be matched to a companion compatible in gender, age, location and interests
Meet z
Begin weekly time together with this new companion.
Companionship helps All of us know that occasionally someone befriends us and touches our lives, that someone cares about our wellbeing without expecting anything in return. Because they believe in us, we are encouraged to believe in ourselves. Volunteers are asked to use the power of friendship to help someone isolated through mental illness to live a happier, more productive life. A small gift of time and care can make a world of difference to someone who is lonely and needs a friend. "When I am out with my companion I feel I am part of what is happening in a busy world and I am not alone. I see other people together and I no longer feel different because I am with my companion." 21 | Social Justice Committee
Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 3: Good Practice for Conference Social Justice The session on this important subject was led by Paul Fraser, from the Victorian Social Justice Committee (Northern Central Council). Paul invited the Forum members to engage in open dialogue on a range of topics related to conference practices in social justice. Under Paul's leadership, the discussions were wide ranging and enthusiastic, involving a large number of participants. They resulted in the expression of extensive views, which are summarised below, in broad categories for convenience. Spirituality z z z
Spirituality in conferences is paramount - we are driven to social justice by our Christianity. Key issue is to maintain spirituality at all times. Stick to the principles of Ozanam - our convictions must be strong. Do not be bend to other peoples' way of thinking, such as attacking stands on social justice eg welfare.
Contacts (those we help) z z z z z z z z z
Preconceived judgments must be avoided. Use of word "client" should be avoided. Build up relationship with people we assist. Don't blame poor for situation. Discover the basic need behind the request for material assistance? Conferences need to be mindful of confidentiality/privacy laws. Need to actively listen to contact situation - this occurs through relationships. Consistency in assistance given - what's good for ourselves has to be good for the households being assisted . Build relationships with families by reaching out in friendship.
Public Advocacy z z z z z
Media spokesperson to raise issues of social justice "speaking out on injustices". Raise issues at local level, eg local politicians. Be aware and follow media guidelines approved by State Council. Advocacy requires additional skills - undergo additional training. Advance reconciliation (Society supports Opening the Doors Foundation).
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 Session 3: Good Practice for Conference Social Justice (continued) Conference Teamwork z z z z z
Every member should be a de-facto social justice officer. Use experience and knowledge of conference members. "Success" of conferences depends on the individuals within the conference. Follow good practice guidelines promulgated by State Council. Set priorities.
Awareness z z z z z z z
z z
Manuals are never complete - need to be updated constantly. Development of service register to be carried in interview folder. Cannot expect to be experts on everything, but should know to whom to refer people contacts. Importance of awareness of concessions, supports and resources that are available - what is available and who offers them. How can manuals be developed? New members don't know where to go or whom to see. We have to be informed ourselves of the issues affecting people and the appropriate resources supports that assist bring justice -knowing rights. Each of us as individuals, and the conference as an organisation need to be as informed as best we can. Development of local information kits (manuals that bring together resource available in local areas)
Networking z z z z z z
Are there local community forums that Vincentians can join? Often Centerlink officers attend these. Building community relationship (networks) is essential. Networking - how far and extensive should this go? Networking includes going to local forums and activities which introduce people to new information and resources. Networks are there but maybe we don't know about them. Networking - typical links on women's affairs, mental health, Centrelink.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006
Frances Warren
Tony Dalton
(l to r) Kevin Waugh, Christine Vella and Fr Frank Smith
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 (l to r) John McCarthy, Brian Lenten and Maurie Taylor
Geoff Brown
(l to r) Sr Rosemary Graham and Pat Toomey
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 14 October 2006 NOTES
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“Yours must be a work of love, of kindness, you must give your time, your talents, yourselves. “The poor person is a unique person of God’s fashioning with an inalienable right to respect. “You must not be content with tiding the poor over the poverty crisis: You must study their condition and the injustices which brought about such poverty, with the aim of a long term improvement.” Blessed Frederic Ozanam 1813-1853
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St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. ABN: 28 911 702 061 43 Prospect Street, Box Hill Vic 3128 Locked Bag 4800, Box Hill Vic 3128 Phone: 03 9895 5800 Fax: 03 9895 5850 Email: info@svdp-vic.org.au Website: www.svdp-vic.org.au December 2006