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ACT Seniors and Veterans NewsletterNovember 2018CONTENTS
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................1
Upcoming Events......................................................................................................................................2
Awards and Grants...................................................................................................................................3
Recreational, health and wellbeing....................................................................................................5
Training and education.........................................................................................................................10
Volunteering opportunities..................................................................................................................10
Information and assistance.................................................................................................................11
Mailing List and Future Articles......................................................................................................... 15
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UPCOMING EVENTS
CANBERRA SENIORS CENTRE CHRISTMAS FETEDate: Saturday, 17 November 2018
Time: 9am – 2pm
Where: Canberra Seniors Centre, 10 Watson Street, Turner
Cost: Free
We need your treasures! Any donations in clean, good condition from clothes to toys, games, books, jewellery, plants and bric-a-brac will be gratefully accepted at the Centre on weekdays.
Then come along on the day, browse, enjoy some tasty treats, try a sausage and find something nice to take home.
More Info: Contact phone 6248 9509 or email [email protected]
OLDER PERSONS ACT LEGAL SERVICE – LAUNCH AND POP UP STALLS Gordon Ramsay MLA, Attorney-General and Minister for Seniors and Veterans will officially launch Legal Aid’s new Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS).
The launch will be followed by morning tea. There will also be a range of elder abuse pop up stalls with information on work undertaken in the ACT for older Canberrans.
When: Wednesday, 21 November 2018
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Where: Hughes Community Centre Hall, Wisdom Street, Hughes
RSVP: email [email protected] or phone 6243 3436 Legal Aid ACT, or reserve a place online via Eventbrite: Opals Launch
ROTARY CLUB OF CANBERRA FREE SENIORS CONCERTThe Gift of Song presented by Sing Australia. Afternoon tea will be served, transport available if required.
When: Sunday, 9 December 2018
Time: 2 - 4pm
Where: Albert Hall, Yarralumla, Canberra
For bookings: call COTA ACT on 6282 3777
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COTA AT THE SHOPSCOTA ACT will be out and about across Canberra over the coming months with pop up sites at shopping centres.
Pop by and pick up a range of resources, including the ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory and the Guide to Getting Around Canberra, be issued with an ACT Seniors Card and get information on services, organisations, groups and events across Canberra.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page to see where we’ll be at – and let us know if you’d like to see us pop up at your local shops!
COTA ACT CHRISTMAS APPEALCOTA ACT has partnered with GIVIT to provide Christmas presents to local Canberra children in need. This year the gifts donated through COTA ACT will go to a Canberra charity which provides housing support to women and their children.
It’s easy to get involved – simply buy a gift for a child aged 0-17 years and drop the unwrapped present into the Hughes Community Centre (either under the Christmas tree or to the COTA ACT office).
If you would like more information contact [email protected].
UPCOMING ACT SENIORS CARD DISCOUNT DIRECTORYWork is under way on the new 2019-2021 ACT Seniors Card Directory. If you know of, or own a business that would like to appear in the Directory with a free listing or paid ad and offer a Seniors Card discount, please contact our office on 6282 3777 or [email protected].
We would appreciate any feedback on what you would like to see in the next Directory.
AWARDS AND GRANTS
NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL AWARDS Know someone we should know about?
We’re looking for champions of Canberra’s culturally diverse community – organisations and individuals who work tirelessly to promote and protect our city’s unique multicultural way of life.
The special annual awards acknowledge the outstanding contributions of those who, in the past 12 months, have actively supported cultural diversity and made a significant impact in promoting community harmony.
Now in its eighth year, the five award categories include:
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Outstanding Volunteer Award for Services to the Community;
Organisational Excellence Award for Services to the Community through Social Enterprise, Business, the Public Sector or Education;
ACT Multicultural Champion of the Year Award;
ACT Multicultural Honour Roll Award; and
Outstanding Excellence Award in the area of Creative Services and Experiences for the Community through Art, Media or Culture.
For more information, or to nominate, visit the CSD website Multicultural Awards
Nominations close on 29 November 2018
NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE POSITIVE AGEING AWARDSDo you know someone who goes above and beyond to help in the community? Why not nominate them for a Positive Ageing Awards.
Categories recognise older people who contribute to their communities, and members of the community who contribute to the lives of older people.
For more information, or to nominate, visit COTA ACT
The Positive Ageing Awards are a part of ACT Seniors Week (18-24 March 2019).
Nominations close on 15 February 2019
ACT WOMEN’S RETURN TO WORK GRANTS PROGRAMThe ACT Women’s Return to Work Grants Program, administered through the ACT Office for Women, is an ACT Government Initiative which provides women returning to the paid workforce with assistance in reaching this goal. The program aims to assist women on low incomes and women who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young mothers or mothers with disabilities with assistance to return to work. Successful applicants are able to access financial assistance of up to $1,000 to support their return to employment.
The grant has been used for a range of activities and resources including education and training fees, educational expenses such as textbooks, computers/software and transport to courses/study, or work related expenses such as clothing, uniforms and equipment and childcare.The Return to Work Coordinator is happy to visit groups of women and provide more information about the grant.
If you have any further inquiries please call 6205 2885 or email [email protected]
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RECREATIONAL, HEALTH AND WELLBEING
‘HEALTHY EATING ON A BUDGET’ WORKSHOPAs a carer, it is always good to know about making healthy food choices, especially on a budget. This presentation by Nutrition Australia ACT will cover:
What is healthy eating and the Australia dietary guidelines
Common food myths busted
Healthy eating on a budget (and making the most of packaged foods and creating a power pantry)
Meal planning tips and tricks, including practical suggestions to make quick, easy and fulfilling meals.
This session will also include a cooking demonstration, recipes and sampling!
Date: Monday, 19 November 2018
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Where: Carers ACT, 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt
Cost: $10 per carer or $5 for live streaming
Register for a live streaming ticket - https://bit.ly/2z8iqqF
More Info: Carers ACT 6296 9933 Carers ACT
HEALTHY BLADDER AND BOWELS - FREE INFORMATION SESSION Healthy bladder and bowel habits can help you avoid bladder and bowel control problems such as incontinence. Incontinence can have a major impact on your quality of life. If you or someone you know is affected by incontinence it's important to remember that:
You're not alone - 5 million Australians are affected by bladder and bowel control problems
COTA ACT is hosting the Continence Foundation of Australia for an information session on
What is continence?
Healthy bladder and bowel habits
Bladder and bowel problems and risk factors
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Where to get help
Afternoon tea provided following the session.
When: Wednesday, 28 November 2018
Time: 1:30pm
Where: Hughes Community Centre Hall, Wisdom St Hughes
For bookings: COTA ACT on 6282 3777 or [email protected]
NICOTINE ANONYMOUS MEETS EVERY WEEKNicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. We share our experience, strength and hope with each other so that we may be free from this powerful addiction.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using nicotine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine Anonymous membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who are trying to gain freedom from nicotine.
When: Wednesdays
Time: 6.00 - 7.00 pm
Where: Calvary Hospital (Large Group Room, Ambulatory Care Centre, Marian Building--walk past entrance to Emergency, go through sliding glass doors and follow the Nicotine Anonymous signs).
More information: Sylvia G (0411-153-496) or Tony B (0405-495-991)
Email: nicacanberra01@gmail. co m Web: N icotine Anonymous
INK BRUSH ART THERAPYTwo regular art therapy groups per term, as well as a series of small workshops and family or individual sessions. Available 6 days per week in the studio in Civic.
More information call 0450 070 240
SOUTH CANBERRA VETERANS SHEDVeterans’ Sheds are meeting places where serving and ex-serving Veterans and Emergency Services Personnel, regardless of gender, can socialise, discuss issues of concern with like-minded mates, enjoy
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themselves, learn new skills, work on projects together and get involved in activities to support their shed and other community organisations.
Social:
When: Wednesdays: 12pm – 3pm
Where: Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts Hall
Mortimer Lewis Drive, Greenway
Social & Workshop:
When: Mondays & Thursdays: 9am – 1pm
Where: Tuggeranong Archery Club Workshop
299 Soward Way, Greenway.
Cost: Visitors free. For Members there is a joining fee and an annual fee.More Information: Call 0490 043 158 or 0490 013 462 Email: [email protected] or visit Mens Shed
FORREST MEN’S SHEDDate: Each Tuesday
Time: 10am – 12noon
Where: Wesley Uniting Church 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest ACT 2602
Cost: $2 contribution for morning tea
More Info: Ph 0490 027 153 tinyurl.com/MENS-SHED-FORREST
Forrest Men’s Shed has a weekly program including speakers, cooking and a woodworking workshop.
CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL PITCH & PUTT (CIPP) GOLF CLUBThe Canberra International Pitch & Putt golf club is a not for profit club and, is an ideal way for seniors to keep healthy. Our unofficial mission statement is “It keeps you healthy physically, mentally and socially.” It is just a smaller version of golf and the entire 18 holes is less than one kilometer long. It gets you out in the fresh air and typically takes only about 90 minutes to play, so it doesn’t take a big chunk of time out of your day. On the mental side of things, you keep your brain active thinking about the next shot or which way the putt is going to break etc. It also keeps you socially active as you will get to meet and mingle with a group of people you may never have met otherwise. This social aspect could lead to meeting people who have other interests as well. If you would like more information concerning the CIPP, just send us a message on the FB page or, ask questions in the comments field on any post. Come along and try it, you never know, you just might like it!
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More Info: For more information visit our Face Book page:www.facebook.com/Pitch-Putt-Canberra-International-Golf-1373121746122026
WODEN COMMUNITY SERVICE – GAMES ON‘Games on’ is a free game group which meets every week to play fun and straight forward board games that are quick and easy to learn and a fun way to connect and socialise with others in our community.
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Where: Woden Community Service (Community Room) 26 Corinna Street, Woden
Costs: Free
More Info: Contact Emma on 6181 2802 or email [email protected]
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TRAINING AND EDUCATION
LAW FOR NON-LAWYERS – CHILD SUPPORT Legal Aid ACT, the Community Legal Centres and other organisations are delivering a legal training session on child support.
This session will provide information on child support including:
responsibilities and arrangements under the Child Support Scheme; how child support is calculated; paternity matters; how to challenge a decision of the Child Support Agency; and where clients can get help.
This session will be delivered by a lawyer from the family law practice of Legal Aid ACT.
Date: Wednesday, 21 November 2018
Time: 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: Legal Aid, 2 Allsop Street, Canberra City
Cost: Free. Materials and morning tea included
RSVP: email [email protected] or phone 6243 3463.
NUTRITION AUSTRALIA ACT – HAVE YOUR SAY ON A HEALTHY AGEING PROGRAMAre you 45 or older?
If so, we would love to know your thoughts on a healthy ageing program currently being planned with assistance from University of Canberra Master of Nutrition and Dietetics students.
Click on the link below to take our short two minute survey and have your say on what you think we need to include. Your answers will help to guide the development of a program that will help you eat well to age well. Recharge Your Health Survey
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE ONLINE SURVEY – GENERAL DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS RESEARCH PROJECT“If you are a carer for a loved one with dementia you may be interested in this online survey. Researchers at the University of Adelaide want you to help them study the positive outcomes of caregiving and the way
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people can feel both negative and positive towards a person at the same time. See the invitation for more information.”
You are invited to participate in a research project being conducted at the University of Adelaide by Psychology Honours student, Andrea Richardson. The following information is provided for you to consider before you decide whether to take part.
The project is about caregivers of people with dementia. We hope to gain a better understanding of their experiences and what impacts upon positive and negative outcomes for caregivers. Also, we are interested in the way that people can have positive and negative feelings towards a person at the same time.
You have been invited because you may be a caregiver to someone with dementia. Your identity and contact details have NOT been provided to the researchers. If you know other caregivers of people with dementia, you may pass on this invitation.
To participate in this study you and the person you care for must be over the age of 18, and you must be able to understand written English. The person you care for must have a diagnosis of dementia and you must be the primary caregiver, particularly you must be:
Providing care for at least 1 hour each day; and Providing primary care for at least 3 months
You are invited to complete an anonymous online survey which will take approximately 20 - 30 minutes to complete.
We hope that the results of this study will contribute to our understanding of the positive benefits of the caregiving role and the coping styles, experiences and outcomes of those providing care for loved ones with dementia.
Your information will remain entirely confidential and you will not be personally identifiable.
Further information is provide before participating in the survey Dementia Caregivers Survey
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE
FREE HEARING TESTSHave you been postponing having your ears checked?
If you are aged over 18 then we have a great deal to offer you! Please come and have your hearing screening tests done for FREE, by our friendly staff at Australian Hearing.
This can be arranged at either at our offices in Civic (74 Northbourne Avenue) Ph: 62323200 or Tuggeranong (11/38 Reed Street, Greenway) Ph: 6206 9100
We also sell Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs).
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NSW NATIONAL PARKS PASS – DISCOUNT FOR ACT SENIORS CARD HOLDERSCOTA ACT has been working with NSW National Parks and have come to an arrangement where ACT Seniors Card holders can obtain a discount of up to 20% on annual park entrance fees. In order to verify eligibility, the Parks staff contact COTA ACT office and confirm the applicant holds an ACT Seniors Card (similar to the arrangement with Access Canberra for the motor vehicle registration concession).
More Info: Further information can be found following this link National Parks NSW
SENIORS CARD SCOOPLooking to make the most out of your Seniors Card? Not sure of the concessions are available to you or the businesses newly signed onto the scheme?
COTA ACT produces a quarterly e-newsletter for ACT Seniors Card holders to update them on information relating to their ACT Seniors Card.
If you don’t received the Scoop contact [email protected] to update your details.
PROMOTING YOUR AGED CARE SERVICES WITH BILINGUAL STAFFThe Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing provides expertise in culturally inclusive policy and practices for the aged care services sector.
Through its Commonwealth funding it has developed an online Aged Care Services with Bilingual Staff Directory to allow consumers to search foraged care services employing bilingual staff. Aged care providers are encouraged to register for this directory.
There is currently only one ACT organisation listed as having bilingual staff Cultural Diversity
FREE MENTAL HEALTH COACHING SERVICEWe can all become anxious and depressed at various times in our life. Next Step is a free mental health coaching service that can help you work through the difficult times. Just call 6287 8066.
This short term intensive program uses a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach to help you work through problems. It is a form of guided self-help and offers practical strategies to help you work through problems such as mild anxiety, depression and day to day life stress. You can access up to six sessions through the Low Intensity Next Step program that can be delivered in person or over the phone.
At the first appointment, a Next Step coach will complete an assessment with you and develop a program to meet your individual needs.
Call 6287 8066 or visit Next Step for more information.
If you would like to arrange for a talk at your work place on Next Step, please contact Pam Boyer at [email protected].
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VETERANS SUPPORT CENTRE (VSC) BELCONNENVolunteer staff at the VSC Belconnen, assist with the Welfare and Advocacy work for all serving and ex-Defence Force members and their families, with assistance for DVA claims and compensation for injuries or conditions that could be attributed to Defence service. Reservists, certain Government Employees and Australian allies may also be eligible to make claims. All services are provided at no charge to the client.
The VSC is a registered not-for-profit charity organisation. Donations to the VSC are tax deductable and are welcome. Sponsorship in the form of cash, and goods and services, are also tax deductable.
We have fully equipped metal and carpentry workshops that are open Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other opening times are available by arrangement.
In addition, the VSC operate a large Food Van which is our main fund raiser. We attend a number of events in Canberra, Queanbeyan and NSW surrounding areas. There are always opportunities to volunteer service on the Food Van, and this may assist to overcome social isolation.
Social interaction is further enhanced by regular BBQs every Tuesday, commencing at 1145 onwards for a small cost. Come along to our premises at Page and catch up with mates and make new friends. Workshops are also open on Thursdays and a light lunch of meat pies is provided at approximately 11.45 am for a small donation. Tea, coffee and cold drinks are available at any time for a small donation.
Other regular activities at VSC include:
singing Group; guitar Group; gardening Group; hospital Visiting; cooking classes (conducted as a need is recognised);and a number of bus trips are arranged to places of interest throughout the year.
Membership is open to all those eligible persons previously mentioned, either as single or family membership. Certain associate member ship may also be available. Volunteers from the community are welcome to assist at the Centre and on the Food Van and all assistance is gratefully accepted. Persons interested in advocacy training are welcome to enquire. Visitors are always welcome.
The Veterans Support Centre Belconnen
9 Burkitt Street, PagePhone: 6255 1599, Email: [email protected]
SAFEHOMESafeHome is an ACT Government Initiative to improve home security for households in the ACT.
The SafeHome Program aims to improve home security for households in the ACT who are
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vulnerable to property crime. This is undertaken through community education, the provision of
home security assessments and minor modifications to eligible residences.
The program is open to ACT residents vulnerable to property crime. Contact us to discuss eligibility. The program is funded by the ACT Government and there are no costs to receiving assistance for
eligible residents.
Do you attend a community group that would be interested in free practical workshops presenting ideas and strategies to improve home security? Please contact us to discuss further.
Phone: 1300 656 200
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: PO Box 508 Erindale Centre ACT 2903
CALVARY HOSPITAL – NICOTINE ANONYMOUS MEETINGNicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. We share our experience, strength and hope with each other so that we may be free from this powerful addiction.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using nicotine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine Anonymous membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who are trying to gain freedom from nicotine.
When: 6pm to 7pm every WednesdayWhere: Calvary Hospital (Large Group Room, Ambulatory Care Centre, Marian Building--walk
past entrance to Emergency, go through sliding glass doors and follow the Nicotine Anonymous signs)
More Info: Available from Sylvia G 0411 153 496 or Tony B 0405-495-991.Email: nicacanberra01@gmail. co m Web: Nicotine Anonymous
DO YOU NEED A BREAK FROM CARING ROLE?Are you caring for:
Frail aged Australians (aged 65 years and over, or 50 years and over if indigenous); or People living with dementia?
Then this Centre Based respite (Commonwealth Home Support Program) program is for you.
Theodora’s Place can give you a break and provide care and entertainment to your loved ones.
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Services:
support for carers to take a much needed break; time for Carers to attend appointments/to be with family and friends; flexible hours of attendance as per the need of the carers; emergency overnight respite; excellent staff - client ratio; a wide range of enjoyable and stimulating activities; wheel chair friendly entrance and separate parking area for the “Day Care Drop Off”; and social bus outings to the tourist locations in Canberra.
Centre Based Respite, funded by Australian Government, through Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is extended to 2020, so that as a carer, you can take a well-earned break.
The first step to accessing services is to phone the My Aged Care (MAC) on 1800 200 422. MAC staff will find out as much relevant information as possible about your situation. They will discuss your needs and the services you are eligible for that may help to meet your needs.
You can request your details be referred to THEODORA’S PLACE- Centre Based Day Respite Centre, St Andrews Village as your preferred provider of services - should you so choose.
Theodora’s Place operates 7 days a week at St Andrews Village, 95 Groom Street, Hughes, ACT 2605
For more information, please call 6283 4901 / 6283 4999 or Email- [email protected]
MAILING LIST AND FUTURE ARTICLES
Please let us know if you want to be added to our Newsletter mailing list (email or postal), or if you have an article you would like included in future editions, by emailing [email protected] or post to The Office for Seniors and Veterans, GPO Box 158, CANBERRA ACT 2601.
Feel free to pass on information about this newsletter to your friends and colleagues.