First Step Program Bus Tour

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Registrations are now open for the First Step Program Bus Tour, Thursday 20th June from 10.00am till 2.00pm.

First Step Program intend to continually improve the way they relate to other services and increase staff knowledge around the issues of Drugs and Alcohol, trusting that this opportunity will address gaps in networking and referrals between services. The bus tour gives participants an on the ground view of the current situation around drug use and Blood Borne Infection(BBI) transmissions. It provides an opportunity to dispel myths and “get the real story” on such a hidden, sensitive, and not often talked about area.

Itinerary:

09.45am       Meeting at First Step Program, Port Kembla Hospital, Fairfax Road, Warrawong.

10.00am          Depart for Hill 60, Port Kembla

10.45am          Warilla Community Health Centre

11.15am          The Wollongong Hospital Automatic Dispensing Machine 

11.45am          Rawson Street Centre, Wollongong site visit

12.15pm          Darcy House, Port Kembla site visit

12.45pm          Darcy House for lunch

Cost is $15.00 which goes to Darcy House for providing lunch. Click here to register or Google ‘Sticky Tickets June FSP Bus Tour ’. Places are limited and book out fast.

What other people are saying about the tour:

‘I wouldn’t change anything about the tour except make it longer!’ ‘The entire concept is great’  ‘An amazing way to challenge your personal views and opinions’ ‘When’s the next one?

First Step Program is a free and confidential blood borne virus prevention service In the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area. The service provides clean injecting equipment, free condoms as well as support and referrals in all matters of health and welfare including detox and rehabilitation.  First Step Program provide outreach services and education on HIV,

Hepatitis A, B and C and waste management of used syringes to individuals and groups.

A collaborative initiative between First Step Program HARP, & Healthy Cities Illawarra

Casual Youth Worker | Kiama Council

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Join our dedicated and enthusiastic team who are committed to creating a Municipality that has a healthy, vibrant, beautiful environment and harmonious connected and resilient community. We are focused on, not only achieving our organisational goals but assisting staff to realise their professional and personal goals.

The role:

You will be required to supervise SENTRAL drop-in services and assist in coordinating activities involving young people, primarily on a Saturday. In this role you will also assist in developing programs that support the social, emotional, recreational, educational and personal development needs of young people in the Kiama Local Government area.

We offer:

  • Casual employment
  • Hourly rate from $35.48 to $38.06 (depending on qualifications, skills and experience) plus applicable weekend penalty rates
  • plus 9.5% superannuation

For further information about this position, click here for a copy of the position description.

Contact: Melissa Andrews – SENTRAL Youth Services Coordinator on 0491 153 834

Closing Date: Monday 10 June at 11.30 pm

For more information on how to apply, view our Information for Applicants Guide.

Apply Here

New services for carers coming in 2019

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The Australian Government is rolling out a range of new early-intervention services and supports for carers in late 2019. These new services have been designed based on evidence that shows the best way to help carers is to help them early in their caring role, increase their skills and reduce the strain of caring.

These new services can help you get the support you need before reaching crisis point.

New services to give you support and skills

New services are currently being designed and tested with carers. From July 2019, you will be able to get:

  • Peer support to assist you to connect with and learn from other carers. This online community forum will help carers share their stories, knowledge and experience with others.
  • Self-guided coaching to support and teach you skills useful to your caring situation. The coaching modules will cover a range of topics and can be completed at your own pace online.
  • A new phone-based counselling service to provide short term emotional and psychological support.
  • Practical skills courses to improve your general skills and knowledge are being gradually rolled out. You can explore the first two modules, Dealing with stress, and Effective communication techniques now on http://www.carergateway.gov.au.

New local service delivery

From September 2019, carers will be able to access support and services through a new network of Carer Gateway service providers including:

  • Carer support planning – to help you identify what areas of support will best help you in your caring role and to develop a simple plan for ongoing support and service.
  • Tailored financial packages – to give carers practical assistance. The packages will be arranged by your service providers and might be a:
    • one-off practical support in the form equipment or item to assist in your caring role
    • range of ongoing practical supports, such as respite or transport, provided over a twelve-month period.
  • In-person counselling – for one-on-one support with a professional counsellor if you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
  • In-person peer support – where you can meet with people in similar caring situations and share your stories, knowledge and experience.
  • In-person coaching – where you can work one-on-one with a qualified coach to gain skills and resilience to help you as a carer. You can reflect on how you are going, how you would like things to be, and how you might take steps towards making things happen.
  • Emergency respite care – to make sure the person you care for will be looked after if an urgent or unplanned event stops you from being there.

What do I need to do now?

You do not need to do anything now.

When the new online services start from July 2019 we encourage you to access these services through the Carer Gateway website: www.carergateway.gov.au.

You can continue to access existing services, including counselling, information and advice, and emergency respite through your usual service providers until the new Carer Gateway service providers commence in late September 2019.

Current services are funded until 30 November 2019 so you will have time to move from your current service provider to your new Carer Gateway service provider.

These changes to carer services do not affect any state or territory carer services you may be receiving, young carer bursaries or other services delivered through My Aged Care or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Why are these services changing?

To improve support for carers, the government has undertaken research and engaged with stakeholders over 2 years to re-design services. This has resulted in the development of the Integrated Carer Support Service model.

Improvements includes the introduction of new early-intervention services and a new service delivery model that will provide carers with a support system that is easy to navigate and provides a consistent experience across the country.

More information

For more information about services for carers you can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit the website (www.carergateway.gov.au). Carer Gateway provides a range of information that can help carers in their role, from practical advice and resources, to help finding support services.

‘Intimacy & Illness’

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Registrations are now open for ‘Intimacy & Illness’ at the Nan Tien Institute on Thursday 6th June 2019 from 1.00-3.00pm.

At any age, when you are unwell, sex and intimacy can involve a complicated mix of feelings, emotions and practical considerations.

Many people with illness will feel grief and loss – and deep concern over what this means for their life. How they might continue to enjoy sex and intimacy is one of those concerns. Intimacy & Illness will get up close and personal with a panel of speakers who will be hosted by a facilitator.

The intention is for this to be a safe space, but nonetheless, one where the audience can ask questions and engage freely in a civil conversation on this subject area.

Click here to register.