MerriNews Vol 12, June 2016

MerriNews

Volume 12. June 2016

Inside this issue:

1.

NDIS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

2.

GREEN LIGHT FOR MARKET

3.

CARERS: FREE HEALTH COACH

4.

UP IN SMOKE: SMOKING & HEALTH

In this issue:

3. S upport is only a click away

4. Green light for community market

5. Long Walk to reconciliation

8. Focus on respiratory health

8. Carers: free health coach

Merri Health @MerriHealth

Š All applicable copyrights reserved for Merri Health. No part of this publication may be replicated in any manner or medium, without the permission of Merri Health, except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).

Welcome This is our first MerriNews for 2016. This year has started at a fast pace with a lot of activity happening at Merri Health.

In February we saw the launch of our new brand and logo as Merri Health. This change was reflective of what our clients and the community routinely called us, so made good sense. We remain strongly committed to the community links, partnerships and work we do in supporting the health and wellbeing needs of the many communities we deliver services to across the northern region of Melbourne.

We have been undertaking significant work to prepare the transition of many of our services to new funding requirements associated with a large array of Government reforms that will come into effect this July; including the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, transition to the Commonwealth Home Support Program, and a range of other reforms that will impact our traditional funding streams. We are well placed to meet these significant changes so we can continue to deliver and grow our services for the communities we serve.

It was great to see that once again the terrific work of our many volunteers has been

2. | MerriNews June 2016

recognised, with our volunteers for The Community Grocer Fawkner project announced as finalists the Minister for Health Volunteers Award in the category of Improving Public Health. This initiative has seen us take an active role in supporting food security and access for communities in the Fawkner area by the establishment of a community grocer.

Merri Health has continued to grow with the recent successful tender to deliver Victims Assistance Services across the Hume region; an area spanning north east Victoria up to the Victorian border. We look forward to working with communities in this area to deliver locallybased services for victims of crime.

The ensuing months will continue to be extremely busy; however the entire team at Merri Health is focussed on continuing to strengthen and grow our services for the community.

Nigel Fidgeon Chief Executive Officer – Merri Health

NDIS made easy We’re here to make the NDIS easy for you. As of the 1 July 2016, Merri Health will provide many services, as the NDIS starts to roll out across Victoria.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, known as the NDIS, is a new national Government initiative for people living with a permanent and significant disability. Under the NDIS, we can help you with: MerriKids MerriKids is an early childhood intervention service. Our team support children with developmental delay and/or disabilities, as well as their families.

We work in partnership with you to develop ways of supporting the health and wellbeing of your child. Our team of professionals, including early childhood teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, provide many services that will meet the individual needs of your child and family.

Support coordination Merri provides support coordination. A skilled and experienced worker will help you identify, coordinate and meet your needs.

We’re here for you and we’ll listen to what you want. We will work in partnership with you to support you to access the services you want and need, to live a fulfilling and happy life. This could be staying connected with your community, navigating services, finding out about new services and ensuring your personal goals are met.

Would you like to know more?

This is only the start of what we can help you with and we’ll be providing many more services under the NDIS. Call 1300 637744 or email ndis@merrihealth.org.au.

Support is only a click away A national campaign to help isolated same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people is now live!

This Campaign is Queer launched on Monday, 16 May 2016 on the eve of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Devised by Moreland’s queer youth theatre YGLAM, the social media campaign is the first of its kind as young people take full control of channels, developing content and managing activity across seven social media accounts and website.

Project officer for Merri Health’s YGLAM queer youth theatre, Russ Pirie, said the young people were excited to be able to provide others with the support they have received.

“Our YGLAM group has provided support for queer young

people for 18 years, offering them a safe place to explore themselves creatively, however the reach of these artistic endeavours has had boundaries. This is the first time that we’ll be able to cross borders and be in the hands of people across Australia through their smart phone,” Russ said.

YGLAMMER Sarah said the campaign makes her feel like her experience matters.

“As a queer young person it makes me feel human and worthwhile to know that I may be helping someone else. My message to others is that you’re not alone – there is support out there for you,” Sarah said.

Follow @tciqueer on Facebook and Twitter and @thiscampaignisqueer on Instagram.

MerriNews June 2016 | 3.

Aged care is changing: what you need to know

Join us this August to find out about the changes to the Home and Community Care Program – Aged Care Services.

Learn about: •

What is My Aged Care

•

What services are available to you

•

How to access services

When: Monday 15 August 2016.

Light lunch available.

Time: 10 am – 2 pm Where: Coburg Concert Hall, 90 Bell Street Coburg RSVP: by 1 August 2016 This is your chance to ask questions.

Information stalls will be available.

Respite and interpreters are also available. Please let us know if you need this support.

This session will not include information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

For information about the NDIS, see page 3.

To register, call us on (03) 9388 9933 or Moreland City Council on (03) 9240 2302.

The forum is a partnership between Moreland City Council, Merri Health and North West Aged Care Assessment Service.

4. | MerriNews June 2016

Green light for community market The Community Grocer Fawkner has been extended to August 2016 due to overwhelming community demand.

Addressing food security in Fawkner, the community market was due to wrap up in early 2016, following the pilot project period in late 2015.

The market attracts approximately 100 people each week, with lots of families staying around for a free vegetarian barbeque.

Newly appointed market manager at Merri Health, Ganesha Ganesha said it was an exciting time for the Fawkner community.

Produce sold is sourced from a wholesaler with any profits put back into the market.

Merri Health hopes to use this opportunity to grow the project beyond the market, as a community initiative that promotes social connections and provides local employment opportunities.

“We’re very excited to see the market develop. I started as a volunteer and have seen the number of people grow each week. It’s given Fawkner choice and access,” Ganesha said.

The demand has allowed Merri Health to employ Ganesha who is working closely with Merri Health’s health promotion project officer, Kathryn Kelly, to address food distribution and expansion opportunities.

For volunteering opportunities at the market, contact Kathryn Kelly at kathryn.kelly@merrihealth.org.au The project is a partnership between The Community Grocer and Merri Health and is supported by the Fawkner Leisure Centre.

“The produce is very fresh and the price of cucumbers is good.”

– Sharana, Fawkner local

Long Walk to reconciliation Former Australian rules footballer Michael Long inspires the establishment of Moreland’s first The Little Long Walk.

Merri Health and Fawkner primary school commemorated former Australian rules footballer Michael Long’s walk, with Moreland’s first The Little Long Walk.

On Thursday 19 May, students from St Mark’s primary school in Fawkner made the walk along the Merri Creek Trail to the Aboriginal Community Elders Service (ACES) in East Brunswick, to mark the first The Little Long Walk; highlighting reconciliation and hope.

The Little Long Walk was supported by The Long Walk Foundation, ACES, St. Mark’s Primary School and Merri Health.

Did you know? The Long Walk took place on 21 November 1994 where Michael Long embarked on a historic trek from his home in Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra, with the aim of getting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues back on government agenda.

Advocate and spokesperson for Indigenous rights Michael Long supported the reenactment of his 1994 Long Walk journey to Canberra, as students led the way.

“It’s wonderful to see younger generations learning about Aboriginal history and actively working together to keep the history of The Long Walk alive. I applaud the groups involved for coming together and putting The Little Long Walk on the map – I hope this is the start of something big for our younger generations,” Michael said.

Students had the opportunity to hear about Michael’s journey and experience via The Long Walk Foundaiton, as well as talk to Elders at ACES to gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture and heritage in Australia.

MerriNews June 2016 | 5.

Focus on respiratory health: How stopping smoking can have a positive effect on your body and hip pocket.

While we all know the dangers of smoking, what exactly does quitting do to your health and hip pocket? Let’s find out.

After one day of not smoking you’ve got an extra $21 in your pocket. You could treat yourself to lunch or buy a couple of your favourite magazines. Nicotine is cleared from your body. Your heart rate slows to a normal rate and your blood pressure is more stable. Your finger tips are warmer.

After two days of not smoking you’ve saved $42. You’ve saved enough to go to the movies, footy or cricket. You notice that your skin, hair and breathe smell fresher and there is less carbon monoxide in your system, which means your lungs are more efficient.

After one week of not smoking you’ve got an extra $147 in your pocket. You’ve saved enough for a facial, a dinner out, a gig or to buy a few books. The small hair-like structures that clean your lungs,called cilia, are starting to work better. You have higher blood levels of protective antioxidants, like vitamin C and your sense of smell and taste may improve.

After one month of not smoking you’ve saved $640. You’ve saved enough for a weekend away, to cover your monthly petrol costs or treat yourself to some new clothes. Your lungs are working more efficiently. Exercising is easier and your immune system is starting to recover.

After three to six months of not smoking you’ve saved over $1,900. This is enough for a new computer or a plasma TV. After six months, you’ve got over $3,800 to spend. You could take your family for a holiday. You’re likely to cough and wheeze less, and cough up less phlegm. Your body is better at healing cuts and wounds.

After one year of not smoking you’ve saved almost $7,700. This is enough for an around-the-world plane ticket or a lump sum off your mortgage.

Within two to five years your risk of heart attack and stroke is significantly reduced. You’ve saved between $15,000 and $38,000.

After 10 years your risk of lung cancer is less than half that of a continuing smoker. You’ve also saved almost $77,000.

After 15 years your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke is nearly the same as a lifetime non-smoker. You’ve also saved $115,000.

Are you ready to stop smoking? Even if you’re not sure, we have trained professionals that are here to help. Find out about our Stop Smoking sessions on page 8.

Carers: what do you think?

Would you like to help us with feedback?

Are you interested in helping to shape how we do things for carers?

of how to best engage with carers, to get important input and feedback about our services.

Our CarerLinks North team is committed to engaging carers in the planning, design and evaluation of services as this helps to ensure that the services we are delivering are appropriate, accessible and relevant to your needs.

The project is moving into its consultation phase so if you are a carer living in the Northern Metropolitan region, we want to hear from you. Get in touch with our team on (03) 9495 2500 or email carerlinksnorth@merrihealth.org.au to register your interest in being consulted.

The team is currently running a project that is looking to understand and develop a plan

Aged carers: events Our calendar of events for aged carers for July – December, 2016 is now available. If you would like to attend of have questions, call us on (03) 9495 2500 or email agedcarersupport@merrihealth.org. au.

Effective communication Thursday 7 July For carers and family of a person with dementia.

Home care package advocacy Wednesday 27 July Presented by Elder Rights Advocacy.

As of the 1 July, 2016, all carers are eligible for free health and wellbeing coaching with a trained professional. Call 1800 052 222 or carerlinksnorth@merrihealth.org.au

Are our efforts worth it?

Every year we send out hundreds of posters, texts and other marketing material, as we keep our carers in-theknow of support and events available. But is this useful?

While the CarerLinks North team run some really successful events with great turnouts, we were interested to know what our younger carers think about our efforts.

Are they picking up our flyers, do they read postcards or do they prefer social media? These were questions we set out to answer as we held our first young carers consultation earlier this year.

Held at the Oxygen Youth Space in Coburg the team put on a day of graffiti wall sharing, great company and activities to find out more about young carers, aged 13 – 19 years. We wanted to know what they thought of peer support, training and education and how we can better engage with them, to meet their needs.

What you told us: •

The most important thing for young carers is to have regular ‘time out’ from their caring roles and hang out with other people their age who have similar caring experiences.

•

Young carers want to do activities that help them build their confidence.

•

The best way to communicate with young people is via a mobile app.

•

Young carers want to give feedback about services via online surveys.

Younger onset dementia carer support group Tuesday 2 August Thursday 15 September Tuesday 25 October Thursday 8 December For carers of a person with younger onset dementia.

Understanding medications Wednesday 24 August For carers and family of a person with dementia.

Carers connect September, date TBC Peer support meet and greet.

Finding your voice September, date TBC A 6-week program for female carers that explores the emotional impact of their caring role.

Considering residential care Tuesday 4 October For carers and family of a person with dementia.

Carers week October, date and details TBC What is it like to have dementia?

Monday 14 November For carers of a person in the early stages of dementia.

Wellness workshop November, date TBC

Moving forward, the team will be using the information to better plan services and how we communicate with young carers. If you would like to have your say, call (03) 9495 2500 or carerlinksnorth@merrihealth.org.au.

MerriNews June 2016 | 7.

Up in smoke Stop Smoking sessions are now available at Merri Health in a bid to tackle smoking rates in the north.

Stop Smoking sessions are now available from two of Merri Health’s centres in Brunswick and Coburg. We provide oneon-one sessions with your unique needs in mind.

“Our approach is a little different – we know how hard it is to stop smoking and try to make it as easy as possible for the person. It doesn’t matter if we’ve seen you for the first time or the eighth time, every single time we see you, you move one step closer to quitting once and for all,” said Christine Buckley, smoking cessation facilitator at Merri Health.

Local Aboriginal man, Garry Charles knows first-hand the benefits of community support, as he referred to the service earlier this year.

“I want all my Aboriginal brothers and sisters who smoke to know that there is help and it works. Some of my cousins who have respiratory problems already know about it and are looking to get help. Talking to someone has been the best way to help me stop smoking – I’m getting there,” Garry said.

Stop Smoking sessions are run by a trained professional and appointments

are strictly confidential. You can self-refer or have your doctor send a referral. Call our team on (03) 9388 9933 for help.

“I want all my Aboriginal brothers and sisters to know that there is help and it works.”

– Garry Charles

Brunswick 11 Glenlyon Road Brunswick VIC 3056 Ph: (03) 9387 6711

Brunswick West PAG 382-386 Moreland Road Brunswick West VIC 3055 Ph: (03) 9386 3575

Fawkner 79 Jukes Road Fawkner VIC 3060 Ph: (03) 9357 2444

Thornbury 298 Victoria Road Thornbury VIC 3071 Ph: (03) 9484 5314

Chifley Drive, Preston Level 2, 110 Chifley Drive Preston VIC 3072 Ph: (03) 9495 2500

Coburg 93 Bell Street Coburg VIC 3058 Ph: (03) 9350 4000

Harding Street, Coburg 1st Floor, 368 Sydney Road Coburg VIC 3058 Ph: (03) 8319 7400

Glenroy 5D Cromwell Street Glenroy VIC 3046 Ph: (03) 9304 9200

Victoria Street, Coburg 21 Victoria Street Coburg VIC 3058 Ph: (03) 9355 9900

Interchange North West Shop 9E Anderson Street Pascoe Vale VIC 3044 Ph: (03) 9350 4600

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is provided by Merri Health and is for general information purposes only. While information is current at the time of publication, subsequent changes to events may occur. Merri Health ventures to provide current and accurate information and we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or availability, with respect to this publication. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore at your own risk. In no event will MCHS and its employees be responsible or liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or significant loss or damage, or any type loss or damage whatsoever, suffered by any person as the result of reliance on information contained in this publication.