Photo: Some of the artworks by people accessing our services during our online art/ self-care group via zoom.
Overcoming new challenges with new ways of working
As the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges for the people we support our teams are rising to the challenge with great ideas and innovative ways of working together.
Ruby Golding – Manager of Westclub Penrith says;
Since regulations around social distancing caused our Activity Centre to close, our priority is to ensure that the support we provide for people is in no way compromised. Westclub is all about community connection and for some, coming here has been their only opportunity to socialise.
Some members have taken it very personally when we can’t continue their regular activities in the way they are used to. It’s been a process of educating them about what the regulations are and how we can best support them within those parameters. Everyone on the team has made big adjustments and they keep coming up with great ideas for new ways of working together to meet the practical needs of all members.
We’ve had to rethink the logistics of distributing food donations from Second Bite. Instead of providing meals onsite we home deliver hampers.
So that members can stay connected, we’ve taken all group activities online where they can join in by phone or Zoom. Across the board, sessions plans have been re-written. We drop learning packs to each person’s doorstep for programs like Literacy so they have the resources they need in front of them as they take part remotely.
Our walking group was particularly popular and exercise is essential for mental and physical wellbeing. For safety, we’ve modified this activity, from transporting members to nice locations for groups walks, to one-on-one walks, with social distancing, close to the persons home.
Members have come to us with ideas of their own, like producing a newsletter with our assistance. Some of the new things we are doing have had such great outcomes that we plan to continue with them once the Activity Centre re-opens; like connecting with people online which has opened unexpected doors. It’s been a game changer for working with young people who often express interest in group activities then don’t show up because social anxiety holds them back. It can take a long time to engage a young person but participation in our youth social group has grown since we switched it to Zoom. Seeing this has opened us up to a whole new approach to youth programs and branching into other online activities like fitness and cooking groups.
We’ve also expanded our outreach and people who have previously not been open to it are now seeking connection. For those without phone or internet access, we’ve introduced a letterbox drop system to leave a reminder when they have an appointment coming up or for collection of documentation if they are applying for NDIS. If someone wants support for something like a Centrelink appointment, we can arrange to be on the phone with them during the meeting.
We’re all in this together and with so many great ideas being brought to the table, we are feeling very positive.
Sarah Mitchell – Peer Worker at Westclub Penrith says;
Everything has changed for us in a matter of weeks. We hold regular team discussions around what is working and how we integrate this once the site re-opens; like new ways of connecting with people in the security of their own homes if they are unable to attend the centre.
Enquiries have increased from people we may not have previously had the opportunity to engage and we are building new connections with them via video chat.
We’re stretching all resources and have each received a self care pack and check lists which we’re encouraged to prioritise. Together we’ll get through this by looking out for one another and focusing on the good things coming out of it.
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
