Staff Matters – Issue 121

Staff matters September 22, 2017 - Issue 121 Week 11

A True Blue Celebration!

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In This Issue 1 A True Blue Celebration!

2 Staff Profile South West Carers Italian Fiesta A Market Success for Fairfield DES

3 Afford Respite Providing Relief

A family celebration marked the one year milestone for True Blue group home residents living independently in their purpose built, new Afford group homes.

Residents were cheering ‘Our first year!’, ‘True Blue is 1!’ and there were smiles all around.

Residents celebrated the occasion with individual cupcakes and delicious sweets that they baked themselves with the support of Lifestyle Assistants.

Afford Employment Upskills Daniel

4 Andrew Bryson – My Choice Matters

Selfie Of the Week Have a Laugh

Many residents also decided to say a few words. First up was Lawrence Camilleri who commented that “he would like to thank Afford for his home that he loves.”

Next was Stephen Caffery who said “he is happy to have such a beautiful place to live in with wonderful people.”

Everyone made a wish and in celebration sang “Happy Birthday to True Blue!”

It was a wonderful night with everyone feeling so grateful to call True Blue their home.

Afford is committed to helping more people enjoy independent living with support when and how they need it. We are proud of just how far so many of the residents have come. Over the past 12 months, Afford Group Homes in Penrith have truly become a welcoming and supportive community of friends who enjoy each other’s company and enjoy contributing to their local community.

Congratulations on your 1st Birthday True Blue! We wish you all many more years of happiness and community enjoyment.

Let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au

Reminder Don’t forget to send your/clients’ achievements, good news stories and photos to CELEBRATE@afford.com.au

Staff matters

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September 22, 2017 - Issue 121

Staff Profile

South West Carers Italian Fiesta Afford’s Carers Program is an important support service for carers. At Afford, we believe that support for our carers is an important part of creating whole-of-life and sustainable supports for clients.

Debbie Lagoutaris

Vocational Support Officer Prestons ADE Favourite Song: Jessies Girl - Rick Springfield Favourite Movie: The Notebook Favourite Hobbies: Love board games and cards.

Favourite Foods: Licorice & Sherbet If you could be an animal what would you be: Dog What is your dream holiday destination: Greek Islands If you had the power what would you change about the world: No sickness or suffering.

What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: My husband gave me 2 beautiful girls.

If you had to teach something what would you teach: I try to teach my girls to be good people.

Something no one knows about me: Remains a secret.

To remain true to this, we continue to support an engaging, welcoming and fun Carers Program where people can come together to share the triumphs and challenges with others who share similar experiences. The Carers Program offers networking opportunities and the chance to raise questions and make new connections with others.

Our South West Lifestyle Centres held another successful Carers luncheon recently, with 18 carers coming together to have a lovely lunch and catch up at a favourite restaurant, Enzo Cucina.

Everyone had the opportunity to discuss the NDIS and have many of their questions answered. Those who attended really value the information and advice provided and the chance to have a forum to discuss their questions. Next month, we will welcome NDIS-whizz Rosie to a South West luncheon, to meet with the carers and offer more insight into the future with the NDIS.

A Market Success for Fairfield DES Our dedicated Fairfield DES team set up a market stall at Fairfield City Markets last Saturday to promote Afford Employment. It was a great day spent out among the local community, speaking to lots of people, some who knew about the Afford brand and educating others who didn’t.

The team found the response to their market stall surprisingly large and rewarding, and made contact with both employers and potential clients they normally may not have. Their efforts have paid off, already receiving calls with job and opportunities coming throughout Monday afternoon and a job trial taking place Tuesday.

The group represented the Afford brand exceptionally and highlighted both the spirit of Afford and the Fairfield team with pride. The day was really worthwhile and they can't wait to do it again in November.

let your abilities soar

www.afford.com.au

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a Afford Allied Health Team a Social Success

September 22, 2017 - Issue 121

Afford Respite Providing Relief At Afford we value each and every one of our clients and also the amazing carers and family members who support them. Giving our carers a break is so important for their health and well being and Afford is pleased to be able to provide respite services at our Respite homes in St Marys and Eschol Park. Respite gives carers the opportunity to recharge or to focus on other commitments such as everyday commitments or holidays.

Our dedicated Respite staff have created a retreat for our clients, giving them a chance to meet new people and try new activities. Our clients have fantastic experiences during their stay, getting to pick their favourite movie or games to play, taking a bushwalk and enjoying outings to their favourite place. We look forward to providing exceptional respite services to clients across Sydney!

Afford Employment Upskills Daniel Finding the right job isn’t always easy. Everyone deserves a job that suits their interests, gives them opportunities to learn and a being part of a supportive environment that makes them feel happy.

Daniel came to Afford Employment looking for an opportunity to gain new skills and find employment. He has been very willing to take part in training to enhance his abilities and learn new skills.

Daniel has also completed work trials to gain experience in a number of roles.

With the support of Afford Employment Consultants, Daniel was connected with a suitable employer in search of new staff.

Daniel was supported to meet with the employer and he was offered a work trial. At his trial, with his new found confidence Daniel performed exceptionally and immediately after this trial, Daniel was offered a job.

Daniel has commenced employment and has been a shining star! His employer is impressed with his hard work, friendly nature and willingness to work hard. Daniel is also happy with his new employment and has set himself a savings goal.

We are so proud of all that Danial has achieved and privileged to be part of his work journey. Great work Daniel!

let your abilities soar

www.afford.com.au

Staff matters

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September 22, 2017 - Issue 121

Andrew Bryson – My Choice Matters Afford was recently contacted by a representative of the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, Brandon, about a new project they will be developing called the My Choice Matters - Film Project.

Truly showcasing the power of social media, Brandon followed the adventures of one of Afford’s amazing residents, Andrew, via our Facebook page. Brandon is a big fan of all that Andrew has achieved and he has asked Andrew whether he would like to be part of the My Choice Matters project - and he excitedly said yes!

The My Choice Matters – Film Project is about people with intellectual disability living in supported accommodation. Stories centre around the individual journeys of people taking control of their lives and making decisions about what they want to do and who they want to be.

In the coming weeks, Andrew will be treated like a star! He will meet with film crews to talk about his journey at his Afford Group Home and then take part in a professional video shoot.

Filming will showcase Andrew being interviewed and doing things he likes, or showing off some of his achievements and things he is most proud of, such as meeting Kylie Minogue, or his trip to Disneyland with Afford Getaways.

Once the shooting is complete, editing will be done and Andrew will get to have a look for a final say before is goes to air. The filming and editing will all happen very quickly, so we could expect to see Andrew on the small screen/online early next month!

We are so excited for Andrew and honoured to play a role in supporting Andrew to achieve his independent living dreams!

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In the Selfie Above: Belmore LC client, Asghar Ali, loves the Afford wings so much that he decided he wanted his own set.

Please send in your selfies

let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au

Have a laugh