ISSUE 3: NOVEMBER 2012
The
Tuart Times
New Ambassadors will raise public awareness Jenny Aldrick and Ron Love recently returned from a five day ‘Forgotten Australian Ambassador Project’ Training Course, held at Hindmarsh in Adelaide in October. Jenn and Ron joined ten other ‘Forgotten Australians’ from around the country for training in presenting information sessions to relevant service providers and other community sectors to raise awareness of the issues affecting people who experienced out-ofhome care during childhood. On their return to WA Jenn and Ron reported very positively on the training program, although they found it a very intense and emotional time, because the presentations draw on personal recollections and painful childhood memories. Ron writes: “What an experience to find there are people all around Australia doing what we do here at Tuart Place! But for me there was unfathomable sadness when the personal stories were shared, and the shocking experiences in institutions, orphanages, prisons and foster homes hit me like an emotional tsunami. However I was amazed, and felt great respect for the enormous efforts being voluntarily produced by these unsung heroes. They have a huge capacity for caring for others, and some of them have been dedicated to finding ways of supporting Forgotten Australians for years and
How are you travelling in the
Ambassador Training Program participants
have indeed forged significant headway in some areas. I plan to do my part to the best of my ability as part of a team effort for Forgotten Australians. Thank you all for sharing the caring and respectful part of your existence with me. It is much appreciated”. Planning is underway for Jenn and Ron to give their first presentations. Later this month they will talk to WA’s ’Young Consultants’ – younger care leavers receiving similar training from CREATE Foundation – the peak body for children in care and young people transitioning out of care.
AGE of TECHNOLOGY?
More and more often these days we are
expected to use the internet. Some services and products can only be accessed with an email address, and utility companies expect you to receive ‘paperless’ bills (and charge you extra if they are delivered the old fashioned way – on real paper, through the post!) So how are you travelling in this new ‘Digital Age’? Did you get lucky and have grandchildren to show you the way? Or are you ‘holding out’ and battling against the trend? Either way, Tuart Place can help. Our Wednesday afternoon Computer Class is open to anyone who wants to learn the basics or improve their computer skills. Sometimes people find they get all the help they need in just one visit, while others come along on a regular basis. Participants work at their own pace, and follow their own particular areas of interest.
The friendly volunteers and staff at our computer lab can also help you to: • Set up an email address • Apply for a low cost computer • Set up your existing computer • Use internet banking • Pay bills online, or • Become familiar with many other techno-tasks, such as using mobile phones or using ‘Skype’ for video phone calls to family members in distant locations. Open computer sessions are held at Tuart Place on Wednesday afternoons from 1.00pm. For individual help, or assistance with a complex issue, phone Sue at the front desk to arrange a personal appointment. For further information contact Sue on Freecall 1800-619-795 or email admin@tuartplace.org