Photo: Team's morning meeting via Zoom
The enduring team spirit at two of Flourish Australia’s Queensland sites, has quickly turned fear of the unknown into widespread enthusiasm for new possibilities.
Evan Fulton, Manager of the Peer Operated Service in Hervey Bay says:
I want to pay tribute to the team for the way they willingly run with whatever has to be done, moment by moment, no matter how awkward it feels at first. Their positivity has provided vital assurance in uncertainty and a smooth transition to a whole new way of working together.
As one of the few organisations in town offering one-to-one mental health support, with all of the planning and scheduling that entails, we anticipate growing demand from the wider community. While continuing to meet the on-going needs of people we support, a rise in NDIS enquiries means the team are working very hard to respond to and increase supports. At the same time, many possibilities have opened up for people who are geographically distanced since we’ve set up new ways of reaching them remotely, and more people are utilising our warm line than ever before.
Having to close the centre was hard on everyone because it’s such a positive social hub with a really warm and accepting energy. People grew through informal interactions and structured groups. The wider community appreciated knowing the drop-in option was there for them too.
With the onset of level one restrictions, we introduced pop-up activities at outdoor locations like the Hervey Bay foreshore which proved more popular than imagined.
We noticed a real cross section of peers becoming close-knit. They were so grateful that the team made this happen for them. We’ll re-visit pop-ups once restrictions ease.
Our whole approach shifted overnight from working based on the coming and going of people, day to day, to scheduling online sessions and individual appointments. Understanding that it can be daunting for first timers to enter a new environment, the Peer Workers convey such warmth and acceptance via Zoom or phone that newcomers still feel welcomed and safe to connect with us in new and unfamiliar ways.
Renowned for our culture of co-reflection, the team strive for regular check-ins to keep the team vibe alive. We hadn’t anticipated how well working from home plays to some individual strengths and will consider ways that elements of that flexibility might continue once we re-open, freeing up team members and office space to be used in other ways.
Toni Rielly, Manager of the Sunshine Coast NDIS Service says:
For our small team, moving activities online is a big job. Everyone put heart and soul into getting it done and stayed positive throughout the process.
We worked fast and hard to connect with each individual and modify their existing plan purposefully. They’re pleasantly surprised to find they can still follow through with the activities and supports they want, just in new ways.
Most were open to trying Zoom or Face Time as an alternative to connecting face-to-face. Where necessary we worked with people to build their skills and confidence using digital platforms to access their sessions or NDIS plan.
Accessing a debit card to shop online for groceries has been an exciting new experience for some. Others have added daily exercise to their goals for the first time. Going online has expanded social networks for people in regional areas, giving them a greater range of activities to choose from. Our trivia group is now accessed by people across Caboolture and Hervey Bay service areas and we expect its popularity to grow once word gets around.
For those who miss simply being able to drop in for a coffee with us, we still offer this via Zoom when they want to talk face-to-face. Because our team is also missing the opportunity to catch up spontaneously during the day, weekly check-ins ensure that no one feels they are doing it alone. Pictures from online groups are shared as encouragement.
Everyone is going above and beyond but we make time to pause, breathe and remind ourselves that we can only accomplish so much in a day.
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
