Volume 25 Issue 5 June 2020
Congratulations Lorraine Blair, OAM Lorraine Blair, a longtime supporter of Headstart ABI Services was awarded the OAM on the Queens birthday (June 8th) 2020.
Lorraine has been involved with Headstart for many years and contributed greatly to the growth and development of our services as a carer and as Chairwoman of the Board. Lorraine also contributed many years to the Girl Guides and as a committee member and volunteer with Sailability Belmont. Congratulations Lorraine - all your contributions in the community have gone above and beyond and for so many years - its so wonderful that you have now received this recognition!
The Medal of the Order of Australia is awarded for service worthy of particular recognition.
Your stories
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Life in a time of
RONAVIRUS Surviving self-isolation Pg 5
The Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Services commenced in 1987 and is recognised as a premier provider of specialist services for people with an ABI in the Hunter and Central Coast region. Headstart provides individually tailored services across community access, in home support, life skills, social, leisure and recreational services, case co-ordination, family support and community information and education. 95 Turnbull Street, Hamilton NSW 2303 P 02 4965 4420 F 02 4965 4424 E info@headstart-abi.com.au W www.headstart-abi.com.au ABN 75057986026 I CFN 13046 Headstart ABI Services is a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Our Vision For people living with brain injury to have opportunities that strengthen and enrich their lives. Our Purpose To make a difference in the lives of people touched by brain injury by providing opportunities and inspiring hope. Key Staff Executive Director: Sue McHattie Manager Service and Supports: Kesley Skippen Finance & Admin Manager: Therese Paksi
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From the ED’s Desk G’day and I hope this edition finds you well! We have a lot planned for the second half of 2020 (wow, are we half way already? !) with campaigns ahead for Brain Injury Awareness Week (15-21 Aug) and National Stroke Week (31 Aug - 6 Sep), a brand new high profile ambassador and all new Headstart website launching very soon! Stay tuned for these. We’re also continuing with our 101 Stories campaign and some of you would already have been contacted about sharing your own journey. Thanks to those who have participated, your stories carry weight. In this issue you can read about how some of you have been coping with COVID-19 and dealing with life in semi-isolation (pages 5 - 9). We know that this hasn’t been easy and along with you we’re glad that restrictions are finally easing. Exercise is still important for a healthy body and mind, and while you may still be somewhat housebound we encourage you to make an effort to go out and get some exercise. One of our consumers, Mark goes for a walk each day for his fitness and mental health. He lives at Aberdare (which he refers to it as Aberdare heights : ) and he had a pat of this horse along his walk one Sunday. Luck you don’t need to social distance with horses! Stay safe and keep in touch, Sue
Nominate a CSW for outstanding achievement We continue to recognise the work of CSW’s who have gone above and beyond in any capacity to support our consumers in their day to day lives. We are stepping this up to 2 people each month. Each will receive a $50 gift voucher along with a letter of thanks for their contributions. Please help us thank and encourage our amazing support workers! To nominate a CSW contact your Co-worker or email: info@headstart.com.au
Remember: it’s still important to keep your 1.5m social distance, unless it’s a horse, right Mark? Read more about Mark’s story on pg 5.
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Pg 5
Isolation Stories
Pg 14
Healthy Brain Nutrition
Pg 16
Newcastle Geographic
Kat in the hat! Katherine is our new Human Resources Lead, with 17 years experience in HR previously in Manufacturing and Fast Moving Consumer Goods companies in the UK and Australia. Having relocated (again) from the UK in October and recently settled in the Lake Macquarie region, Kat is enjoying the return to an Australian way of life and is looking forward to the ongoing sporting rivalry between Australia and the UK.
Favourite food: Thai Favourite movie: Steel Magnolias Favourite band/music: Foo Fighters Favourite sport/team: The English/ British team playing whatever sport! Favourite cartoon character: Bart Simpson Favourite hobby: Road cycling and jigsaws Favourite place on earth: Oh that’s tough…would have to be Canterbury Cathedral (UK). If you could be any animal? I’d be a shark, so I can seek revenge on the Stingray that barbed me 6 days after arriving in Australia. If you could meet someone famous? Dave Grohl Craziest/silliest thing you’ve done: Backpacking on my own round SE Asia in my early twenties. Three words to describe you: English, a perfectionist and according to all my old school reports… conscientious. Describe your first month at Headstart Inspirational! The chance to make a real difference is very exciting.
Pg 20
Sex and the NDIS
Health & Safety Update
COVID-19
If you have any questions or concerns contact us at our office on 4965 4420
At Headstart we continue to follow best practice health and safety guidelines and staff have undergone training aligned with the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework. We continue to carefully monitor and adhere to advice from the government and relevant health authorities. If you’re concerned then call the Government Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 1800 020 080 (24/7)
FAQ’s What’s happening with Rec? Headstart rec activities will begin as soon as safe to do so. We will soon start again with safe activities and increase our social club activities over time. Stay tuned and please check your email and discuss with your Coworker. Currently our Community Education Team (CET) has new bookings in July and so things are slowly becoming more ‘normal’.
How do I make Zoom video calls? You can set up your own meetings but you will need to sign in to a free account (www.zoom. us), but ordinarily we will invite you to a meeting via an email link. All you need to do is click on the link, enter a password if/when required to, and choose to join the meeting with computer or phone audio / video. There are also other ways to make video calls (eg. Skype and Facebook video chats) though we primarily use Zoom. NewsLink June 2020 I Page 3
Temporary COVID-19 Rules ending from 1 July NDIS Minister, Stuart Robert announced in mid June that a number of the temporary measures introduced to support providers and participants through COVID-19 will be coming to an end from 1 July in what is being dubbed “the first stage of a postcoronavirus NDIS”. Changes from 1 July as follows: • Removal of 10% COVID-19 loading on certain core and capacity building supports • Return to standard short-term cancellation definition (ie. 2 clear business days) • Medium Term Accommodation returned to original policy of 90 days (down from 180). Continuing until further notice • Alternatives to face-to-face planning meetings • Plan extensions for up to 24 mths
• Flexible use of funds to purchase low cost assistive technology The media release makes no mention of the COVID-19 line items for SIL providers or Support Coordination line items in Core. Both of these were included in the recent 2020-21 Price Guide update so are presumably here to stay. Recovery of the advance payment providers received in the early days of the pandemic will also begin from 1 October in six equal monthly instalments.
Article source: teamdsc.com.au More info: www.ndis.gov.au
Core funding is now more flexible than ever! other core supports on transport. But unfortunately, people who receive all their transport funding as a periodic payment will still not be able to spend their other core funding on (general) transport - only on the other three core support categories.
Does this mean everyone who plans/agency manages their core budget can now claim for low cost assistive tech?
Yes. Where previously people had to have at least $1 in their Consumables budget to claim these line items, the option is now open I receive all my transport funding as for everyone with plan/agency a periodic payment. If I don’t spend managed core funds.
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rom 9 May, participants who plan or agency manage their core budgets can spend their core funding flexibly across all four core categories. But like all good news from the NDIA, it comes with some caveats. Here are some of the most common questions: My core budget is self managed. How does this affect me?
Unfortunately this announcement only applies to plan and agency managed funds for now. But the NDIA is planning to roll it out to self managers in June 2020. Can I now spend my core funds flexibly on public transport?
People who were not funded for transport can now spend their
all the funding on transport, can I spend it on other core supports?
A periodic payment is a fortnightly direct cash payment to the participant’s nominated bank account. This payment will not be affected by the change. The periodic payment is only meant to be used on transport supports. However, it is just cash in the bank so there is really no oversight over it. You cannot put the money back into your NDIS plan, but you could choose to use it to privately purchase NDIS supports. If spending core flexibly on transport is important to you, you might want to ask for this money to be managed in the same way as your other core supports (ie. not a periodic payment) at your next plan review.
What if I manage different parts of my core budget in different ways?
Your funding will still be flexible across the core categories, though the limits per funds management type will remain. For example, if you had a $3000 Consumables budget that you plan manage and a $10,000 Assistance with Daily Life budget that is agency managed, you can now spend these budgets interchangeably, claiming up to $3,000 of plan managed funds and up to $10,000 of agency managed funds. What if I don’t have a core budget?
This is just a change to how flexibly people can spend their existing core funding so it does not impact people without a core budget. Article courtesy teamdsc.com.au
New Local Area Coordination across the Hunter
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he NDIA has awarded $400 million to organisations across New South Wales to deliver Local Area Coordination services. On 23 April 2020, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, The Honourable Stuart Robert MP, announced $400 million in grants to deliver frontline Local Area Coordination Services for the NDIS in New South Wales. As a result of this announcement, there will be a change to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) as St Vincent de Paul Society NSW will no longer be providing LAC services in NSW. New LACs and relevant service areas for 1 July 2020: • Central Coast are: Social Futures • Hunter New England area: Uniting • South Eastern Sydney area: Latrobe Community Health Service
Starting now ready for 1 October 2020: • Sydney and South Western Sydney areas: Settlement Services International What this means for you Although this means you will be connected with a different LAC, this change will not have any impact on your NDIS plan, plan funding, or the services you receive. We will make this change to the new LAC partner as easy for you as possible. If you are due for an NDIS plan review or to have your initial NDIS plan approved, an LAC will contact you to discuss your options. We understand that any change can be difficult and assure you that the partners involved in this change will work together to support you. If you have any further questions please get in touch with your LAC directly using the details below. • Phone: 1800 794 934 (Mon to Fri – 9am to 4pm) • Email: LAC@vinnies.org.au
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Over April and May we called a number of consumers up to see how they have been coping. Chances are you will be able to identify with some of these stories as we spend a lot more time between our own four walls.
Mark E’s story
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Life in a time of
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ark E has a little extra time on his hands. “I made this checkerboard from an old table my neighbour gave him. I painted it himself, bought the chips and painted them too. That old coffee table’s come up real nice!” How is Mark been coping with coronavirus restrictions? “I’ve still got to get out every day for my medication, so that helps. They won’t let me keep my own medication so I have to go to Cessnock every afternoon. And then I’ve got 1:1 art therapy on Thursday at Hamilton South, so there will be a (social distance) space between us there as it’s just the two of us. I’ve got a new canvas and I’m not sure what I’ll do, probably a painting of an old farmhouse building. I couldn’t draw or paint before apparently, now I can! I go on big walks daily too. On Friday we do the big shop, cooking and washing. I get support workers seven days a week, morning and afternoon.” Mark is looking forward to COVID-19 restrictions easing up at some stage, and going out for a nice meal, hopefully soon! “My son-in-law is an executive chef at a winery. He said ‘I can sit you right away at your own table’, so I told him ‘then I expect better service!’ He’d better cook me up something nice when I do get up there, or I’ll tell my daughter and he’ll be in trouble!”
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Life in a time of
RONAVIRUS
Your stories
of self-isolation
Spending a lot of time at home can be challenging. Can you identify with any of these Headstart consumer stories? If you are struggling and feeling alone give us a call, or if you need urgent help please call Lifeline on 131114.
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regular at Headstart’s Women’s Group prior to COVID-19, Sharynn loves to be as social as possible and go out with good friends. Currently (April) Sharynn has one support worker visit three times a week and they sit on the veranda to chat.
Sharynn’s story
“I’m not leaving the house at the moment, it just gets a bit frustrating but I get over it. I’m not too bad, I’m sick of being indoors but there’s nothing I can do about it”.
“One good thing is I’m having a rest from everything even though I’m driving my mother a bit crazy and she’s driving me a crazy! I play games with my mum sometimes, in the cupboard we’ve got Triominos, Uno, Scrabble”.
“At the moment the physio comes here, because I can’t go there. I’m looking forward to going back outdoors again. I’m also looking forward to going to the Women’s group and Physio.”
“I normally like to play bingo and go to Women’s Group, but that’s all closed for now. So I watch TV, read books and play games on the iPad”.
“I
Mark F’s story
’m home all the time, don’t get to go out much. One afternoon a week I do still go out with Barbara, my support worker for a walk by the water or down the beach”. Barb says “We concentrate on the medical appointments, but we like to take the opportunity and go for a walk when we can”. “Because I can’t go out I’ve been doing mosaics at home. I do ‘em from bits of crockery and put them around the top of terracotta pots. They come up good!” Barb reflects that “Mark is very proud of his work and very dedicated to his craft and the end results reflect his talent. Mark is very creative and his interest in mosaics and colouring in of animals has kept him grounded”. NewsLink June 2020 I Page 6
As far as COVID-19 situation, Mark says “It’s a big think going on, but can’t really do much about it. It’s been a while now and it’ll be a while yet. The mosaics give me something to do. I used to do mosaic classes before, and I do ceramics as well. Painting up ceramic items”.” “The most difficult thing is just not being able to go out and have to stay in the house. Looking forward to things getting back to normal - going for more walks, and swimming at West Wallsend with one of my support workers”. Barb says that “When it was the Summer period, Mark and I were so enjoying going to the Newcastle Baths, the salt water was doing Mark’s feet some real good and improving them.”
“I
Scott’s story
used to go every Wednesday night to the local Hotel for the members draw, but that’s put on hold for obvious reasons. I am missing that, that’s probably the biggest thing for me. I’m also missing sailing with Sailability. I’ve been sailing for years, before my accident when I was in high school, so it’s been 20 or 25 years. Sailability asked me to volunteer to help and I’ve been doing that at both Toronto and Belmont twice a week. So when this is all over I’m really looking forward to the sailing again and going to the pub again.” Scott often stays up really late. “I watch movies at night, I like comedies and good action movies. Then when I get into bed I go online and check my emails. Nothing’s changed there”. Scott has his own vehicle, but says “I’m not really going out much. I still go shopping, but not as often. And also my vehicle is not really the cheapest to run. The last time I filled my car is was $94 to fill up and going in three days, it’s two a half tonnes worth of car!”
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nn has made no changes with her supports, and has CSW’s visit on several days a week. However Anne’s social and recreation activities have been impacted.
Ann’s story
“I won’t go out since coronavirus, my kids won’t let me go out. I’m doing a lot more sleeping now!”. Support workers helping me with housework: making beds, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom etc. Ann usually likes to go shopping for groceries herself, but currently her support workers are doing that for her. One of Ann’s CSW’s says “Ann likes to watch TV with me, especially MASH. I hated it when my mum put on MASH when I was a kid but I quite like it now as an adult! We also go for walks once
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Due to restrictions Scott hasn’t been able to do his regular exercise routines, like swimming, and even though he knows it’s important. “I hate that stuff, it’s really painful for me. For exercise I am doing some walking at home. A little bit of boxing too but not as much as I should.” Scott lives on his own and has 24/7 support. “I like seeing my two daughters, one of who lives in Wollongong so it’s a bit of a trip for her but she’s not allowed to with COVID. My eldest daughter bought her own house recently too, so I’m very proud, a beautiful house too.” Is Scott concerned about COVID-19? ”I am, but I’m not. I’m not really hanging out with anyone, except for support staff and they’re not hanging around dirty people. So I could be worse, I’m not doing too bad.” Scott’s message for everyone?
“I wish everyone to be safe and healthy”.
or twice a week down to Metford where we sometimes watch people exercising and walk back. Ann enjoys some time in nature too.” Ann has been part of the Conservatorium BrainWaves Choir (run by the University Newcastle for stroke survivors) for 2 years now, and that’s on hold for now due to COVID-19 restrictions. “I’m doing choir online, on Facebook with video. It’s not as good as being in the choir, but it’s OK”. Ann is looking forward to things going back to normal soon. “My mother is 100 in June, we’re going to have a party with all of the relatives coming down. The nursing home is closed to visitors right now though”.
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Life in a time of
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Brian’s story
have been stuck and home and haven’t been going out. Then a couple of weeks ago I had to have couple of skin cancers taken out of my neck and face. Once I got them out the doctor said if you have any problems with that don’t dare go to the surgery but to ring them and that I should stay home. So I didn’t have any choice, I had to stay in. With an open wound and stitches a hospital is the worst place I could go. The virus is on everybody’s mind I guess, but you just stay home and you can’t get into trouble that way. For my supports Shane comes on a Monday and Chris comes in a Friday from 10am to 1pm. It’s handy because anything I need the just go and get for me, like shopping. Shane and Chris are excellent, they’re top blokes to get along with and nothing’s too much trouble for them.”
I do get a bit bored, but when you look at the choices you’ve got you wouldn’t really argue but with it. It’s either stay home and get a bit bored or go out and catch that thing. And you don’t want the other. Lately I just potter around with a bit of timber outside, I’ve got a big work bench outside and I just make different things every now and then. I might even get some more timber on Friday, I go to the off-cut bin at the hardware stores and you get a lot of decent timber there.
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Your stories
of self-isolation
I’ve also got a small computer that gets books sent through from Vision Australia and they send five talking books at a time. They’re mainly true stories, the one I’m listening to now is Sally Field and her life story, and she’s actually the one telling it. She’s the actress from Forrest Gump. Also the story on Bart Cummings and the Melbourne Cup and a few of the top jocks. They’re very interesting really, especially with the person involved telling the story. One thing is there’s one lot of blokes who think that they can do whatever they like and that’s the footballers. I don’t see how they can start the league and stay one and a half metres away from each other. There’s a lot of people saying it, how are they going to play without coming into contact with one another. One of the league played said this last week gets - and I had to laugh at this- he said that our pay has been cut back too and he’s got to survive week to week. And this player gets $900,000 a season. I’d likes see how he’d survive on the pension. If it does start back up I won’t be watching. Normally I follow the Knights, Rabbitohs and Eels, but I just like to see a good game and depends on how they play on the day. I’ve got a son and a daughter who live within 5k’s and they drop in one or twice a week. But being isolated is just something we’ve got to put up with.”
“N
ormally I work full-time, 5 days a week at Aruma Facility Services in the laundry. I’m a machine operator, and have a range of different roles: either on the front or back of an ironer, sorting dirty linen, or on towelling.
Glen’s story
Because of close proximity to other people that’s been stopped. Also, the service that we provide is for major hotels and with nothing in tourism so there’s no work coming in. There’s nothing open so we can’t operate for them. I’ve put in for annual leave at this moment, when that runs out I believe there is something else that I can possibly tap into. I’ve also got long service leave because I’ve been there over 10 years. Now that’s dedication for you!
I’m fairly happy at this point in time as I normally don’t have much time for myself as I’m flat stick busy! The time out from work means I’ve been less busy with my time being less restricted. A bit more of a chance to quieten life down a little. I’m sitting around at home, sleeping, taking myself out on the occasional walk. I’ve got to stay somewhat physically active because I’m also type one diabetic, so if I sit around for too much without doing anything my levels go sky high. Normally my work is really physically active so I walk around the block sometimes, last week I walked all the way from New Lambton to Bar Beach and back.
I do worry that if the coronavirus got to an uncontrollable state that it would put too much demand on our health care system. It’s a little scary to imagine, and may never happen but I do think Australia is on top of it. Otherwise I’m just keeping doing the things I normally do. I play bass guitar, and normally when I’m working I only practise maybe one or two evenings a week. But now it’s more or less four or five times a week, and not just for a couple of hours I’ll have my bass guitar out for half a day. I still get out about once a fortnight with a support worker on a Friday night. Normally we would go to a pub somewhere and get dinner, but we’ve just been getting take out the last month or so. One of my other support workers helps with organisation, making sure that my dates and appointments all align. Another support worker is helping me with online dating, but that’s a bit on the back burner at the moment because there’s nobody actually meeting up at the moment. We literally started that just as COVID-19 began. I am really looking forward to things going back to normal. Not having people contact is killing me though! I’m a people person, I love chatting with other people which I normally get to do at work.”
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Contact us or buy yours at: www.entertainmentbook.com.au orderbooks/3963e4 NewsLink June 2020 I Page 9
Great Wall of China
Terracotta Arm y
Jeff’s travel bug With international travel restrictions in place, not many people are likely to be visiting China anytime soon. To give you a glimpse of what you’re missing, Jeff shares about his recent trip at the end of 2019.
eff has been connected with JHeadstart since the 80’s when he
met Sue after his car accident. Since then he has fulfilled many of his travel dreams. “I spent thirty one days in China with Wendy Wu Tours five months ago. When I went on the Great Wall I caught a bus to the top of it, and I walked about 100 yards and I thought ‘No, I’m not walking all that!’ so I caught the bus back. It was pretty tiring on my legs. So I’ve been there, done that now.” Other highlights for Jeff included the Forbidden City, the Birds Nest Stadium (Beijing National Olympic Stadium) and Terracotta Army (terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.) NewsLink June 2020 I Page 10
“Every day I kept a few notes in my diary. Because I told Alice, the Chinese tour leader, that I worked for the air force for twelve years she called me ‘the pilot’ or else ‘the astronaut’. “ “Whenever I am away overseas I don’t give my camera over to anyone, except in the tour group, because you can’t trust anyone. So I’m not in my photos. Unfortunately I also lost some photos as I dropped my camera on some rocks on the trip”. “In China they referred to the toilet as ‘The Happy Room’. I thought that was pretty funny.” “And with the tight security you couldn’t send messages to anyone overseas. You couldn’t do it.”
“By the end of the trip I was sick of eating Chinese food. When I was in Hong Kong there was a McDonalds and so I’d have my free breakfast in the hotel but then go and have Maccers later on in the day.” While Jeff enjoyed his China experience he gave us a run down of some of his other trips. “I’ve been to Canada, I’ve toured Eastern Europe, from Oslo in Norway to Berlin in Germany. I walked down the street where the Berlin Wall was. I toured from Paris to Stuttgart.” “I went on a 15 day tour of Spain and then I stayed another week in Madrid so that I could meet Ronaldo. The tour leader helped organise that. As an ex-soccer
player of 6 years (before my car accident), it was great to meet Ronaldo, I still refer to him as the best soccer player in the world. We had our photo taken at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid.” It’s remarkable that Jeff has been able to accomplish all of this, and a real credit to his character. “I was a pedestrian and I got collected at age 13. I was in a coma and on life-support machine for 6 days. Then in a coma for 3 months. Then I had to learn everything again. I couldn’t move. I had physio - occupational and speech - at Royal Newcastle.” “I went back to school. I wanted to go back to my school Jesmond, but I was in a wheelchair at the time and they said that I couldn’t NewsLink June 2020 I Page 11
do it. So I learned to walk again and the government provided a taxi for me to get to school and back every day. But learning wasn’t the same again. Before the accident I was in the top ten percent, but after I was in the lowest ten percent because my memory just wasn’t very good.” It’s been a long, slow journey of recovery for Jeff over many decades. A journey that has involved more than a couple of trips around the world, and back again. Stay tuned as Jeff still hopes to add more photos to his album in the years to come.
Cols column “I
grew up in Katoomba, but was living in Goulburn when I had my brain injury. It was caused by hypoxia (lack of oxygen) after a drug overdose. Everything changed for me. My whole life. I was working in building before my accident, as a carpenter and forklift driver. I had my tickets. Then I had no more friends after that, it was difficult. Walking is a challenge for me. Communication is difficult too. But I’m not in pain, which is good. Now Newcastle is my home. I like it here. Headstart was recommended to me which is a good thing. Support workers like Lewis help me with community activities and life skills like cooking. They help me cook things like sausages and vegetables. I get a few meals out of it. Without support workers it would be no good. I’d be stuck at home all the time, I can’t go out without them, or I fall over. I’m at risk of falls. I have broken bones from falling down before.
Col with CSW Lewis
Col in a nutshell
My goal for the future is to run the country!
What’s your favourite food? Prawns or lobster. Favourite Movie? Die Hard. All of them! Favourite band or music? Tupac. Favourite cartoon character? Barney Rubble.
VOTE COL FOR PM!
Favourite sporting team? Penrith Panthers. Favourite hobby? Music. I like Grinspoon.
OK, but my serious goal is to go travelling. I would like to go on a cruise to all of the Greek islands. I also would like to visit the South Pacific. In the community I like to socialise and go concerts like Grinspoon and the Motown Concert at Wests. My support workers go with me. I like going out for coffee too. Headstart help me communicate with my sons which is helpful. I like photography too, I used to come to the photography group.”
Favourite place on earth? Mars. If you could be an animal, what would you be? Eagle. If you could meet someone famous who would it be? Al Pacino. Craziest or silliest thing you’ve ever done? I died (and was brought back).
Col has been part of Headstart’s Community Education Team (CET) for a number of years and has a powerful message to communicate:
“Kids don’t take drugs or you’ll lose everything”. We wish Col all the best for his future plans.
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The Gut-Brain Connection: How it Works and The Role of Nutrition
Have you ever had a gut feeling or butterflies in your stomach? These sensations emanating from your belly suggest that your brain and gut are connected.
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hat’s more, recent studies show that your brain affects your gut health and your gut may even affect your brain health. The communication system between your gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis and there are foods that are particularly beneficial to your brains health.
How are the gut and brain connected? The gut-brain axis is a term for the communication network that connects your gut and brain. These two organs are connected both physically and biochemically in a number of different ways.
The vagus nerve and the nervous system Neurons are cells found in your brain and central nervous system that tell your body how to behave. There are approximately 100 billion neurons in the human brain. Interestingly, your gut contains 500 million neurons, which are connected to your brain through nerves in your nervous system. The vagus nerve is one of the biggest nerves connecting your gut and brain. It sends signals in both directions. For example, in animal studies, stress inhibits the signals sent through the vagus nerve and also causes gastrointestinal problems. Similarly, one study in humans found that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease had reduced vagal tone, indicating a reduced function of the vagus nerve. An interesting study in mice found that feeding them
a probiotic reduced the amount of stress hormone in their blood. However, when their vagus nerve was cut, the probiotic had no effect. This suggests that the vagus nerve is important in the gut-brain axis and its role in stress.
Neurotransmitters Your gut and brain are also connected through chemicals called neurotransmitters which are produced in the brain to control feelings and emotions. The neurotransmitter serotonin contributes to feelings of happiness and also helps control your body clock. Interestingly, many of these neurotransmitters are also produced by your gut cells and the trillions of microbes living there. A large proportion of serotonin is produced in the gut. Your gut microbes also produce a neurotransmitter called gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps control feelings of fear and anxiety. Studies in laboratory mice have shown that certain probiotics can increase the production of GABA and reduce anxiety and depression-like behavior.
Gut microbes make other chemicals that affect the brain The trillions of microbes that live in your gut also make other chemicals that affect how your brain works. Your gut microbes produce lots of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as butyrate, propionate and acetate. They make SCFA by digesting fiber. SCFA affect brain function in a number of ways, such as reducing appetite. One study found that consuming propionate can reduce food intake and reduce the activity in the brain related to reward from high-energy food.
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Another SCFA, butyrate, and the microbes that produce it are also important for forming the barrier between the brain and the blood, which is called the bloodbrain barrier. Gut microbes also metabolize bile acids and amino acids to produce other chemicals that affect the brain. Bile acids are chemicals made by the liver that are normally involved in absorbing dietary fats. However, they may also affect the brain. Two studies in mice found that stress and social disorders reduce the production of bile acids by gut bacteria and alter the genes involved in their production.
Gut microbes affect inflammation Your gut-brain axis is also connected through the immune system. Gut and gut microbes play an important role in your immune system and inflammation by controlling what is passed into the body and what is excreted. If your immune system is switched on for too long, it can lead to inflammation, which is associated with a number of brain disorders like depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an inflammatory toxin made by certain bacteria. It can cause inflammation if too much of it passes from the gut into the blood. This can happen when the gut barrier becomes leaky, which allows bacteria and LPS to cross over into the blood. Inflammation and high LPS in the blood have been associated with a number of brain disorders including severe depression, dementia and schizophrenia.
Summary
Your gut and brain are connected physically through millions of nerves, most importantly the vagus nerve. The gut and its microbes also control inflammation and make many different compounds that can affect brain health.
Probiotics, prebiotics and the gut-brain axis Gut bacteria affect brain health, so changing your gut bacteria may improve your brain health. Probiotics are live bacteria that impart health benefits if eaten. However, not all probiotics are the same. Probiotics that affect the brain are often referred to as “psychobiotics�. Some probiotics have been shown to improve symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. One small study of people with irritable bowel syndrome and mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression found that taking a probiotic called Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 for six weeks significantly improved symptoms. Prebiotics, which are typically fibers that are fermented by your gut bacteria, may also affect brain health.
One study found that taking a prebiotic called galactooligosaccharides for three weeks significantly reduced the amount of stress hormone in the body, called cortisol.
Summary
Probiotics that affect the brain are also called psychobiotics. Both probiotics and prebiotics have been shown to reduce levels of anxiety, stress and depression.
What coods help the gut-brain axis? A few groups of foods are specifically beneficial for the gut-brain axis. Here are some of the most important ones: Omega-3 fats: These fats are found in oily fish and also in high quantities in the human brain. Studies in humans and animals show that omega-3s can increase good bacteria in the gut and reduce risk of brain disorders. Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and cheese all contain healthy microbes such as lactic acid bacteria. Fermented foods have been shown to alter brain activity. High-fibre foods: Whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables all contain prebiotic fibers that are good for your gut bacteria. Prebiotics can reduce stress hormone in humans. Polyphenol-rich foods: Cocoa, green tea, olive oil and coffee all contain polyphenols, which are plant chemicals that are digested by your gut bacteria. Polyphenols increase healthy gut bacteria and may improve cognition. Tryptophan-rich foods: Tryptophan is an amino acid that is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Foods that are high in tryptophan include turkey, eggs and cheese.
Summary Foods such as oily fish, fermented foods and high- fiber foods may help increase the beneficial bacteria in your gut and improve brain health.
The bottom line The gut-brain axis refers to the physical and chemical connections between your gut and brain. Millions of nerves and neurons run between your gut and brain. Neurotransmitters and other chemicals produced in your gut also affect your brain. By altering the types of bacteria in your gut, it may be possible to improve your brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids, fermented foods, probiotics and other polyphenol-rich foods may improve your gut health, which may benefit the gut-brain axis.
Sources and original article: www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-brain-connection
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Newcastle P
rior to coronavirus disrupting our activities, Eddie Cross and our “Happy Snappers” have been out and about. With COVID-19 making it difficult to move around, we’re using this edition of NewsLink to take you on a trip they made this year to the beautiful Bogey Hole. Isn’t it amazing how everyone has a unique perspective on one place? Located within King Edward Park, the site is an Instagrammers dream, and a ‘must see’ attraction on the Newcastle Coastline. The Bogey Hole was hand-hewn out of a wave cut rock platform by convicts for Major James Morisset, in 1819 for his personal use. Whether this work represented the enlargement of a naturally occurring rock pool used by Aboriginal people is not known. As Morisset was the longest serving Commandant of Newcastle, the pool was originally referred to as the ‘Commandant’s Baths’. The name ‘Bogey Hole’ came into regular usage sometime after, and is said to come from the Dharawal word meaning ‘to bathe’. It is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in recognition of its importance in the course of NSW’s history. Potentially the place has national significance as the earliest known example in the whole of Australia of a purpose-built ocean swimming pool. With such talent (no doubt natural ability complimented by expert tuition), you’d think you were reading the latest National Geographic! Check out more on the following page for more photos and enjoy the experience of travelling in your armchair.
Photography by James
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Geographic
Photography by Deb
Photography by Al NewsLink June 2020 I Page 17
Signal Box. Photography by Jodie
The Interchange. Photography by Jason NewsLink June 2020 I Page 18
The Interchange. Photography by Sue
The Interchange. Photography by Deb NewsLink June 2020 I Page 19
Sex and the NDIS: the case that has everyone talking In May an attention-grabbing story broke through the non-stop coronavirus media coverage.
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he Agency lost its Federal Court appeal against an Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) decision that it was reasonable and necessary for a woman to receive NDIS funding for sex therapy. At the time of the AAT ruling last year, the case was greeted with a media storm unlike anything NDIS stories are accustomed to seeing. While the decision received a lot of support, there were also some media outlets outraged at the idea of taxpayer pennies being used to fund anything connected to S-E-X. NDIS Minister Stuart Robert memorably said the decision was “not in line with community expectations of what are reasonable and necessary supports.” The fact that the majority of the community has probably never heard the term “reasonable and necessary supports” did not seem to matter. So, it was hardly a great shock when the Agency announced they would be appealing this decision to the Federal Court.
It is worth taking a moment here to acknowledge the massive personal toll this case must have had on the participant behind this case (whose identity has thankfully been suppressed for privacy reasons)Talking about your sexual needs in front of a room full of lawyers and strangers? And then, just in case that wasn’t traumatic enough, doing it all over again for good measure? But by fighting this fight, she has set a precedent that other NDIS participants might be able to follow. Okay, without further ado, let’s talk about sex! Or rather, let’s talk about lawyers talking about sex…
Sex work or sex therapy? One of the Agency’s key objections to the AAT decision was that the Tribunal referred to the service the person was seeking as “sex therapy,” whereas the participant described it as “sex work.” The NDIA felt that it was not notified of this change of definition and NewsLink June 2020 I Page 20
consequently was not given the opportunity to respond accordingly. But the Federal Court disagreed. They argued that while different words might have been used, both parties were clear about the nature of the service that was being provided. The Court also agreed with the AAT that this was a highly specialised service, which differs from how sex work might look in the wider community.
In other words: semantics! This position by the Court surprised me because I have read enough cases to know how much courts of law love semantics. But I guess everyone has their limits. At one point, the Court even described the Agency’s position as “pedantic.” I lived for that moment.
What makes a sex therapist? The Agency also made the argument that the sex worker/ therapist relevant to this case could not be a sex therapist because they did not have the appropriate qualifications. We discussed this issue in an interview last year with Rog Butler from Curious Creatures, shortly after the AAT case was published. In Australia, you do not need any particular training or registration to describe yourself and work as a sex therapist, which can often make the task of forming a distinction between sex therapy and sex work more challenging. The legal team for the participant did point out that in this instance, the employee had done specific training on working with people with disability. The NDIA was quick to retort that this was just a one-day training course- which even had a break for lunch (I mean, there are bigger crimes, but okay!). However, the Federal Court was not overly impressed by this line of argument. Their position was that this training, in combination with the person’s ongoing experience with the participant made them more than qualified for the job.
Sex toys The Agency also contended that the AAT failed to consider sex toys as an alternative support. The Court agreed with the AAT that sex toys were not an appropriate alternative in these circumstances. The Tribunal had divided its decision into two documents: one publicly available and the other private. The reasons that sex toys were not a suitable option were discussed in the private document, which makes sense because frankly that ain’t anyone else’s business.
Politics v the law If you are reading the above and wondering what on earth this
taxpayer-funded Agency was doing pursuing this line of argument, or even this case, the answer might be found in politics, not the law. Indeed, in a particularly pointed critique, the Court even suggested that the NDIA was motivated by “political” or “moral” considerations. In 2017, the Agency released a statement to the media saying “The NDIA does not cover sexual services, sexual therapy or sex workers in a participant’s NDIS plan.” This media release was used as justification for refusing to fund sex work when the participant took the case to internal review. The thing is, particular supports can be excluded from NDIS funding. These are listed in S5 (1) of the NDIS Supports for Participants Rules (2013). They include anything that might cause harm, is not related to the person’s disability or is a day-to-day living expense. But these Rules have to be approved by the Commonwealth and all the states and territories. Do you know how difficult it is to get that to happen? Much harder than getting something past the Agency’s media team. The Federal Court also noted that the NDIA was reading the AAT’s judgement “with an eye attuned to the detection of error.” In other words, they were nitpicking. This case was not motivated by a true or significant different interpretation of reasonable and necessary. Instead, it born out of politics, morals, and a fear of negative headlines.
What’s next? Get out your popcorn, because something tells me this conversation is not yet over. The McGarrigle Federal Court case around transport funding demonstrated how legal decisions do not necessarily result in the policy change in anything resembling a timely manner. NewsLink June 2020 I Page 21
Undoubtedly, participants who are seeking NDIS funding for sex work or sex therapy are in a far better position than they were before this case went to hearing. But that does not mean that they will not have to fight for support. Which, like so many things in the NDIS, could lead to unequal outcomes. Especially between people able to take up an argument with the Agency, and those who cannot. It is also possible that Minister Robert will try to get all the states and territories behind a legislative banning of NDIS funding for sex therapy or sex work. You would like to think the government had bigger priorities right about now, but you never know. Those interested can find the full Federal Court decision here. It is a fascinating document. There are moments which are laugh out loud funny, paired with passages that actually manage to make sex boring. If you are interested in this topic, you might also like our series on sex and disability from last year. Article courtesy of Team DSC, May 2020. To access online article visit www.teamdsc.com.au By Sara Gingold, Content Specialist and the Editor of Disability Services Consulting (DSC) NDIS Resource Hub, is intended to keep you informed about what is going on. It is not legal advice, and should not be regarded as such.
New support services for carers with Carer Gateway Carer Gateway will provide practical advice and support for carers. Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life, reducing carer stress and improving wellbeing. That’s why Carer Gateway is focused on early intervention services to ensure carers get the support they need, before they reach crisis point. These services are free to access for anyone looking after a family member or friend who is living with a disability, a long term medical condition, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency or someone who is frail due to age.
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arer Gateway has been offering free phone- counselling and online self-guided coaching and skills courses through the Carer Gateway website since July 2019.
Fantastic new services are available from April 2020: 1. Carer support planning - helping you identify the areas affecting your quality of life and wellbeing, supporting you to be effective in your caring role 2. Peer support - providing you with an opportunity to meet other carers in similar situations to you, where you can share stories, experiences and knowledge
The introduction of Carer Gateway is the biggest carer support reform in Australia in more than a decade, with the Australian Government investing $550 million in support services for carers. Carers NSW has been chosen as the Carer Gateway Service Provider across Hunter New England, Central Coast and the North Coast of NSW, and will provide services in this region.
No matter where you are located, you can call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 and you will be directed to the Carer Gateway Service Provider in your region.
3. Counselling - giving you support through one-to-one sessions with a professional counsellor 4. Carer directed support packages - one off amounts or packages to be used for a range of practical supports including cleaning, respite, cooking and assistance with transport 5. Emergency respite care - providing care in case of something urgent or unplanned arising, ensuring that the person you care for is well looked after.
An Australian Government Initiative
For more information visit www.carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737
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George dazzles with diamonds!
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ver the past couple of months, George has been trying her hand at some diamond art. A bit like paint-by-numbers, a bit like crossstitch, George has very carefully placed hundreds of tiny diamondlike jewels onto a sheet, as you can see in the photo. George loves animals, and volunteers at RSPCA fundraising events, selling raffles tickets. Her love of animals can be seen in her choice of picture, a cat looking
down at its own reflection – a fullgrown tiger! Since her stroke, George has had weakness in her right side, so she has been very happy to have been introduced to a craft she can do with one hand – her left hand in fact! She has been supported by Jackie and they are now looking for a frame so it can go on the wall. George has gained confidence in doing this craft and she is already planning the next one.
Beware of romance scams Originally shared on Facebook in May we are repeating the need for vigilance around scams.
ating and Romance scams can rip more than D your heart apart, they can rip your finances apart too. All of us are at risk. Please be aware of these “love” scams. An article from the WA Government states:
• Scammers often approach people online claiming to be looking for love. • You meet someone online through a dating or social networking website. • Your admirer asks to communicate outside of the platform (thereby away from any safeguards that the platform may have). • You find yourself become increasingly emotionally involved with your admirer as you communicate with them over weeks, months and sometimes even years. • At some point your admirer asks you to provide financial assistance to help cover costs associated with illness, injury, a family crisis, or even to cover costs to travel and meet you. They will typically ask you to send the money via wire transfer. • They will form an emotional attachment with you then take advantage of this to repeatedly ask for money. • If you send them money, you will then receive further requests or pleas for money. If you do so, you risk being left broke and with a broken heart. If you have any concerns about this or scams in general please don’t be embarrassed - as many people do. Talk with someone before doing anything - talk with Headstart, your friends or family or go to the Police.
Bag one of these!
Headstart Board member Tracey knows a thing or two about quality bags, with a new Headstart jute tote bag in good company alongside her classic Harrods bag! These attractive and durable hessian bads are perfect for all your shopping needs. Size 35cm H x 40cm W x 20cm D, with double 17 inch handles. Contact us or pop into the office to buy one: $7 each, OR $6 each if you buy 2 or more.
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Our membership year starts from the 1st July. Your contributions to the newsletter are welcomed, and we will keep you up to date on all the issues, activities and the developments in our services.
Making a Complaint You have the right to complain under the Community Services (Complaints, review and monitoring) Act 1993. If you have a complaint there are steps to take. At each step, every effort will be made to resolve your complaint before going to the next step. At each step you have the right to have someone else Step 2: Talk with Co-worker/staff member present if you wish. This person is called an advocate Step 3: Talk with Director and may be your friend, family Step 4: Talk with Chairperson member, staff member, paid advocate or someone else. Step 5: Talk with Committee If you wish Headstart can help you locate an Step 6: Talk with an outside service independent advocate. Step 1. Talk with the person concerned
NewsLink is produced by many people involved at Headstart ABI Services. We welcome contributions from everyone: an article, letter. photograph, poetry, etc. We also welcome suggestions as to articles that we could write about for future issues. We appreciate feedback on things like the kind of stories, size of our typeface, layout and general appearance of our newsletter. HAVE YOUR SAY on these, or any other issues by writing to us at: Headstart ABI Services 95 Turnbull Street HAMILTON NSW 2303 or email: comms@headstart-abi.com.au
NewsLink is the Newsletter of Headstart ABI Services 95 Turnbull St HAMILTON NSW 2303
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