Connect Autumn
2016
Issue
3
Understanding Toxic Stress How you can
ASIST
Keeping your family safe
windermere.org.au
1300 946 337
CEO’s message
What you told us
Windermere’s focus is to: always know our community; listen to our consumers; improve lives through early intervention and prevention; strengthen our community; and create lasting and positive change. One way of testing how successful we have been in achieving our goals is to ask you what we’re getting right, where we could improve and how you found dealing with our staff.
83%
felt we responded quickly enough to make a difference in their life
90%
rated overall service experience as above average or excellent
95%
you would recommend Windermere to your family and friends
Hello Everyone Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Connect. It’s hard to believe since the last issue we’ve celebrated Christmas, Chinese New Year, Easter and many other cultural and religious days of significance. We’ve also come together for Australian Harmony Day (read more on page 7), honouring inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. We love the idea of Harmony Day as the sentiments behind this day really echo our overall philosophy - that everyone is someone in our community. On the back page you’ll find a list of all the group programs that are being run this term. For anyone who may be struggling with their child’s behaviour, our 123 Magic Parenting Program may be for you. With the 1-2-3 Magic Techniques you’ll be given the tools to manage even the most difficult behaviour you may encounter as a parent. We also share with you the story of two parents who have turned personal tragedy into positive change through our Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). Read about it on page 4. I hope you enjoy the stories and articles presented here – please feel free to provide feedback or a response via emailmarketing@windermere.org.au Best wishes Dr Lynette Buoy Chief Executive Officer 2
6
Windermere Consumer 201
At Windermere we try very hard to get things right for you so we are very pleased and heartened when we receive feedback like this. If you’d like to tell us how you think we’re going (good or otherwise!) we’d love to hear from you. Email us your feedback info@windermere.org.au
In the spotlight... Name Mario Avice Role Counsellor/Psychologist Background I was born in Mauritius and came to Australia nearly 42 years ago. It’s amazing how quickly time passes. I am married with two children aged 19 and 16. I am a registered psychologist and over the last 20 years, I have had the privilege of working for a nonprofit organisation focused on enhancing family wellbeing. Windermere I started at Windermere on 18th August 2015, so it’s now nearly 7 months. So far I am thoroughly enjoying the work. It’s also been great meeting and getting to know new people within the organisation and to be part of a friendly, warm and competent counselling team, committed to enhancing family wellbeing.
Mario Outside of Windermere I would like to say that I exercise regularly and eat all the right foods but I’m a bit inconsistent so it’s work in progress! I have a beautiful golden Labrador, Sunny and she does her best to keep me fit by always wanting to play or go for a walk. I enjoy going to watch my son play soccer and my daughter dance. I love to listen to music (all types) and relaxing is my most favourite activity.
Dexter’s Story
“I thought if I ever left Dexter with anyone other than myself, his father or his grandmother, I feared he wouldn’t survive.” Constantly worried about her son’s development and other potential health issues, it wasn’t until Dexter was diagnosed with Autism that mum, Louise, recognised that his inability to be separated from her, was becoming a real problem. During previous attempts to have Dexter cared for by someone else, Louise vividly recalls he would ‘melt down’, hysterically screaming and crying while calling out for mummy or mummy’s car. Eventually, Louise became convinced that Dexter wouldn’t survive if she tried again. Tired and worried Louise called the Early Intervention Services at Windermere, who assessed her situation over the phone and put her in touch with Sarah, a family worker.
Sarah recommended that both Louise and Dexter try Ready for Routines, a fun, structured group to assist with transitioning and following routines for children heading to kinder. On their first visit, Louise was only able to leave Dexter for less than three minutes before being called back. While initially upsetting, they both persisted and, gradually, Louise was able to see that both of them could cope apart. More importantly for Dexter, he learnt that his much loved Mum would always come back to him. Having since completed the group program, Dexter can now be separated from Louise for periods of time and this has carried over into other areas of their life. Louise can now leave Dexter in the car with his father while she pops into a shop – something that was previously impossible. Louise is now able to start looking for family day care or a vacancy at an early learning centre that can accommodate Dexter and an aide so he can ready himself for kinder and school.
“I was scared and didn’t think it would work” said Louise, “Other people should try it, push themselves like I did. There was a great outcome for Dexter and I” If you think you and your child could benefit from the Ready for Routines group held at Berwick Community Centre, contact the team on 9709 6900 or email ecds@windermere.org.au.
Returning to work? Flexible hours including after hours and weekends
Matched to the right educator
Consider our Family Day Care program for flexible and individual care for your child. Access to CCB/CCR
Qualified, experienced educators
Personalised, flexible, quality care
www.windermere.org.au/childcare
Play based learning in small groups
See Page 7 for contact details
Understanding toxic stress Most people understand the fight or flight response as a physical reaction that occurs in response to a real or perceived threat or attack that threatens our survival.
Now, imagine confronting a grizzly bear – immediately our heart rate would increase, blood would be pumped into our muscles, our eyes would widen, our impulses quicken and our reaction to pain would lessen. We are now prepared both physically and psychologically for a fight or flight with the bear. Now imagine if that bear lived in your house. Researchers have found that children who live with abuse, neglect, substance abuse, poor mental health and violence (Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)) will experience health repercussions across their life time as a result of these stressors. Each and every time the fight or flight mechanism is activated it has a profound effect on a child’s immune system, hormone levels and can potentially alter DNA at a cellular level. The impact on health is catastrophic.
adulthood they become more susceptible to depression, suicide, heart disease and cancer.
Each time a child’s ACE score goes up (score 1 for every adverse experience) the likelihood of them being diagnosed with ADHD, ADA and autism increase dramatically. In fact, as children move into and through
If you have concerns about Family Violence and the impact it may be having on someone you know or love please contact Windermere on 1300 946 337 and ask to speak to someone in Family Services.
Network with us!
/WindermereServices
Like and follow our pages to stay up-to-date on all things Windermere.
/windermere_aust
Are you looking for a flexible job working from home? We’re currently seeking Family Day Care Educators
Apply now - start work in 2016! See Page 7 for contact details
Did you know Windermere is on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin?
/WindermereChild&FamilyServices
ASISTing with Suicide Prevention In early March the Bureau of Statistics reported a steep rise in suicide, the highest in fact since 2001. In one article that appeared in The Age, the Chief Executive of Lifeline said that “we’ve made it OK to start talking about mental health, but we’re still not giving people enough skills to become capable of preventing suicide”. At Windermere, we’re addressing this through our ASIST program.
Sophie’s Story
‘I feel sad all the time. I feel like crying over anything. Why do I feel that way? Nobody understands me. Nobody can help me.’ These were Sophie’s words during her battle with mental illness. Her sadness was followed by self- harm, deep depression and anorexia. Her parents knew they had to act fast.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) The program aims to educate people on how to become ‘suicide alert’ and what to do to help prevent someone from acting on suicidal thoughts as well as learning specific strategies, what to say and what not to say, and what you need to do (suicide first aid). If you’re interested in attending the two day ASIST course please: Visit windermere.org.au Contact the team on 1300 946 337 Email info@windermere.org.au
“It was such an intense time”, recalls her mother, Joelle. “We reached out and explored all the professional medical care available and still that didn’t make a difference to our beautiful 16 year old daughter Sophie, our ‘Soflet”. Despite every strategy and treatment put in place they were unsuccessful in their attempt to cure her illness and sadly, in July 2013, Sophie passed by suicide. Two and half years on, Sophie’s parents, Joelle and Henri, accept that some of their questions will never be answered. However, by attending the LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) at Windermere, they have learnt the importance of being educated and ‘suicide aware’ and how it can help others in their community. “It’s imperative that as a community we educate ourselves, that we feel comfortable saying the word suicide and that Windermere continues to offer vital support through training to those in greatest need,” says Joelle “We support Windermere because it’s one way of honouring the life of our beautiful daughter, Sophie.”
If you require an interpreter to help you access any of our services, we can arrange one for you at no cost.
Sophie’s parents, Joelle and Henri, telling Sophie’s Story at a Windermere event
Your feedback will inspire positive change We are currently recruiting members for our Disability Services Consumer Consultative Committee – a group of people who want to help influence and improve their disability service delivery.
Our interpreters follow a strict code of ethics; this means that the interpreter will not tell anyone else what you have discussed with them.
Join today and create positive change and action around our disability services and the sector.
For more information
disability@windermere.org.au
1300 946 337
Keeping your family safe Adele* came to Windermere when she was eight months pregnant, with her three other children and her mother. She was in a state of deep distress. Although she had separated from her partner, Corey*, due to ongoing violence and had taken out an intervention order, he still managed to track the family down, break into their house and had threatened to kill them repeatedly.
Adele gathered her family and fled with nothing except hope
Tamara*, the eldest child, soon began experiencing panic attacks at school and shared with a school counsellor what was happening. Somehow, her father found out and forbid her from going to school again. Each day for the next two weeks Corey would wait, just outside the school grounds, attempting to catch her out if she went against his wishes.
Adele had tried to leave a number of times, but felt it may be too dangerous for her kids, until it became too dangerous to stay. Terrified that the threat of death was real and imminent, Adele gathered her children and mother and left home with nothing except hope and turned to Windermere for help. Within a few hours Windermere was able to ensure Adele received medical attention for her and her unborn baby plus safe, secure, untraceable accommodation. Food, clothing and petrol vouchers were also provided so Adele could also attend to the immediate needs of her family. A week later a safe refuge was found and 3G safety cards issued to Adele, her eldest daughter and mother. These cards are monitored around the clock and when activated pinpoint the exact location of the person in distress so police can assist, as well as recording everything that is said which can then be used later in court. Windermere has also arranged for Adele and her mother to receive counselling for family violence and sexual assault and vital support services have been put in place for the older children. For the first time, in a very long time, Adele and her family are safe. If you, or someone, you know are experiencing family violence, contact the team on 1300 946 337. *Names changed to protect privacy
Do you or someone you care for need support to live independently in the community? is an Our Supporting Lifestyles program ists you to individually funded service that ass munity. live at home and engage in your com
See Page 7 for contact details
Windermere in the community We Share A Dream and Sing With One Voice
On Australian Harmony Day, the 21st March, school students from the Cardinia area representing many faiths including Catholic, Christian, Islamic, together with special needs, government, and non-denominational independent schools were all brought together to foster healthy relationships and help build united communities through activities, play and talking. With everyone wearing the orange Harmony Day ribbon students took part in teamwork challenges, as well as having the opportunity to mingle, kick balls and play four square. Rachel Clarke, Windermere’s Building Harmony Project Officer said, “The beauty of this program is its simplicity. By coming together, they drop any preconceived ideas they may have held and realise that everyone is essentially the same no matter their faith or background.”
If you went down in the woods today….
Useful Contacts Windermere:
1300 946 337 Counselling Intake: 9705 3296 For enquiries about service, referral pathways and support. Victims Assistance Program (Gippsland): (03) 5135 1500 or (Southern): (03) 9705 3200
On Wednesday 13th April, Casey City Council hosted its 8th Annual Woodlands Nature Play Walk as part of Nature Play Week at the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens based on the Australian book ‘There was an old lady who swallowed a mozzie’ by Crumble & Shae.
Other agencies:
Suzy Green, from our Early Childhood Development team, dressed up as the ‘old lady’ and was amazed at the children’s response to her, “They were so fascinated and asked what all the different animals tasted like! The day provided a great opportunity to explore concepts like taste, feel, movement and sound.”
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) Family violence and sexual assault counselling services.
While the kids had a lot of fun, the activities they completed helped facilitate their literacy and both gross and fine motor skills. In this way, play creates an ideal environment for learning. For information about future family events, visit windermere.org.au.
FAMILY DAY CARE REVIEWERS WIN BIG! Congratulations Crissty Sherwood - winning an iPad Mini for her entry in our ‘Review Windermere & Win’ Competition. A big thanks to all those who submitted reviews. “My son has a great time with his family day carer, Chris. I love that she regularly sends pics and keeps me updated on how he’s going. Can’t fault the Windermere Service, wish I’d put him in family day care earlier!”
YOU CAN ALSO WIN YOURSELF AN
iPAD MINI!
Review us before 31 May and you can win too - visit windermere.org.au/families/competition Open to current Family Day Care families only.
SECADA (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Support) 1800 142 536
Disability Services Commissioner Complaints: 1800 677 342 (free call) General Enquiries: 1300 728 187 (local call) TTY 1300 726 563 Fax 03 8608 5765 www.odsc.vic.gov.au Department of Health & Human Services Intake & Response Team 1300 131 079 For people with disabilities & their carers. Alfred Health 1800 052 222 www.carersouth.org.au Carer’s support (business hours) and emergency respite (24 hours)
7
What’s On Dry Nights Program Is your child aged 5 years+ and still wetting the bed on a regular basis? A child aged 5 years+ who wets the bed can feel miserable and confused, and his/her parents can feel helpless about what to do. The good news is that Windermere’s OnTrack’s Dry Nights Program can help children who wet the bed achieve dry bedsfast!!!
Places are limited so bookings are essential. Please call the Group Coordinator on 9705 3200
For: Children aged 5 years+ who regularly wet the bed, where there is no diagnosed medical cause. How: A psychologist will conduct a thorough assessment and teach you and your child how to use the Bell and Pad unit. This method helps your child learn to wake up before the bed gets wet. When: Appointments are made by psychologist Cost: Hire fee for Bell & Pad unit, plus session cost with Psychologist. Medicare Rebate may be available Referrals: Contact Windermere Disability Intake on (03) 9705 3200
123 Magic Parenting Program Do you want to learn how to manage difficult behaviour better? A 3 week program to assist parents to manage difficult behaviour in their children by incorporating the use of 1-2-3 Magic techniques. For: Parents with children aged from 2 to 12 years. Date: Tuesday evenings 7th, 14th and 21st of June Time: 5:30pm - 8:00pm Location: Windermere 48 Webb Street, Narre Warren
Book: Places are limited so bookings are essential. Please call Group Coordinator on 9705 3200 or groups@windermere.org.au Cost: $45 ($15 per week) *Discount for Healthcare card holder (Includes workbook for participants) Please note: No childcare provided.
Group Program
What
Date Time 2016
Where
Clear Minds Better Lives
Dual diagnosis recovery group for adults covering different theme each session.
Thursdays during school term 9.45am-11.30am
Living and Learning Centre 6 Henry St Pakenham
Little Monkeys Supported Playgroup
Supported playgroup
Every 2nd Tuesday Next Tuesday is May 17th 10:00 - 12:00pm
Hollins Childrens Centre 10 Atlantic Drive Pakenham
Parenting After Separation
3 week program to help parents to better understand the effects of separation on their children and learn useful strategies for helping children to adjust.
Tuesday’s 5:30pm - 8:00pm 19th July to 2nd August
Windermere, 48 Webb Street, Narre Warren
Resilience for Life
A four week program about learning positive ways of dealing with day to day problems, life stresses and life changes
Thurs 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd June 10am-12pm
Windermere, 48 Webb Street, Narre Warren
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Understand your childs sensory needs and the impact on behaviour. 2 Workshop dates coming up.
2 day workshop 9.00 - 5.00pm 48 Webb Street, Narre Warren 11-12 May
2 day Workshop 9.00 - 5.00pm Toomah Community Centre 18 Golden Green St, Pakenham 10-11 August & 9-10 November
In case of an emergency, please ring: 8
Lifeline: 13 11 14 Child Protection: 131 278
Parentline: 132 289 All other emergencies: 000