Community Connect Program

Topsy Mola

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the Wulgurukaba and Bindal people who are the traditional owners of this land we work and live on and pay my respect to our Elders past, present and emerging.

Well, what can I say? Another amazing year of providing realistic support, advice, advocacy and creating referral pathways to the appropriate services for our community. I must admit, it truly breaks my heart to see many of our families in the Upper Ross having multiple and complex worries, but what mends it is the opportunity that CCP provide to our families. It creates a safe space to yarn, chance to truly tell their story and work hand in hand towards achieving positive outcomes. Some families may take longer than others and will continue to seek our help but so many go on to achieving amazing and life changing outcomes.

The focus of case work with families has been to work collaboratively with clients to identify their priority needs and creating plans to address these needs. The families who received a service during this reporting period have been very grateful for the support and often mention how they would not have been where they are without our assistance.

Exciting news! The introduction of our own intensive Family Support Program with Community Gro has increased the organisations capacity to support families with children aged 0–8 years. CCP and Family Support Hub have been doing amazing work in this space to meet the needs of families in the Upper Ross area.

Shield of H.E.R.S. First Nations Women’s Group

This year 15 new women joined the group with eight women continuing from the previous year. One of the many highlights were 5 women securing full-time employment. Some of the amazing topics discussed in yarn time were:

• Resilience

• Trust

• Rebuilding relationship with our children

• Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!

• Straight Talk

• Compromise

Each topic is transferred into a creative poster to display in the room, as pictured above.

Case Study

Client called URCC seeking assistance with food. After further discussion it was identified that further assistance was needed.

• He mentioned he was tired of going to the doctors and wanted to give up. He advised he had been in a car accident. His injuries were severe which led to losing his job and having to relocate to Townsville for medical reasons. He also had to sell his car as he is unable to drive and relies heavily on public transport.

• He lives alone and has no family support or support from service providers.

• Medication kept in an esky due to not having a refrigerator.

• No washing machine – hand wash.

• Unable to maintain his home or make meals.

Action/Referrals

• Food assistance was provided by URCC.

• CCP purchased a Wheelie Walker and fridge and delivered to the client.

• Outsourced for a washing machine, this was also delivered to him.

• Referred to NDIS provider to assist with application for assistance with home help and other supports.

• Completed intake and application for community transport.

• Discussed options to join social groups –expand his networks.

• Organised meals on wheels and cleaner Outcome

Client was so grateful; we couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. He kept reminding me of how lucky he was to make the call to URCC, as he has never been assisted or supported like this and it felt nice to be cared for. He is attending his medical appointments on a regular basis; he now can have fresh fruit and vegies and keep his medication stored in the fridge.