Community News
Issue
13
• Karen speaks out to end the whispers • Cyber safety - keeping your kids safe online • Showing the way against family violence
Summer
2014
Get involved in our gift & hamper appeal! windermere.org.au/merrymission
CEO’s message As one of our most valued supporters I am excited to share with you that this year we have supported more than 14,000 children, families and individuals; our diverse range of services continues to reflect the diverse needs of your community, enabling us to make a positive difference in the lives of many. Since our last newsletter we have continued to address issues and provide targeted assistance relating to homelessness, violence, family breakdown, as well as working with individuals and families with disabilities and development delays. Our merger with WECAN (West Gippsland Early Intervention for Children with Additional Needs), brings together over 32 years of collective experience in the field of early childhood intervention, and the opportunity for Gippsland families to continue to receive the best professional service available to them. We are so pleased that your backing can help us reach our communities. November is Family Violence Prevention month, a time for reflection by all. Coming off a very successful Sip in Style event, we continue to push the need to raise awareness and funds for the issue, and our suite of non-government funded early intervention programs. You can read more about these throughout this edition. As we close this year, and with Christmas only weeks away we are keeping our vision of a stronger, connected and supported community at the forefront of our minds. Our Merry Mission Appeal is in full swing and with the collaboration of you, our treasured donors and supporters, we can ensure the children and families in our community won’t go without at this special time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued and unsparing support and wish everyone the best for the festive season. Enjoy the news. Dr Lynette Buoy, CEO
Windermere and WECAN merge to support Gippsland children For almost 25 years, West Gippsland Early Intervention for Children with Additional Needs (WECAN) have been working to provide support to families with young children with special needs or living with a disability. Windermere Child & Family Services have also been providing Early Childhood Development Services to families across Melbourne’s SouthEast and is already established within the Baw Baw region, offering access to other essential support services and programs to the greater Warragul community. After more than 24 months of planning, preparation and commitment, Windermere and WECAN are delighted to announce the successful merger between the two organisations. Under the careful leadership of Windermere’s Early Intervention & Disability Services Manager, Tracey Millen, the team from
West Gippsland will now form an important component of Windermere’s service provision in the Warragul area. “The team at Windermere are very excited to have the 11 employees from WECAN join us. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Windermere to expand our services into the Gippsland region and do so with localised knowledge and expertise.”, said Ms Millen. To celebrate the union between the two organisations, a garage sale and mini community fun day was held on Saturday 25th October, at the Windermere WECAN office in Warragul. The event, generously supported by local organisation Bakers Delight Warragul & WECAN families and friends, who donated raffle prizes, baked and volunteered their time, raised over $1500 of much needed funds; helping us to continue delivery of best practice interventions.
It’s ok to ask.
Breaking down the barriers of suicide Would you notice the signals from a family member or friend if they were suicidal? Would you know what to do if someone told you they were thinking of killing themselves? Not many people would. Windermere’s Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) equips people with the tools required should these situations arise. So far in 2014 alone, over 150 community members, students, parents, teachers, service providers have taken part in one of Windermere’s ASIST workshops. One of those participants was Karen*. Karen and her husband had a placement child for 4.5 years – Natalie* was 12 when she came to live with them, and already in her young life had experienced so much heartache. After a long struggle with mental health issues, the young teenager committed suicide in October 2012. “During this time, even though we found we had a lot of support, there was no real practical support for Natalie’s suicidal behaviour, we didn’t know what to do, the signs to look for, and how to handle
the situations. A little while later I heard about the ASIST workshops offered by Windermere, and signed up. After completing the intense two day training, I felt saddened and disappointed that the training wasn’t available when Natalie was alive. “Since then, I have been able to use the skills and knowledge I learnt through ASIST with our 12year old foster son Jayden*. Jayden is also suicidal, but I feel so much more competent and confident in working through his suicidal behaviour. “On one occasion, Jayden was extremely depressed grabbed a handful of pills saying that he wanted to die. Calling on my training, I was able to ask him when he planned to take them, and then asked him to give me the pills. I said: ‘I know you’re really sad at the moment and miss Natalie, do you want to talk about it? Do you feel like you need any help?
“Jayden calmed down and we talked. Because of o Windermere and the ASIST training, I am equipped to support him and work through his suicidal behaviour. I just wish I had these tools to help me with Natalie, it may have been a different outcome. “Every single carer of complex children, parents, grandparents, family members,. .friends, teachers, EVERYONE, should do the ASIST workshops, it truly can help save lives.” Karen* *names changed to protect client privacy
Windermere’s next ASIST workshop is scheduled for March 2015. For further details visit windermere.org. au or contact Gen Dawson on (03)5995 4655 or email gen.dawson@windermere.org.auu.
Donate Now Windermere rely solely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to enable us to operate our suite of life changing intervention and support programs and services. To donate and assist us in continuing to deliver these vital services visit windermere.org.au, fill out the form at the back of the newsletter or phone (03) 9705 3200.
Keeping kids safe online We know that cyber safety is a growing concern for parents of today’s youth. The problem can be especially daunting as many didn’t have to deal with these types of risks in their childhood.
The internet and social networking sites have opened up many opportunities for predators to make contact with children for sexual purposes. As a result Windermere’s Kids on Track program has proactively introduced a Cyber Safety session to help educate and prevent our young children falling prey to online predators. One of these might be your child.
and sexting. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) service have produced a number of online clips designed for children aged 8-10yrs and 10-14yrs and which speak to children in their own way. The clips and additional material have been incorporated into the program and the renewed sessions are being presented throughout term four.
The Cyber Safety sessions continue to evolve with additional video clips being shown to children to address issues such as online safety, grooming
The Kids on Track Cyber Safety sessions work on education as a key to prevent this type of criminal behaviour, and more than anything, good open lines
of communication with children is absolutely critical. Protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a whole of community responsibility. Kids on Track is funded solely through the generosity of the community. To help provide critical funding for this program please complete the donation slip at the back of this newsletter. For more information on Kids on Track visit windermere.org.au
“Online predators are smart and engaging, they know exactly what to say to capture a child’s attention. They know how to pick their targets and manipulation tends to be their tool of trade. A lonely child or teenager, looking for contact with someone new and different is often an easy target, before anyone knows anything a meeting is set and things can take a turn for the worse.” Mali Farnell, KOT Project Officer
Young lives on the streets Ginny* had a tough childhood. Her own mother wasn’t capable of looking after her and so she was brought up by a guardian – unfortunately a diagnosed schizophrenic. At 16, without adequate parental guidance and support, Ginny fell pregnant. Unable to deal with her schizophrenic carer any longer, Ginny was forced to flee. Homeless, depressed and dealing with a new baby boy, Ginny was incapable of looking after both herself
and the child. It was then that DHS intervened and removed the child. Ginny was devastated and sunk into deep depression. She was living on the streets, couch surfing and floating from place to place. “For almost two years I was sleeping in stair wells, on the streets, anywhere I could find” recalls Ginny. Once again, Ginny fell pregnant with Ruby and once more DHS stepped in. This time they referred Ginny to Windermere’s Mums & Bubs program. Through the program, Ginny was provided with suitable housing for her and Ruby child and was able to access a number of activities designed to get her back on her feet. These included playgroups, financial counseling, renting sessions and Ginny developed critical skills like budgeting and cooking.
Within only six months Ginny had saved enough money to secure private rental accommodation and buy some essential living items. Today, Ginny and Ruby have been living in their new home for three months. She has also found casual work delivering papers and leaflets which she can do while still caring for Ruby. Windermere’s Mums & Bubs program provides young mothers at risk of homelessness, through adverse and sometimes uncontrollable circumstances, with temporary or short term housing, and teaches them essential life skills to help them gain independence. *names changed to protect client privacy
“Without the support of Windermere’s Mums & Bubs program, things would have been much different for me and Ruby. I don’t want to imagine where we would have been.”
To donate and support our Mums & Bubs program fill out the donation form at the back of the newsletter or visit windermere.org.au
Issue 13
November 2014
5
As Christmas approaches we ask that you remember Windermere in your holiday plans. Right across the year, Windermere assists those in our local community who are doing it tough. Sadly for these children and families, Christmas can be an especially difficult time - the chance to get together with family and loved ones, exchange gifts, eat, laugh and have fun, just isn’t possible.
Windermere’s Merry Mission gift and hamper appeal provides gifts and essential food to families to help ease the burden of Christmas. Since 2008, we have given more than 6000 gifts and 500 hampers to thousands of families across our community.
Without our Merry Mission appeal and your support, these families may not be able to experience all that Christmas has to offer.
Meet Meulana Meulana is a 5 year old little girl, she lives with her mother and father and little sister. Meulana is terminally ill. She suffers from severe developmental delays, vision impairment and is unable to speak, which makes communication extremely difficult. Meulana is fed through a tube, and requires oxygen on a daily basis in order to survive. Mum and dad find it difficult to work as Meulana requires constant care. They also know they only have limited time left to spend together as a complete family so they want to spend as much time together as possible. As a result, the family are struggling financially and Christmas is a luxury they simply can not afford this year. Through Windermere’s Merry Mission appeal, you can help Meulana and her family experience a little joy and celebration this Christmas.
Get Involved: windermere.org.au/merrymission
Help families like Meulana’s by donating a gift or Helping Hamper this Christmas.
Thank yo for your s u upport and for s preading the joy of Chr to those w istmas ho would otherwis e miss out.
Set aside part of your budget to support the important work of Windermere during the Christmas season, or encourage family and friends to get involved! While shopping, why not buy an extra gift for a Windermere child or put together a food hamper to help feed families on Christmas day.
Don’t have time or unable to get to the shops? You still have the opportunity to give, without having to tackle the dreaded Christmas rush! Make a quick and secure tax-deductible charitable donation, online or by filling out the donation form at the back of the newsletter. What better way to celebrate than by sharing what you have with the children and families in your local community who need it most.
Any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated... will you decide to make a difference today? To find out more about Merry Mission appeal or to hear from more families and children you will be supporting, visit windermere.org.au/merrymission or contact our events department on (03) 9705 3200 or email: events@windermere.org.au
x ticket into the draw to win an
Women in support of Windermere exclusive
Samantha Wills
piece of jewellery
Sip a welcome cocktail, sit back and join Australian designer Samantha Wills, for an exclusive evening of inspiration, celebration and sparkle.
As Melbourne’s high rises shimmer in the background, hear how your support of Windermere helps transform the lives of women. Date: Thursday 23rd October Time: 7:00pm for 7:15pm to 10:00pm Venue: Mon Bijou
187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
Cost: $125pp* Dress Code: Glamorous * Includes 1 x entry into draw to win exclusive SW jewellery All profits from the night go to Windermere Drinks and canapés will be served throughout the evening
Bookings & further details visit windermere.org.au, call (03) 9705
On Thursday 23 October, fifty strong and dynamic women came together in support of Windermere for the inaugural and glamourous Sip in Style event. Held in the gorgeous setting of Mon Bijou in the heart of Melbourne, guests were treated to an intimate evening with two amazing and inspirational Australian women. Internationally acclaimed jewellery designer Samantha Wills dazzled the crowd with her awe inspiring story of how she built her brand on her passion for empowering women. Samantha was joined by former Windermere client, Carla Gagliardi, who shared her courageous story of her battle with domestic violence. Now a survivor and public advocate for other victims of
3460 or email events@windermere.org.au
Sip in Style didn’t only raise awareness and support of Windermere’s early intervention Family Violence program, but also generated much needed funds to operate the program - contributing more than $10,000 to help individuals, like Carla, get back on their feet.
Family Violence, Carla demonstrated just how important support networks, like Windermere are and the difference they can make in the lives of other women and children. Sip in Style didn’t only raise awareness and support of Windermere’s early intervention Family Violence program, but also generated much needed funds to operate the program - contributing more than $10,000 to help individuals, like Carla, get back on their feet. We wish to thank Samantha Wills who donated a number of her beautiful jewellery pieces for us to raffle on the evening, as well as RB Print Pty Ltd for their contribution.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home, this was taken away from my son and I, and violated in the most horrific way. The actions of Windermere helping us through this nightmare, in our eyes is pure heroism. An act that with the help of community will only continue to make a difference in the lives of other women and children.” Carla Gagliardi
Want to show your support?
Fill out the donation form at the back of the newsletter or visit windermere.org.au
Arts, books and cricket day builds racial harmony On Friday 10 October, Grade 5 & 6 students from Berwick Grammar School, Maranatha Christian School, Minaret College, Officer Primary School and St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School participated in an Arts, Books and Cricket (ABC) activity day. The day was filled with exactly that – arts, books and cricket as a means of delving into the issues of overcoming the cultural barriers presented in the book – in sport and in life.
After reading Ruth Stark’s book ‘Nips X1’ - assigned as part of their curriculum, students from five schools came together to explore the themes set out in the book by taking part in a variety of workshops.
The themed workshops were designed to promote interaction and cultural harmony. The event was just one of the activities held as part of Windermere’s Building Harmony program. Bringing together more than 150 students aged 9-11
years from across five faith based schools, the program aims to build racial harmony, deepen understanding and respect of cultural and religious differences. Students share and celebrate their diversities and commonalities through fun, informative and educational activities that lead to greater understanding, acceptance and new friendships.
“It’s fantastic to see students from different schools and backgrounds come together and interact. This program gives children the opportunity to grow up in an accepting atmosphere” Pam Usher, Managing Director Sunshine and Crocodiles Pty Ltd (Funder)
2015
Bounce of the Ball Windermere’s Annual Bounce of the Ball luncheon will be back again next year, kicking off the 2015 AFL season. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of one of Windermere’s most celebrated events. Keep your eye on the website windermere.org.au for further details, or to register your interest contact our events department on (03) 9705 3200 or email: events@windermere.org.au
Are you or someone in your family having a tough time?
Resilience For Life.
Windermere offers an extensive range of group programs for children and families to support them through a difficult time. There are many groups that operate across the year providing information, support, new friendships and most important of all, the reassurance you are not alone!
A four week program about learning positive ways of dealing with day to day problems, life stresses and life changes.
Please visit windermere. org.au or phone (03) 9705 3200 for a list of dates, times and programs Windermere is currently offering.
Parents, carers and those over 18
1-2-3 Magic & Emotion Coaching.
A three week parenting program to assist parents to manage difficult behaviour in their children.
My FRIENDS Youth.
An eight week course that provides adolescents with the tools to manage difficult or anxiety provoking situations.
Parents with children aged from 2 to12
Are you looking for a flexible job working from home? Are you great with children and enjoy helping them grow and learn? Do you like the idea of earning up to $70k pa?
Become a Windermere Family Day Care Educator today Windermere provides Family Day Care Educators with access to the training and support they need to be successful. All of our Educators are required to have a Cert III in Early Childhood Education & Care - if you’re not yet qualified then speak to one of our team about working while you study!
Apply today and start work in 2015! To find out more or to apply visit www.windermere.org.au or phone (03) 9705 3200 Currently recruiting areas Bayside, Port Phillip and Cardinia
Adolescents between 12 and 17
ASD Kit turned interactive thanks to Telstra “Consistency is the key to working successfully with someone who has an ASD, this app will allow carers to enter and update personalised information securely, quickly and easily. The easy share option provides comfort in the knowledge that all information will be the most up to date�. Tracey Millen Early Intervention & Disability Services Manager
Earlier this year Windermere pioneered a DIY behavioural toolkit, which gathers information about a person’s individual Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) related needs and behaviours and provides simple ideas about meeting those needs and preventing particular behaviours. According to the Department of Human Services, statistics show that 55,000 Victorians currently live with ASD. Some people may be able to live relatively normal lives, however others may have an accompanying learning disability and require continued specialist support. Whilst the DIY paper based kit provides a great resource it is limited in functionality for ongoing use. So when Telstra recently presented Windermere with the fantastic
opportunity to turn the kit into a dynamic and live mobile app we jumped at the chance. Over two days, Windermere staff Tracey Millen (Early Intervention & Disability Services Manager) and Amanda Brass (Design Coordinator), sat with a talented team of technical experts coordinated by Tesltra, brainstorming ideas to turn the paper based tool into an interactive app. The ideas developed quickly and at the end of the two day intensive conference, the Telstra team showcased their collaboration and innovation to over 500 Telstra business clients. Available in three different versions, the app which is due for launch in 2015, is not just for Windermere consumers, but
available to everyone for the greater good of the disability sector.
Windermere are pleased to announce that Telstra have since committed to fulfilling the app development through to launch, as well as generously donating $5000 to our services.
Join our regular giving program today
Give me a brighter future Your small gift can make a big difference...for as little as $20 a month, you can provide life-changing assistance to a child who desperately needs your help. See reverse side for more details.
Run your own fundraising event for Windermere
Prestige Hino Putts $16,000 for Windermere Local Business Prestige Hino once again chose Windermere to be the charity of choice for their annual Golf Day, held at the Sandhurst Club on Friday 17th October. Over 130 keen golfers took to the course in perfect conditions as the sun shone brightly over the greens. A total of $16,000 was raised in support of Windermere to assist in the delivery of our life changing intervention programs and services. Dealer Principle Anthony Long, said he was proud to continue supporting
Windermere and raising the much needed funds. “For the last 6 years we have supported Windermere through our golf day, which includes a lot of our local suppliers. It is important that we come together as a community to embrace the work of Windermere, and contribute something to those doing it tough�.
Why not organise a fundraising event in your neighbourhood or workplace and bring together a group of like minded supporters to raise funds for Windermere. These events can take any shape you like, from selling homebaked goodies at work to trivia nights or golf days. Have fun whilst raising money to support your community.
We thank Prestige Hino for their commitment and great support as a friend of Windermere and the community.
Windermere can offer you support, so contact us for a further discussion. For more information please contact the Community Partnerships and Marketing team on (03) 9705 3200 or events@windermere.org.au
We would like to acknowledge the following supporters
the
Cardinia
Foundation
Connect with us.
/WindermereChildandFamilyServices
Your donation, no matter how large or small, can make a big difference to local children and families in serious need.
I wish to donate : $20
$50
Details for receipt:
$100
Other
$
Mr
Yes, I wish to make this an ongoing monthly gift.
Mrs
Ms
Miss
Dr
First Name:
Please accept my gift via:
Surname:
Cheque/money order payable to Windermere Child and Family Services, OR Debit my:
Mastercard
Visa
Address: Postcode:
No: Expiry: Name on Card: Signature:
Phone: Email: Please tick here if you do NOT want to receive further communications from Windermere.