You Connect 2021 -22 Annual Connect

ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22

VISION:

A life of purpose, belonging and hope.

MISSION:

To enhance the lives of people living with a vulnerability by enabling opportunties for safe, healthy and stable environments to live, learn and work.

VALUES

HUMAN

WHOLE-HEARTED

We bring our best Our enthusiasm is contagious We don’t give up

CONNECTED

We value unity in diversity We are grounded in community We connect for good

SUSTAINABLE

We are sustainable in effort Results and finances We are in it for the long haul

We believe in human potential We hear you and see you We are wired to serve

You Connect acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land and Country which we reside and work. We also acknowledge all traditional custodians of the land and waters throughout Australia and pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders past and present

CEO’S REPORT

This 2022 Annual Report helps to tell our story, highlight our work, and thank the countless people that are part of our journey. It also shows the strength of those who have continued to overcome numerous challenges and the hope and kindness that surrounds them.

Throughout the year, our vision –‘A life of purpose belonging and hope’ has continued to guide our actions.

We have endured yet another year gripped by COVID-19. We have witnessed our participants and communities impacted by floods and the continuous disruption of COVID-19 has been challenged financially, socially, and psychologically. The four-month lockdown did test our resilience, and the subsequent transition out of lockdown was difficult.

To support our participants, we ensured that our service was COVID safe, responsive, and compassionate. During the four-month lockdown we were agile in our business response. We focused on mental health as a response to the increased psychological stress caused by the pandemic lock downs which left vulnerable people isolated and confused. We rationalised our revenue streams and cost centres. We met the challenges with vigour and ended the year with positiveness for the year ahead.

Strategic focus

We proudly released the FY23-25 Strategic Plan during the year. It unveils the focus for the next three years including the initiatives that You Connect seeks to be an organisation of best practice in the delivery of services to people living with a disability and mental health diagnosis as well as become an employer of choice.

Brand and Reputation

As part of the three-year strategic plan, we launched our new brand. You Connect was chosen for two main reasons. First, it shows that the participant is at the centre of the service. It reflects self-determination, decision-making and individual right to freedom of expression. Second, it signals to the community that the organisation supports an expanded age group beyond youth.

CLAUDIA DEVLIN

Financial Strength

We continued to respond to challenges presented by COVID-19 during the financial year by reviewing our revenue streams and focusing on cost containment initiatives which has ensured You Connect is well positioned for the year ahead. A surplus was generated.

Revenue rationalisation

Due to the unforeseen financial consequences of the four-month lock down and slow resumption of service demand, You Connect had to rationalise its service offering to manage the operational risks. This ensured we focused on the areas that were in demand and were financially viable.

This strategy resulted in several programs not being renewed or ceased and new opportunities identified which would form the basis for diversification in the new year. Work for the Dole was updated to Workforce Australia at the end of the financial year and came with new funding and delivery requirements. Work for the Dole together with the Group Training Organisation ceased to be financially sustainable.

The contracts for ROAR Youth Disability Radio and Premier’s Youth Initiative (PYI) came to an end at the end of the financial year. Due to its success ROAR has continued into the new year delivered by Coast FM 963. The Central Coast delivery of education and employment mentorship in PYI was merged with Path 2

Change who covers Newcastle. Through rationalising our revenue streams, we were able to focus exclusively on providing NDIS services with a strong focus on supporting people living with a psychosocial disability. Over the year our fastest area of growth was in providing accommodation services.

Controlling Costs

Alongside rationalising services, You Connect focused on reviewing every area of the business to ensure our cost base was essential, sustainable and mission focussed. A major cost-containment activity took place that ensured the removal of non-essential costs. You Connect are better positioned for the future, through better management of costs at all levels of the organisation. Through revenue rationalisation and cost minimisation we were able to close the year positively and move into the future with optimism.

Board

I thank the Board and our Chairperson, Belinda Neal, for providing clear direction to You Connect and for fulfilling their responsibilities in corporate governance. Their individual experience, expertise and perspectives enrich the board’s collective thinking. You Connect is a better organisation, anchored in strong values and purpose because of them.

Finally, the entire You Connect family are determination of the participants that we the opportunity to support you and for choosing

Extensive work was done in the Finance and Risk Committee chaired by Tony Carr. Tony oversaw the review of the committee Terms of reference to ensure a robust risk management policy and framework was integrated into the corporate plan. I thank Tony for improving our risk stewardship.

Staff

I formally acknowledge, thank, and honour the staff for their outstanding work during another challenging year. Despite the significant disruptions to normal operations due to COVID-19, the staff continued to deliver supports ensuring we provided the very best care at all times. I thank them for the vital part they play in enabling opportunities for ‘safe, healthy, and stable environments for our participants to live, lean and work’.

Leadership team

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the leaders for their continued dedication to supporting our staff and the hundreds of participants who access our services each year. The leaders provide clear direction and prioritise the wellbeing of staff and participants. Thank you for your unwavering strength, thank you for the capability and character you show day-in and day-out. I would like to acknowledge and thank my fellow executives for their uncompromising commitment to You Connect. It is an honour to work alongside you each day.

Our Commitment

The Board and Management of You Connect are committed to all our stakeholders, to deliver the assurance of good governance, dedication to service, excellence, and a commitment to providing value-for-money in the delivery of our services.

I commend the annual report and look forward to the opportunities of the new year, supported by a wonderful team of exceptional people who give their all to support our participants.

are humbled by the resilience and we support. We thank you for giving us choosing us to share your journey with.

CHAIR REPORT

This financial year has continued to be challenging for Youth Connections, now You Connect. This has been due to the repercussions of Covid and the restrictions this has caused to the services we provide. The organisation has still worked hard to support vulnerable people in Newcastle and the Central Coast but has had to adapt and change how business is done to continue to fulfill our clients’ needs and aspirations.

We expanded the age group of our client base to provide services to those aged between 6 years and 40 years old. We have refocused our disability services to the greatest area of need being those people with a psychosocial disability. We have secured registration for the provision of respite services for children in out of home care and we delivered a number of outings and activities to provide this in an exciting and stimulating manner.

We have made the strategic decision to narrow the focus of our service delivery to enhance the quality of service we provide. Accordingly, we have wound up the delivery of the work for the dole programs and apprenticeship services.

We have continued to grow the number of homes occupied by our clients and to focus on the provision of support services to them. We are eagerly looking forward to the completion of accommodation at Glennie St, Gosford during the next financial year.

We have changed our trading name to You Connect as well as our branding to reflect this change in our business focus and the age range of our clients. I would like to particularly thank Samara Simmons who has done a great job in renewing our branding.

We are now well-established at our new premises at Glennie St, West Gosford. We also maintained our premises at Tuggerah but have terminated the lease at Lambton due to the unsuitability of the site for our clients. This has been replaced by more satisfactory premises in the Newcastle region at Warabrook.

“My continuing priority is to build the board with highly skilled and dedicated members to ensure that You Connect is guided by the highest level of skill and insight”

BELINDA NEAL

You Connect continues to rely on the dedication of its staff and we acknowledge that they form the backbone of our organisation. We also recognise the support of our clients and the assistance of the Federal Government.

I would like to thank our CEO Claudia Devlin whose hard work leads by example. Her continuing passion for the clients we support and the agility of her leadership of the organisation is appreciated. Claudia is surrounded by a great executive team including Paul Rockley who acts as the second in charge and Kelly Irvine who leads the finance group. I also wish to again particularly acknowledge Jackie Kemp who has provided so much support to the board over the year.

My objective for the year is to work with the CEO to build a sustainable and effectively operating organisation which provides a quality service to the clients we support. We will then continue to seek more opportunities to build our business and expand services needed in the community.

My continuing priority is to build the board with highly skilled and dedicated members to ensure that You Connect is guided by the highest level of skill and insight. I want to also acknowledge my fellow board members, Michael Blanchflower, Tim Davidson, Rob Lewis, and Tony Carr. Michael in particular has taken on the role of the Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee and has undertaken the role with enthusiasm and Tim who has played a crucial role in guiding the finance section.

I am honoured to be Chair of the You Connect Board and to be part of an organisation that supports our community and the people who rely on our support.

EDUCATION

The Premier’s Youth Initiative provides services to young people leaving statutory out-of-home care.

In the Hunter and Central Coast region, PYI is run by Samaritans in partnership with Path 2 Change, My Foundations Youth Housing and us.

The program provides young care leavers with access to:

1. A personal advisor 2. Education and employment mentoring 3. Transition support to build living skills 4. Support to find long-term accommodation

The program assists young care leavers to develop strong personal networks and skills to navigate multiple adult support service systems and increase their capacity to manage crises and change as they transition to independence.

Premier’s Youth Initiative

The program originally commencing as a pilot program. Its success has seen it transition to a fully funded program.

Due to You Connect no longer providing youth services in high school the decision was made to not renew another year of providing the Education and Employment Mentor role on the central coast. Path 2 Change took over the role thereby covering both the Hunter and Central Coast region.

We thank Samaritans for the opportunity to be part of this significant and important program. We thank our partners Path 2 Change and My Foundations Youth Housing for the collaboration and success we have seen in the delivery of this program.

‘Thank you for your love and support through the hardest years! I don’t know where I would be without your dark roads and tunnel, with your help and guidance end of the road. Thank you for believing in me when and a waste of air.’ K

hardest time of my life. And through these past 2 help and guidance. My life has been a series of guidance I know that there will always be a light at the when others thought I was a lost girl, a lost cause,

VOLUNTARTY OUT

OUT OF HOME CARE

In January 2022 You Connect received its Certificate of Registration to provide Voluntary out of home care (VOOHC) from the Office of the Children’s Guardian. This was an extensive process which took 14 months. We were very excited to launch this much needed service to our families.

VOOHC care is where the parent consents to a voluntary arrangement with a service for the temporary care of their child. The service will arrange for the child to be cared for by carers who are trained to care for children in residential facilities. Parents must sign a childcare agreement to authorise out-of-home care for their child and ensures parents of their rights and responsibilities.

VOOHC has provided You Connect families with the option for their children aged from 7 to 17 years of age to receive overnight support. Participants can stay with You Connect for a maximum period of 6 months.

All our staff are trained in

You Connect involves the child, young person and their families in all decisions surrounding their care. It is integral to the service that the young person in care maintains a relationship with their family throughout the placement. You Connect works in collaboration with other organisations involved in the care of the child/young person.

VOOHC had its name changed to Specialised Substitute Residential Care on 1 September 2022.

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION

T/A Youth Connections

JANET

EMPLOYMENT

You Connect began delivering the Work for the Dole (WFD) program in the year of 2015. WFD (now funded as Workforce Australia) is designed to help job seekers gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to move from welfare to work as soon as possible. It provides a valuable opportunity for job seekers to demonstrate their capabilities and positive work behaviours which will stand them in good stead with potential employers while at the same time making a positive contribution to the local community. Since 2015 You Connect has provided

11. St Ives Wildflower maintenance project 12. Kahibah Sports Club mural project 13. Kahibah soccer club renovation project 14. Cooranbong equestrian renovation project 15. Wyong bush regeneration project 16. Pioneer bush regeneration project 17. Pioneer community garden project 18. Toronto stitched up project 19. Toronto community garden project 20. Toronto sports oval project 21. Toronto craft project 22. Sandgate Services Graves project 23. Business Planning Project 24. Edgeworth Scouts renovation project 25. Build and connect computer project 26. Mending Lives sewing project 27. Newcastle jockey club facility upgrade project 28. Ethnic communities’ council amenities upgrade project 29. Cessnock community garden project 30. Barnsley sporting horse club renovation project

With the next evolution of the job seeker government support program in force, being Workforce Australia, You Connect would like to say thank you the Jobactives, local community organisations and the job seekers for making the outcomes possible. Your support was integral to the success it was.

restoration project

Tanilba habitat improvement project

Kotara Scouts renovation project

Waratah community garden project

DISABILITIES

GOSFORD CENTRE

Our team leader Jackie Kemp together with our Abilities Team Supervisor Alana Cole share some of the highlights for the year

In July we officially opened the doors to our new centre in Glennie Street Gosford

The first 4 months of the financial year we were in lock down. We offered individual supports in the home where it was permitted and required. Approximately 10% of our participants were able to access these supports.

By December we were able to enjoy the full school holiday program which was a wonderful success as participants enjoyed the social connection post the lockdown

Participants attended a fun filled day in Sydney attending the annual Comic Con

Many of our participants took part in the ROAR Youth Disability radio show throughout the year

Prepared for our first Short Term Accommodation post COVID-19 that occurred in April 2022. Two supported holidays were delivered, one to Canberra and another to Sydney. It was a much-needed break for many struggling with COVID-19 lockdown impacts.

Next year we are planning an expansion of services delivered in the centre and in community. We look forward to releasing these programs in the new year.

We thank and acknowledge the team for the heart and commitment to the work we do. We thank the participants and families who trust us to support you to reach your goals.

SUCCESS STORY

Hanna is a young 21-year-old girl that recently returned to You Connect twice a week with our staff where they help Hanna prepare meals Hanna enjoys the fortnightly social nights where she mingles with great improvement in Hanna, particularly after a difficult time with her contracting the virus. It is great to see her engaging particularly

Connect after several years. She has been enjoying supports for her family, exercise, engage in community social activities. her friends in a social setting. Her support workers have seen a with Covid where she became very isolated due to the high risk of particularly out socially, and taking part in a regular exercise program.

THE GOSFORD CREW AT COMICCON

This was a great adventure and such a successful day. It gave our participants the chance to plan and source their outfit as well as giving them the opportunity to socialise at such a large event.

LAMBTON CENTRE

Our team leader Jesseka Churchill together with our Team Leader Assistant of Lambton Tayla Paget share some of the highlights for the year

In November we officially opened the doors to our new centre in Lambton

Program highlights

1. DULLBOYS KARAOKE

Participants showed great bravery getting up in front of one another and performing a song of their choosing and singing to the rest of the group. Connor and Lumine performed and uncovered their amazing singing vocals. Everyone in the room danced along with them.

2. ART EXPLORATION

A collaborative mural, the participants worked together to create a mural in the art room.

3. SOCIAL NIGHT a growing success

Through this program we aim to increase social skills. One of the strategies we tried and has been highly successful is an activity which we call “highlights and lowlights”. It allows each participant to speak and demonstrate listening skills. The program allows participants to increase their social skills and further develop friendships in a fun filled environment on our over 18 Thursday social program

4. BAKING AND CAKE DECORATING

On a Friday participants engage in baking and cake decorating. This program teaches the steps of creating their very own cakes from scratch. The participants over time advance to brainstorming and researching inspiration for their cakes to create master pieces.

We thank and acknowledge the team for the hard work and commitment to the work we do. We thank the participants and families who trust us to support you to reach your goals.

THURSDAY SOCIAL

Thursday is social night with the Lambton Crew. Our support Workers and participants visit a range of restaurants and cafes and often try new foods. Then finish with a game of bowling, or pool or the movies. It has been so beautful to watch our partcipants grow their social skills and make new friends this year.

TUGGERAH CENTRE

Our team leaders for the year Stephanie Martin and Sarah Bloom together share some of the highlights for the year

1. Success with the Soil to Plate.

Growing with food program with SWAMP Central Coast.

The Soil to Plate program is a SWAMP initiative which aims to provide a space for groups and individuals of all skills and knowledge to connect and build community, gain an understanding of where our food comes from and the importance of growing your own food, sustainability and supporting local economy.

You Connect participants gardening with SWAMP weekly so went to Central Coast Council and got support to run the program that was about cultivating food and enjoying community culture. The result was that the participants were able to eat good food that they have grown themselves

2. Several new and innovative programs were developed and delivered during the year. They have given the participants the opportunity to develop new skills and likes. • Media and podcasting

Music and Movement in partnership with Laycock Street Dance Theatre • Soil to plate • Pet shop

“In July 2021, You Connect Tuggerah worked together with the Sustainable create a program called Soil to Plate. This program aimed to support food is produced and harvested, as well as connect them to the land, Since it’s inception, the program has proven to be hugely beneficial access, many of the activities relate back to employment related And the activities are also therapeutic to those with sensory issues

Sustainable Wetlands Agriculture Makers Project (SWAMP) to support participants to develop an understanding of how their land, sustainable growing practices, and their community. beneficial as it’s accessible, it provides a safe avenue for community related skills (e.g light construction, gardening and maintenance), issues as well as those that struggle with emotional regulation”

3. THE SKILLS CENTRE continued to provide the opportunities to learn basic carpentry skills as part of their maintenance and handy work.

We thank the team, the participants and their families who have created a wonderful sense of belonging and connection throughout the year.

ACCOMMODATION

The greatest growth You Connect has had during the year has been in the delivery of accommodation services.

During the year we have supported

• 13 participants live in Supported Independent Living (SIL)

• 16 participants engage in Short Term Accommodation

• 6 participants live in Medium Term Accommodation

During the year we operated 12 of our own residences for provision of accommodation services

Operating the houses during COVID-19 proved challenging with PPE in short supply due to distribution issues. It also meant operating such environments had to be significantly altered. We ensured the elimination of unnecessary physical contact between people. We suspended routine property inspections. We maintained a strict hygiene protocol.

We acknowledge and thank the team of direct and indirect staff that worked tirelessly to deliver safe supports during a challenging and demanding time. We especially thank the staff who during the four-month lockdown were required to leave their homes to support our participants in their home. They at times were exposed to COVID-19. Through it all they provided comfort to our participants who felt isolated and confused. Without them many of our participants would have felt great despair.

We are very pleased to advise that progress has been made on Lilly Pilly Grove our Gosford based 10 unit accommodation centre and will be OPENING FEBRUARY 2023!

This complex will be the first for You Connect. This centre is the opportunity for participants living with low to moderate needs to live independently, connect with others, and belong to a community all whilst having a 24 x 7 site manager to always ensure their safety. We look forward to it’s opening.

Banksia House - Glendale

Daisy House - Birmingham Gardens

Dahlia House - Narara

Ocean Spray House - The Entrance

Gerbera Cottage - Mayfield West

Butterscotch House - Cardiff Heights

Jacaranda Cottage - Mayfield West

Sunflower House - Charlestown

Forrest House - Jesmond

Eucalyptus

House - Maryville

Clivia House - Gorokan

Complex mental health is an increasing area of focus for You Connect.

For the year we have supported

• 9% of participants who have a primary diagnosis of debilitating mental health

• 17% of participants who have a secondary diagnosis of a mental health condition.

Through COVID and its associated lockdowns we witnessed the figures higher.

“Psychosocial disability is a term used to describe a disability that may arise from a mental health issue.” (NDIS)

Psychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it is about the functional impact and barriers which may be faced by someone living with a mental health condition. A psychosocial disability arises when someone with a mental health condition interacts with a social environment that presents barriers to their equality with others.

PSYCHOSOCIAL

“Psychosocial disability is a term used to describe arise from a mental health issue.” (NDIS)

describe

disability

DISABILITY / HEALTH DIAGNOSIS

a

that may

TRAUMA INFORMED ORGANISATION

Past experiences of trauma are common for people with psychosocial disability. The team supporting participants with a psychosocial disability are trauma informed.

As a trauma informed organisation, we follow the six guiding principals of trauma informed care.

OUR TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH

Trauma-informed care is about changing the way we perceive the people we serve: Trauma-informed care does not focus on people’s problems; instead we aim to meet people where they are at, understanding that something may have happened in their past.

A trauma-informed approach includes a person’s interaction with our staff, the delivery and type of services we offer, and the physical environment we deliver our services from. We follow the 6 guiding principles:

CULTURAL, HISTORICA GENDER ISSUES

COLLABORAT MUTUALITY

I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for You Connect. The support since having the management team go above and beyond the scope. place and space. Thank you for taking care of me the way my trauma-self - A You Connect Participant

support through my mental health has been so much more worth it scope. I am so so grateful to have a place that feels like a safe trauma-self needed to be. You are doing amazing. I’m so grateful

SCHOOL LEAVERS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

SCHOOL

SUPPORTS

The You Connect program which is funded through the NDIS titled School leavers employment supports is called STEP.

The You Connect STEP Program offers participants skills for employment and is a powerful steppingstone between school and the workforce. Each term the participants are immerses in a different industry. Participants can build industry specific skills which result in tangible, assessed outcomes each term. The program is strongly focused on attaining work experience and volunteering opportunities to prepare participants for work.

Due to the COVID-19 impacts, especially the four-month lockdown, has impacted the delivery of this program during the financial year. We were able to only deliver two full terms.

The industries covered were

1. Handyperson Skills – Term 1, 2022

2. Animal care and retail - Term 2, 2022

ANIMAL CARE AND RETAIL

In the Animal care and retail skills term, participants learnt the following skills

Grooming and exercising animals

Preparing food for animals

Maintaining enclosures for animals

Rescuing and rehabilitating animals

Use retail equipment including cash registers and EFTPOS machines

Merchandising displays

Receive and handle stock

Customer service

General store cleaning and maintenance

WHS

Participants were given the opportunity to utilise these skills with the following businesses

Clear Paws

Petbarn

Walkabout Wildlife Park

Each year we will continue to develop a greater number of industries so that we can offer a great selection for the participants to choose from.

We thank Bianca Hennessy and Belinda Fidler for their program development, management, and ability to delivery successful programs each term building enormous capacity in their participants skills. We congratulate the participants for their achieved outcomes.

Thomas completed high school in 2021 and commenced You Connect’s SLES program. He transitioned into the program successfully after coming from YC’s after school program.

Thomas was reserved to begin with but gained confidence after making friendships and working to his strengths. Through SLES program Thomas has gained skills to becoming work ready. It is his goal to have a job as a painter and later on a bus driver. The SLES program’s handyperson subject has supported Thomas to work towards his goal to be a painter.

He learnt how to budget, choose and buy paints, prep walls, cut in, rolling techniques, washing up and paint detailed work. This also involved working in a team to achieve the outcome. Thomas has engaged well to achieve his goals while building his capacity with his speech, skill development, and independence.

Thomas has been working outside of YC to get his L’s to get his licence to get a job and one day be a bus driver.

Thomas’s favourite part of YC is the SLES program and Social night program. Thomas says that he has been able to achieve his goals from the support of YC.

THOMAS

AMBROZIC-CINQUE

ROAR! YOUTH DISABILITY

DISABILITY RADIO

You Connect partnered with Coast FM 96.3 to deliver ‘ROAR! Youth Disability Radio’ a weekly one-hour radio show delivered by people with a disability. The program focused on supporting children and young people living with a disability to communicate to their community their views. The program was equally aimed at building enthusiasm and a greater understanding of the contributions that people with disability make in our community.

The education and community building proved highly successful. There was an increase in weekly listeners of the show as well as number of phone calls, social media comments and participants engaging.

Over the 48 aired shows there has been 94 segments by inspiring people living with a disability and community organisations addressing the current and emerging barriers such as COVID-19, natural disasters, inclusion, accessibility, and rights.

We send a big thanks to our partner Coast FM 96.3 as without them this program would not have been possible. We specifically thank Sarah Warry for producing a magnificent show and Angus Hamill for being an extraordinary host. We thank Damien Rockley for acting as the program coordinator and ensuring the compliance of the grant.

We thank all the people that shared their stores so genuinely and openly. Thank you to all the support staff, carers and parents that took time to participate.

Last, we thank the Department of Social Services for the opportunity to bring to life such an important platform to communicate crucial issues.

We are thrilled that Coast FM 96.3 has been able to secure its continuation into the future.

Thank you & Farewell

Myahs’ Testimonial

FAREWELL & THANK YOU

I had a wonderful experience on the show! I was asked by a support worked up the courage to talk about my favourite band Queen! so happy that I was invited to share my story! I would like to thank involved and YC and CoastFM that made the show possible for everyone!

I had a wonderful experience on the show! I was asked of ROAR and worked up the courage to talk about hearing it for myself and was so happy that I was invited workers for giving me the opportunity to be involved

Myahs’

asked by a support worker whether I wanted to be a part about my favourite band Queen! It sounded amazing after invited to share my story! I would like to thank my support and YC and CoastFM that made the show possible for

support worker whether I wanted to be a part of ROAR and It sounded amazing after hearing it for myself and was thank my support workers for giving me the opportunity to be everyone!

COORDINATION OF PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY

OF SUPPORTS / RECOVERY COACH

You Connects coordination of support service has grown this year in number of participants supported as well as impact. This year we introduced the services of psychosocial recovery coach. The key difference between them is their area of expertise. A psychosocial recovery coach has expert knowledge of mental health and/or lived experience with a psychological condition, making them a specialist of sorts in their field.

SUPPORT COORDINATION involves

• Helping participants to figure out which services they need,

• Connecting participants with these services,

• Monitoring the quality and effectiveness of these services,

• Tracking participants funding, and

• Helping participants prepare for plan reviews.

A PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY COACH

will do all of this, but with the addition of psychological recovery-focussed services. This means they will also work with the participant, their family, and their support network to set recovery goals, and develop strategies that keep participants moving towards these even in the face of complex mental health challenges.

“Bek

access the forms and papper work and goes Beks help with everything  i wood not know were greatfull Bek was there to help me.” T

TESTIMONIAL

“Support Coordination is an important part on an individual’s NDIS plan. Bek is amazing in providing support coordination. She is knowledgeable in the

NDIS processes and understands the needs of families with disabilities.

Bek is caring, friendly, very patient, easy to talk to and work with. Nothing is too much trouble for her. Bek has been outstanding in getting to know about Brady and his needs for him to progress to be the best he can be to be more independent in his daily life. She continually works through situations with NDIS for positive outcomes and has organised functional assessments which has enabled Brady to be connected with allied health professionals resulting in Brady’s expressive communication skills improving as too his confidence to establish relationships through

involvement and participation in groups and social settings. Brady has also been linked to a l ike-minded support worker who has increased his capacity to access the community and recreational activities to continue to shape and strengthen his goal to his increase independent living skills as well as encouraging to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. We are impressed with Bek’s work and are happy to have her as integral part of our team. Bek is truly a helpful professional who goes above and beyond with innovative suggestions and thinking outside the box to ensure her NDIS participant is getting a mix of supports to increase capacity to maintain relationships, manage service delivery tasks, gain skills to live more independently and be included in our community. She is passionate about helping people and has a personality suits the position.”

L

“Bek has been outstanding in getting to know about Brady and his needs for him to progress to be the best he can independent in his daily life” L

be to be more

OUR PEOPLE

OUR BOARD MEMBERS

BELINDA NEAL - CHAIR

Belinda has an many years’ experience in a range of Boards both commercial and not-for -profit. She has completed the company directors course with AICD. She has been a lawyer , a Member of Parliament, Senator, senior political adviser, and consultant. She specialises in public policy, campaigns, and strategic advice predominately in the disability and health for the NFP sector. She holds an LLB and a Master of International Law and has a particular interest in human rights. Belinda serves as the Chair of You-Connect Board.

TIM DAVIDSON - TREASURER

Tim Davidson, B,Bus, FCA, SSA, CTA has over 35 years experience in the profession, 30 of which have been as a Partner/Director.

Tim’s specialisations include audit, accounting and tax services to a wide variety of clients including the not-forprofit sector and small to medium enterprises. Tim is a registered Self Managed Superannuation Auditor.

MICHAEL BLANCHFLOWERDIRECTOR

Michael is an entrepreneur and professional company director with successful ventures in financial services, education and adventure tourism. Michael joined the board of You Connect in 2017 and brings a unique perspective and an extensive experience set. Michael continues to serve as Board Director and Chair of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee.

TONY CARR - DIRECTOR

Tony is a Non-Executive Director, Councilor, Treasurer, Committee Member & Chair with over twenty years of board level experience across the public, commercial & not for profit sectors with expertise in the local government, banking and financial services industries.

Tony is currently consulting to Bank of China, designing, developing and implementing a Sales and Marketing course.

Tony has a Master of Business in Applied Finance and has completed the AICD’s Company Directors Course.

ROB LEWIS - DIRECTOR

Rob commenced his career with 25 years of National Sales & Marketing roles within the Private Sector (Ford Motor Company Graduate Program, Drake International, Australian Bullion Company, Companion Pty Ltd, BMW Australia, Safe-n-Sound/Cooldrive Automotive Products, Canberra Building Society & AusIndustry Consulting.

He then had 14 years of Senior Executive roles with Not-For-Profit Organisations (The Australian Institute of Management, Mission Australia & The Australian Red Cross). Over the past 10 years within the RTO Sector, he has developed successful organisational development solutions and strategies for the Disabilities Services, Aged and Community Services Sectors as well as with many Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Land Councils and Medical Services across Australia.

OUR GOVERNANCE

The board of directors is responsible for directing You Connect’s activities towards achieving our vision and fulfilling our mission, while living our core values.

The 5 independent, non-executive members serve on a voluntary basis without remuneration. The Board is responsible for approving You Connects strategic direction, monitoring its implementation, and fulfilling stakeholders’ expectations. It is accountable for You Connects overall performance, compliance with relevant laws and codes of conduct and ethical standards and for the oversight of risk management. The board appoints committees to assist in the discharge of its obligations, and consider issues referred and delegated by the board to make recommendations.

The Board also appoints the Chief Executive Officer and delegated the operational management of You Connect to her with the powers, authorities, and delegations determined by the board.

The committees in operation are: FINANCE, AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE’ and the STRATEGIC SUB COMMITTEE

EXEC TEAM

CLAUDIA

DEVLIN

Chief Executive

Officer

Dip in Law, FCPA, MBA, BA

With a 32-year career in the commercial arena and 9 years in the Not-for-Profit sector, Claudia brings exceptional business acumen and leadership to You Connect. She holds formal qualifications in accounting, business administration and law. She is a Fellow CPA and has been accepted into the Doctor of Business Leadership course commencing next year.

Claudia has been responsible for the various organizational restructure and growth strategies for the past 9 years. She oversees operational responsibility whilst ensuring best practice corporate governance and regulatory requirements.

She is passionate about delivering social impact outcomes alongside improving business performance.

PAUL ROCKLEY Executive Manager – Corporate Services

Paul’s qualifications include a Diploma in business Management and Certificate III in Workplace Health and Safety. Paul’s career began as a welder and he successfully operated his own fabrication business throughout Newcastle and Hunter regions for over 15 years.

Paul’s previous roles include the State Operations manager for BlueScope Steel before he began his journey with You Connect in 2014 as a Supervisor in the Skills Centre. Since that time Paul has run Work for the Dole and the Group Training Organization.

KELLY IRVINE

Executive Manager - Finance BEc

Kelly has 20+ years’ experience as a finance manager in corporate sector including 3 years in the Not for Profit. Kelly oversees the financial and management accounting function. She plays a key instrumental role in business development and regulatory requirements. Kelly works with YC managers to create solutions that result in business efficiencies.

MICHAELE BRADLEY

DONNA HIGGINS

CHURCHILL

TEAM LEADERS

JACKIE KEMP Gosford

STEPHANIE MARTIN Tuggerah

HOUSE LEADERS

SHAE ROCKLEY LAUREL-LEA BEATTIE

GAYLE INSULL

OUR STAFF

Northlakes High School

Northlakes Primary School

NSW Girl Guides NSW Scouts

OSR Group

Path 2 Change

Salvation Army employment plus Samaritans

St Peters

Sunny Steps Psychology & Supervision

Tafe NSW

Tanilba Habitat

Terrigal High School

The Entrance High School

Trilogy Disability

Troy McWha bricklaying

Toronto Girl guides

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Tumbi Umbi

Waratah multicultural

Woy Woy School

Wyong High School

Wyong Primary School

Umina Secondary College

FINANCIALS