The
Tuart Times
ISSUE 5: MAY 2013
The Tuart Place 2013 Survey
Tuart Place has moved ahead in leaps and bounds over the last year, and with so much happening it’s important to take time to reflect – to work out what we’re doing well, and to identify areas for improvement. The Tuart Place 2013 Survey will reach 1,019 care leavers and is intended to find out what you think are the most important features of the service and if you have any suggestions and/or requests. This survey builds on a 2011 survey conducted by FACT - Forgotten Australians Coming Together – which was sent to 961 West Australian care leavers, and received 245 responses. Thanks to all those who took part. Your feedback was essential in developing Tuart Place. Another great boost to our quest for continuous improvement is the evaluation project currently being conducted by researchers from the University of Western Australia. This evaluation includes information gathered during focus groups, in-depth interviews, and analysis of service
Tuart Place: located at the old Cleo’s Hotel at 24 High Street Fremantle
delivery statistics. We look forward to the final Evaluation Report in June this year. However, while the collection of data and statistics is vital for the sound operation of any service, the real strength of Tuart Place is in its people, and our most important ‘achievements’ are actually those of care leavers who make positive changes in their lives. Their feedback reminds us why activities like the support groups are so important, and tells us how much people value newsletters such as Ron’s Gazette, and the Tuart Times.
Royal Commission Update The announcement of a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse has led to a big increase in demand at Tuart Place. Tuart Place will apply for funding as a Royal Commission support service, and we were encouraged by Minister Macklin’s recent announcement that the Government “will provide financial resources to those organisations that individual survivors know and trust”. If you would like to keep informed of new developments via this newsletter, or if you would like assistance with any matters involving the Royal Commission, please note
Private sessions:
The Royal Commission announced on 6th May 2013 that private sessions will be held around Australia, stating that “as soon as we have enough people registered in a particular place we will make arrangements to travel there”. Register your interest now if you wish to speak to Commissioners in a private face-to-face session. this on the reply-paid survey form enclosed. Further information is available at www.childabuseroyalcommission. gov.au
Recent developments, such as the announcement of an Australian Royal Commission, are creating new areas in which people are now asking for assistance. So please let us know what you think are the most important services and activities offered by Tuart Place, and whether you have any ideas or requests. If you are a care leaver, the 2013 survey form and a reply paid envelope are enclosed with this newsletter. You can use the form just to request a particular service, or complete the full survey. Either way, please take a moment to fill it in, and pop it in the post box by 6th June. We would love to hear what you think! Thanks and best wishes,
Pip Dr Philippa White Director, Tuart Place.
In this Issue: Page 2: New Lifeskills group ‘Communicating with Confidence’ Page 3: *NEW* Visiting Dental Service At Tuart Place on 19th June Page 3: 1st Anniversary Morning Tea Help us celebrate on 12th June Page 10: Toodyay Agricultural Show Book your seat on the bus! Page 12: Northern Ireland Inquiry