Carer Connections Edition 9 - March 2019 I Afford

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 9

FIND SUPPORTS AND CONNECT WITH US AT UPCOMING EXPOS We know that organising new supports can be a time-consuming task, so we’re trying to make it easier to connect with you by attending a range of disability expos and events across the country.

We want to come to you! We attend these events to connect directly with families, carers and individuals to talk about available supports.

At these events, you’ll be sure to recognise Afford’s stand with its bright colours and welcoming staff.

Melbourne VIC - Source Kids Disability Expo Coming Up If you’re living in Melbourne then come and say hello to the Afford team at the upcoming Source Kids Disability Expo. As an industry leader Afford is a Blue Sponsor of the Expo which will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from 29th to 30th March 2019.

Come along and get loads of resources and advice about supporting your loved one and browse a range of products, services and technology suited to support children, youths and young adults up to the age of 25. For those new to the NDIS, it’s a great chance to consider all your formal and informal supports that can help your loved one achieve life happiness.

The event is FREE for you to attend so take the time to visit Afford at stand #143.

Find out more at sourcekids.com.au/expo/expo-melbourne-2019/ Liverpool NSW - South West Disability Expo The South West Disability Expo is a highly anticipated and free annual event each year which will be held on 6th April at the Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool. Afford is committed to supporting choice for people living with disability across the South West / Macarthur regions. As platinum sponsors of the South West Disability Expo, we’re pleased to support an event that offers visitors great choice all under one roof.

The event is free to attend and will feature over 120 exhibitors and a range of talks from guest speakers and industry leaders like Afford. The Expo will feature a range of products and services as well as the latest equipment and technologies available for individuals to consider. Visit Afford at booth P2 and be sure to pick up some goodies while you’re there. Find out more at southwestdisabilityexpo.com.au/.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 9

Carer PROFILE TRACEY OSBORNE Who are you caring for?

Matthew, my son How long have you been a part of the Afford Community?

15 months How has Afford helped you as a carer?

Afford has provided opportunities for carers on their Facebook page If you had a whole day all to yourself, what would you do?

Shopping and lunch What is one tip you can give others transitioning to the NDIS? Think and include all aspects of your loved ones life. With NDIS it is possible

Dealing with Stress The care you offer your loved one with disability goes above and beyond what can be provided by formal supports. At Afford, we understand that you know your loved one best, so to achieve the best outcome under the NDIS, we have to work together. That means caring for you too.

Stress is a part of everyday life and one which can be heightened when you’re caring for a loved one with a disability.

Caring for yourself is an important daily activity. Be mindful of ways you can support your own health and well being, such as: • Setting realistic goals of what you can achieve each day • Maintaining a healthy diet with minimal smoking and alcohol and plenty of exercise • Get enough sleep!

• Make time to keep up your social activities • Build a strong support network which includes family, friends and support services like Afford’s Carer’s Support Groups • Book your loved one in for respite so you can take time for yourself to do things you enjoy One of the core aims of the NDIS is to better support you in your caring role. Supports that maintain the health and well being for you, as a carer, are also considered during the development of your loved one’s individualised NDIS Plan.

Speak with Afford to connect with other carers at events or to book your loved one in for respite at one of our many modern and supportive Respite sites across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The Australian Government has also established new online modules for dealing with stress via the Carer’s Gateway. Access this module via https://bit.ly/2QfmBKY. We’re here to support you and share your journey to achieve positive support outcomes for your loved one under the NDIS. Contact us on 1300 233 673 or visit www.afford.com.au.

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 9 RELAXED AND ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCE FOR WEST SIDE STORY IN SYDNEY Opera Australia has announced that it will introduce a dedicated relaxed and accessible performance for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour West Side Story on Wednesday, 17 April 2019.

The event will incorporate various adaptations to ensure that people with disabilities, their friends and families are all able to enjoy the experience together in a welcoming environment.

The night will be set up as a ‘relaxed’ performance where guests will be able to come and go from their seats during the show and will have access to a designated quiet space if a break from the show is required. Support staff will be on hand for anyone wishing to use this area during the performance.

Venue lights will remain on at low levels, and some lighting and sound features of the show may be adjusted minimally, but there are no significant changes to the production. The performance will also be audio-described and captioned on handheld devices for guests with sight and hearing considerations.

For more information, visit www.opera.org.au/buytickets/access/relaxed-performances

Finding a Job that’s right for your loved one Moving into workforce isn’t always straight forward. Gaining extra skills in resume writing, interview processes, communication and budgeting, can all help your loved one be better prepared for employment.

Afford’s SLES (School Leaver Employment Support) Program provides opportunities for school leavers to attend industry visits to workplaces that engage their interests. With the support of SLES trainers, they also have the chance to attend open days for TAFE to learn more about courses available. SLES trainers are there to support your loved one achieve their work goals from preparing for the interview, work experience and through to job placement.

Afford Employment supports job-seekers find the job that suits their interests. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce after some time, or looking for that special role that suits your strengths, or opportunities in one of our Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) as a supported employee, Afford Employment has consultants in Fairfield, Blacktown, Liverpool and Bankstown that can help.

Afford Employment is coordinating five weeks of employment sessions for job seekers looking to find and keep a job. Sessions start on 28th March 2019. For more information contact Symone on 0481 917 431.

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 9

upcoming carers events and activities

UPCOMING CARER EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Keep up to date with info sessions, events and seminars at www.facebook.com/pg/Afford/events/ EVENT

DETAILS

CONTACT

VIC Caring Til The End Two Part Program

Workshop 1 Thursday 4th April 2019 Workshop 2 Thursday 11th April 2019 10:00AM – 1:00PM Free two part program which looks in detail at palliative care from the carer’s perspective and includes information and discussion

RSVP: Education Services on 1800 242 636 or email education@carersvictoria.org.au and quote event #6049

NSW NSW Early Days Moving Forward Workshop

QLD QLD Logan Carer Support Group

Date – Tuesday 2nd April 2019 RSVP: Better Start team on 9:30AM – 2:00PM 1800 242 636 or Free information session for all parents & guardians betterstart@carersnsw.org.au of children with disability aged up to 12 years old.

Your child does not require an NDIS plan for you to attend Date – Thursday 18th April 2019 10:00AM - 12:00PM Carer groups are a great opportunity to connect with others and get some time for yourself

Easter closure

CLOSURE DATES APPLICABLE TO DAY PROGRAMS AND ADE’S ONLY

RSVP: https://bit.ly/2Ocu9eh or call Carers Queensland Brisbane South on (07) 3723 5001

7 steps to happiness

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au