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Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au COUNSELLING and practical advice, negotiation and advocacy on behalf of those struggling to make ends meet, and referrals to experts on drugs, alcohol and gambling, are just some of the services provided by Chelsea Community Support Services. “We are here to help those in need,” manager Ann Catanese said. The service’s 15 volunteers provide muchneeded help to clients of limited means, including pensioners, single parents, chronically ill – and even former prisoners – so they can get back on their feet and into a job. This month – tax time - ATO-trained volunteers will provide on-line help for low-income earners with tax issues. Clients just need to phone in and explain their situation. In other areas, volunteers will endeavour to ensure clients secure the right payment plans with utility providers, those needing food parcels have access to Pantry 5000 at Carrum, and that vouchers to Op Shops are provided to those desperate to make a fresh start. “There’s more demand for financial support in the wake of federal government cuts to social services,” Ms Catanese said. “Also, more people are coming to us for support after having been released from jail, and we give them food vouchers, letters to Op Shops so they can receive, for example, bedding, and we advise them on where they can get free lunches and breakfasts.” The support service runs a low-interest loan scheme and helps clients with the paperwork, and arranges free legal aid from Peninsula Legal Service. A volunteer is trained in dealing with Ice-affected clients and those who are drug or alcohol affected. “The program works towards harm minimisation – not total cure,” Ms Catanese said. President Joy Fletcher said the service was especially looking for more volunteers for its committee of management. “Those interested could be mums or dads at home with children, retirees, those wanting to give back to the community, or
SALE There for you: Joy Fletcher and Kathy Barnett at the Chelsea Community Support Services office. Picture: Gary Sissons
others interested in gaining new skills and experience,” she said. “We would like to provide them with the opportunity to become part of a leadership team which strives to help and improve services to the community. “If you feel you have the skills which could benefit this community service agency we would welcome your consideration in becoming a committee member.” Applicants should email admin@chelsea.org. au or call 97728923. Chelsea Community Support Services is at 1 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea. The service receives support from the City of Kingston, Department of Social Security emergency relief, Frankston Magistrates’ Court on an irregular basis and donations from local churches.
‘Business as usual’: RDNS CLIENT services formally provided by nurses at the former Royal District Nursing Service offices at Rosebud and Frankston are now being handled from Moorabbin. The service has given assurances that the change will not affect “service levels”. A revamp of RDNS operations across the state has also led to the loss of 45 full time nursing positions (‘Nursing service cuts staff’, The News 4/2/15). The RDNS says there were no forced redundancies at Rosebud or Frankston offices, although seven management staff “chose to take redundancies rather than work within the new structure”. Australian Nursing and Midwives Federation Victorian branch secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said
the union had “given our full support to RDNS members who have been affected by the major staffing changes, including redundancies”. “While we cannot give specific redundancy numbers for Rosebud and Frankston, overall the RDNS in Victoria has lost about 23 full time senior nurse positions and 22 full time equivalent Grade 4 registered nurse positions.” Ms Fitzpatrick said the RDNS expected the Grade 3 district nurse specialised role to take on a broader focus as a care manager. “This will see about 24 full time Grade 3 registered nurses moved to the lower positions.” The future of the Rosebud wound clinic which describes itself as “providing vital home nursing care for local communities since 1885” is still under negotiation with Peninsula Health.
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