Welcome to our August Connect Local News

Welcome to our August newsletter! We hope you’ve been keeping warm this winter and have been able to get out and about and enjoy our wonderful community. As the weather warms up, we have a lot to share with you for the second half of this year!

In this edition we introduce you to our Connect Local Project Lead, Rajna, who’ll tell us all about herself, what led her to set up this program and why the evaluation is important.  We’ll also introduce you to our first Connect Local participant and recent Unofficial Volunteer Award winner John and Connect Local participant and amateur woodworker Swee Gaik, who reached out to us at different points in their lives and share their experiences.

Last week was Loneliness Awareness Week, our team were out and about in Ormond to spread awareness.  Looking to the rest of the year, October is Victoria Seniors Festival; we’re going to tell you a bit about what is going on at our local community houses and libraries in the lead up. We are also featuring the Kitty Rescue Squad, who are doing excellent work finding foster carers for cats.

Connect Local is now on facebook, so until next time, follow us to find out what the team is doing, and what’s going on in the community!
 

Warm regards,

The Connect Local Team

Rajna, Kerry, Ann, Taryn, Lynn, and Liz

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My Mum and Dad came from Croatia to Australia, so my 2 sisters and I could have a better life. They brought us up on a little hobby farm on Melbourne’s outskirts – we even had peacocks!

I initially trained as a podiatrist, trying to prevent people living with diabetes from having an amputation. But I struggled as there were many issues that stopped people getting the care they needed, and for them to do what helped them keep healthy. This made me go on to undertake research to try and make a real difference to the lives of Australians who may have a healthcare need.

Why did you set up this program?

The research I have been doing highlighted how important social connection is - it is the foundation for health and wellbeing. I also learned what is needed to get evidence into practice so that we can do what is needed in our communities.

The Head of Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Professor Judy Lowthian, saw a great program in the UK that built a whole of community approach to connecting communities, called Health Connections Mendip, and we thought that approach would work here. We reached out to other like-minded people, from Alfred Hospital, South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network and Australian Disease Management Association, who agreed this was a way that could really promote community wellbeing and formed Connecting Communities to Care collaboration, where The Ian Potter Foundation supported us to start Connect Local. We have had such great input from community members, Glen Eira council, the local community and neighbourhood houses, U3As and so many other groups.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about calling Connect Local?

If you are 65 years or older and think you would benefit from connecting more to others in your community, and doing things that interest you, please reach out to the Connect Local Team. They work with you to find out what matters to you, and know what is happening locally so can find something that will suit you. If you need a bit of help getting there, or want some support, they can help.

Why is evaluation important for Connect Local?

Connect Local is a new program, and we worked with community members and local care providers to try and make sure that what we are doing will work for locals. By having those going through the program be a part of the evaluation, we can prove whether what we are doing is working, and if there are any issues, we can pick them up and address them. If we can show it’s successful, we can then advocate for ongoing, long-term funding as well as to have this kind of program delivered in other areas around Australia.

What does the evaluation involve?

We are asking people to answer research survey questions around mood, health and health service use. All things that other research has shown can be impacted by a program like Connect Local. We need this done at the start, before engaging in the program – so we can see what things are like for you now. Then again at 3, 6 and 12 months. We will also be involving people outside of Glen Eira, who aren’t part of the program, so we can really see if Connect Local makes a difference.

We are thrilled to feature John, our very first Connect Local participant 18 months after he initially reached out to us. John's story is one of remarkable transformation and community connection.

How has your life changed since you contacted Connect Local 18 months ago?

"It’s changed quite dramatically. I was desperate when I contacted Connect Local.  Connect Local introduced me to Caulfield South Community House (CSCH), I started to come on a Thursday afternoon to play cards, and now I come to CSCH 4 to 5 times a week. I’m meeting people now and helping out there, my life has changed completely."

John admits he initially didn’t understand why people volunteered. “My wife used to volunteer with Red Cross in Carnegie. Now I completely understand why. I’m meeting so many people. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning. I get so much back. I just help out wherever they need anything. CSCH is so wonderful.”

Have you noticed any changes to your well-being in that time?

“I’m a lot happier and more positive in my thinking now – I just feel better,” John says.

After being his wife’s full-time Carer for ten years and losing her, John felt lost and spent his days sitting in front of the TV. “She was everything to me. CSCH has given me a new lease on life. I’ve even put on a bit of weight, but I’m physically good – I’m doing a lot of physical stuff and I join the walking groups too. I just want to be a participant in all the activities.”

Do you feel more connected to your local community now?

“Yes, very much so. I look around and see things I never noticed before. I feel a lot more community-minded. I want to help out in any way I can, whether that’s at CSCH or for my neighbours.”

What would you say to others thinking about contacting Connect Local?

“It’s wonderful! To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much when I contacted Connect Local. But they checked in with me to ensure I had everything I needed and followed up until I was settled. I’m so glad I made the call – it was a life-saving call for me.”

Congratulations John!

John's journey and his contributions have not gone unnoticed. He recently won the Unofficial Volunteer Award at CSCH. Manager Tracey shared her thoughts:

“Over the past couple of months, I’ve seen a significant change in John. He is much more jolly and smiley. His connection with the community house and the people is extraordinary. He regularly makes fruit cake to share, and he loves working with Keith and the SCOPE participants on a Monday – it is his favourite day of the week.

From the CSCH Volunteer Award Ceremony:

This year, we are awarding a non-volunteer recognition award, one that has never been offered before. We proudly present the ‘Unofficial Volunteer Award.’ This person is very new to our community house. Referred to us from Connect Local, this person has been showing up every day, sharing their time, expertise, and dry/witty sense of humour. Many contribute to our House in meaningful ways and we do recognise each and every one of you at certain periods of time, but our unofficial award is because this person didn’t particularly want to be a volunteer. He is, however, making a particularly significant impact, and not because of the list of jobs he does, but more importantly because he is establishing meaningful friendships with others in our community and making a huge positive impact on their lives as well as his own. Thank you John, for your contribution and your willingness to do more!”

John's story is a testament to the power of community connection and the transformative impact it can have on an individual’s life. His journey with Connect Local is inspiring, reminding us all of the importance of reaching out and being a part of our community.

Swee Gaik, a resident of Carnegie, was seeking to join a woodworking class in Glen Eira. She wanted to make something with her hands and had previously tried to build a planter box on her own. However, the project took her an entire weekend, and she had to ask her neighbour for assistance with cutting the wood. Taryn (Community Connector) introduced Swee Gaik to the Women's Shed, a part of the Bentmoor Men's Shed, which welcomes women to work in the shed on specific days.

Upon joining, Swee Gaik was given a tour of the facility by Ros and warmly welcomed by the approximately 10 women who attend weekly. The shed is supervised by Neil, a seasoned carpenter who coaches the women on their various projects. Swee Gaik aimed to create a specific style of planter for her daughter, who had sent her a picture of it. In her first week, Neil and Swee Gaik made the planter together. By the second week, Swee Gaik took more ownership of the project, making another identical planter with Neil's guidance.

How did you find out about the Connect Local program and what made you want to reach out?

I read about it in the local paper. I was trying to join a woodworking group but hadn’t been successful. I felt that Connect Local had more resources and knowledge.

What has your experience with Connect Local been like and what would you say to others about the program?

My experience has been great! They’ve been very helpful and found the right place for me.

I’d say give it a try. I did a bit of leg work and wasn’t successful initially, but decided to give Connect Local a try.

Taryn, the connector, accompanied me on the first day. While I didn’t need that level of support, I think it’s fantastic that such an option is available to help others who might be less confident in starting something new on their own.

The Connect Local Team were out and about  spreading the message about the benefits and importance of social connection for Loneliness Awareness Week (5th-9th August).

The Team set up at the Amcal Pharmacy in North Road Ormond on Thursday August 8^th to promote the program to locals - community members and business owners.

Thank you Geoff Kirschner and all the staff at Amcal Pharmacy Ormond for having us, and Jenny Kirschner and Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social-isolation (PALS)  for your support, as well as the wonderful people and businesses we met.

Some are featured below:

Deni Cameron at Melbourne Music Centre; Ash at Platform 1 café; Sardeep Singh at Fletchers Real Estate; Jo-ann Whitty of The Bread Roll Shop; Siddhevith Duggel at Ormond Fresh Produce; Imdad Patel and Ori Kot at Ormond IGA; and Kerrie Gannan at Home of Lights.

October is the Victoria Seniors Festival! The theme this year is Explore. Engage. Evolve.
Victorian Seniors Festival | Seniors online

October 1^st is International Day of the Older Person:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day

October 9^th is Ageism Awareness Day: https://www.everyagecounts.org.au/ageism_awareness_day_2024

October 6^th – 13^th receive free Public Transport
Eight days of free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders (seniorsonline.vic.gov.au)

Here's what is happening in Glen Eira...

Movement class

A small group session aimed to improve posture, reduce tension, and enhance overall well-being, guided by the Alexander Technique.

These 60 minute sessions will provide participants with practical skills to improve their daily movement and comfort.

Monday 7^th, 14^th and 21^st October, 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Floristry workshop

Come along for a fun and creative workshop. Working with seasonal flowers and foliage get guidance and inspiration to create a beautiful arrangement.

All materials and use of tools provided.

Take home your own beautiful arrangement or gift to a friend.

Monday 28^th October, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Godfrey Street Community House

9 Godfrey Street, Bentleigh, P. 03 9557 9037, E. admin@godfreystreet.org

During Seniors Week Moongala will be celebrating Seniors Festival with a free morning tea on Tuesday 15 October.  Everyone is welcome, please RSVP either by phone or email.  

On Wednesday 16 October,  join our Gentle Chair & Mat Yoga session for free, bookings required, as limited places.   T: 9570 3468 or e:admin@moongala.org.au

These carefully planned yet fun events promise to offer more than just individual enjoyment—they foster connection and camaraderie among all participants.

Sound Healing Session

Wednesday 28 August

10.30 – 11.30am

Cost: $20

Let’s settle our bodies with light stretching, breathing exercises and self-massage before you lie down with your eyes closed. Allow the sounds of singing bowls and the instruments to wash over you to carry you to a place of deep relaxation. We’ll  finish up with a cup of home brewed chai tea and a delicious Indian sweet. You are guaranteed to leave this retreat feeling empowered, relaxed and peaceful

Seniors Festival Program.

Join us for a delightful array of activities designed to bring our community together, including:

• Pizza Making - $10

• Floristry- $35

• Defib & CPR Training - FREE

• Starting Your My Aged Care Journey - FREE

• Painting & Punch - $10

• Sunflower Workshop & Devonshire Tea - $10
   

Bookings will open Monday 26 August 

Caulfield South Community House

450-452 Kooyong Road, Caulfield South, T: 9596 8643 E: admin@csch.org.au

Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre GEALC

169A McKinnon Road, McKinnon, T. 03 9578 8996, E. info@gealc.org.au

This Seniors Week, we are dedicated to empowering and educating our senior community. At Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House, we believe our senior members deserve the best care and support. That's why this year's Seniors Week is focused on raising awareness about their well-being and providing enriching experiences.

In collaboration with Bolton Clarke and Hearing Australia, we are delighted to offer you the following FREE events.

Falls prevention

Tuesday 8^th October 2024
Time: 11.30am to 12.30pm

A Be Healthy and Active event, join us and learn tips on how to prevent falls, information on risk factors and activities to increase strength, mobility and balance.

Following this event, please join us for a light lunch. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Understanding Dementia 

Thursday 10^th October 2024

Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Find out what dementia is, its causes and its signs and symptoms. Learn tips on how to reduce the risks and where to go for support.

Free Hearing Checks with Hearing Australia

Thursday 10^th October 2024

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Following the Understanding Dementia session, Hearing Australia will offer free 15-minute hearing checks for all members of PPNH community.

Hearing loss occurs when your ability to hear is reduced, making it more difficult for you to hear speech and all the other sounds in life you love. A hearing loss can be caused by many factors, but age and exposure to loud noise are the two most common causes. Take advantage of this service in a trusted environment, at Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

To book visit; https://www.phoenixparknh.org.au/news/seniors-week-events-oct-2024/

22 Rob Roy Road, Malvern East VIC 3145 T : 03 9530 4397  E:manager@phoenixparknh.org.au

Carnegie Library is running the following events for Seniors Festival. All events are free, bookings are essential. Book online or phone Glen Eira Libraries 9524 3700.

Introduction to ChatGPT.

The idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can seem frightening, but more often than not, it can be quite helpful. Think of it like a conversation with a computer, but instead of talking to a human, you are chatting with a special program that can scour the internet to generate answers.

Join Ready Tech Go for an introduction into the world of ChatGPT.  Learn the basics of this new technology, how it can be used in your daily life, and what things you should watch out for to stay safe.

When: Thursday 3 October, 10.30am-12pm

Where: Carnegie Library and Community Centre – Boyd Room

Inside the Museum Victoria Collection

Join Museums Victoria’s Senior Curator, Deborah Tout-Smith (pictured right) as she shares stories and photographs of the Glen Eira area from the Museum’s Collection.

Discover rare photographs of the urban landscape, shops and businesses, sport and recreation, and key events in local history. 

When: Thursday 3 October, 5.30pm-7pm

Where: Carnegie Library and Community Centre – Boyd Room

Falls Prevention

One in three people over the age of 65 fall at least once a year, and around half of these are in and around the home. In this session, you will learn how to reduce the risk of falls and stay active and independent for longer. 

All attendees will receive information to take home, including exercises to improve strength, mobility and balance. Presented by Bolton Clarke.

Suitable for adults. Free event and bookings essential.

When: Friday 25 October, 2pm-3pm

Where: Carnegie Library and Community Centre – Boyd Room

Book online or phone Glen Eira Libraries 9524 3700.

Carnegie Library, 7 Shepparson Ave, Carnegie  E: gelis@gleneira.vic.gov.au

We are pleased to feature "KITTY RESCUE SQUAD" an organisation doing great work in Glen Eira.

Kitty Rescue Squad is a not-for-profit organisation founded in October 2021 by a group of Latin American women that love animals and believe every person can help and give back to society.

They are Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and are Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), which means all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

How Kitty Rescue Squad gets the cats?

• Trapping

• Surrenders

• Euthanasia list from the pounds
   

Kitty Rescue Squad is a non-kill organisation, and rescue all type of cats:

• Stray Cats

• Feral Cats

• Scared cats

• Cats that are sick

• Cats with special needs

• Kittens, adults, and senior cats

Are you interested in being a foster carer?

What is your role as a foster carer?

We truly believe with love and patience a lot of miracles can happen and it’s the foster carer who plays the biggest role in the cat’s rehabilitation.

• The foster carer provides shelter, food, and litter.

• The foster carer works on the foster cat’s confidence by encouraging handling and human interaction.

• The foster carer spends as much time with them as possible to get them comfortable with humans.

• The foster carer participates in the adoption process organising a meet and greet with the potential adopters and approving the applications.

What does Kitty Rescue Squad cover?

• Desexing

• Microchip

• Vaccination

• Veterinary treatments

For more information visit www.kittyrescuesquad.org.au/ or text 0426 789 858