1800 779 379 | [email protected]| openplace.org.au AN UPDATE FROM MICHELLE IN THIS EDITION An update from Michelle 1-2 From RAV’s CEO 3 Health brokerage funding 4-5 guidelines A message for you... From Emma 6 From Caroline 6 From Virginia 6 From the Coordinated 7 Support Team From Sue 7 From Annie 8-9 From the Records Team 10 in lockdown From the Admin/ 11 Health Brokerage Team Alliance for Forgotten 12-14 Australians Life Stories Project NEWSLETTER Volume 36, July 2020 Michelle McDonald, Senior Manager Open Place, at the Drop-In Centre Unfortunately, it has been unavoidable and beyond our control, but we are hopeful that by the time you receive this newsletter we will have resolved any remaining technical issues, including with our phones. e good news is that we have the same telephone numbers, website and email addresses, 22 staff from Open Place will be staying with the service under RAV, and our Drop-In Centre and premises in Richmond are continuing. For those of you who have visited or regularly attend the Drop-In Centre, there has been a much- needed refresh of the area which we hope you like. We are delighted to be starting the new financial year as a service of Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV ) and look forward to being able to introduce you to some of the team from RAV when our Drop-In Centre and offices in Richmond are able to re- open, subject to COVID-19 restrictions. It’s been a very busy time during the change of providers from Berry Street to RAV and we are still finalising some things. I know that this has meant that there have been some telephone, website and internet difficulties, and we apologise for this. As you know, this newsletter is sent by snail mail to reach all our valued service users, stakeholders, funding bodies and members of the public. We’re continuing to print and send the newsletter by post, but we’d like to send it by email to anyone who is happy to receive it. If you’d like to help the environment and get the newsletter as quickly as possible by email, just let us know. We’re Going Green e Open Place suite of services is funded by the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services and the Australian Government Department of Social Services. From 1 July 2020, Relationships Australia Victoria is the provider of Open Place. 1800 779 379 | [email protected]| openplace.org.au
AN UPDATE FROM MICHELLE IN THIS EDITIONAn update from Michelle 1-2
From RAV’s CEO 3
Health brokerage funding 4-5 guidelines
A message for you...
From Emma 6
From Caroline 6
From Virginia 6
From the Coordinated 7 Support Team
From Sue 7
From Annie 8-9
From the Records Team 10 in lockdown
From the Admin/ 11 Health Brokerage Team
Alliance for Forgotten 12-14 Australians Life Stories Project
NEWSLETTERVolume 36, July 2020
Michelle McDonald, Senior Manager Open Place, at the Drop-In Centre
Unfortunately, it has been unavoidable and beyond our control, but we are hopeful that by the time you receive this newsletter we will have resolved any remaining technical issues, including with our phones.The good news is that we have the same telephone numbers, website and email addresses, 22 staff from Open Place will be staying with the service under RAV, and our Drop-In Centre and premises in Richmond are continuing. For those of you who have visited or regularly attend the Drop-In Centre, there has been a much-needed refresh of the area which we hope you like.
We are delighted to be starting the new financial year as a service of Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) and look forward to being able to introduce you to some of the team from RAV when our Drop-In Centre and offices in Richmond are able to re-open, subject to COVID-19 restrictions.It’s been a very busy time during the change of providers from Berry Street to RAV and we are still finalising some things. I know that this has meant that there have been some telephone, website and internet difficulties, and we apologise for this.
As you know, this newsletter is sent by snail mail to reach all our valued service users, stakeholders, funding bodies and members of the public. We’re continuing to print and send the newsletter by post, but we’d like to send it by email to anyone who is happy to receive it. If you’d like to help the environment and get the newsletter as quickly as possible by email, just let us know.
We’re Going Green The Open Place suite of services is funded by the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services and the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
From 1 July 2020, Relationships Australia Victoria is the provider of Open Place.
Sadly, the continuing COVID-19 restrictions mean that we are unable to re-open our Drop-In, or resume our activities and Social Support Groups. Whilst we are keen to restart group and other activities, and are all looking forward to doing so, they will not resume until it is clear that it is okay and safe to do so. We recognise that for many, this is a very difficult time as we continue to learn about COVID-19 and respond to the consequences of outbreaks while there isn’t a vaccine. Many of the Open Place team are finding it challenging working remotely and not being able to do the things we normally do, and some of these team members have written about their experiences in the newsletter.This newsletter also includes our updated Health Brokerage Funding Guidelines (see pages 4-5) which include a reduction in the annual limit and a cap on optical costs.Please note, however, that these guidelines currently only apply until October 2020, when we will know the outcome of the state budget and whether the extra level of health funding received over the last couple of years will be extended or not. Please remember that pre-approval is required prior to accessing health services. We will not have the same access to credit card payment that we have
had in the past, with invoicing being the preferred method of payment. RAV have dedicated resources to ensure invoices and reimbursements are made in a timely manner.Later in this newsletter, you will find some information about a life story project that has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) through the Alliance for Forgotten Australians (AFA). I encourage anyone interested in learning more about the project and how it may support you developing your own story, to contact Simon using the details provided on pages 12-14.We invite you to please continue to contact us during COVID-19 restrictions, as whilst the team is not in the office, all are working from their homes to continue to provide counselling, Redress support, co-ordinated support, assistance with records and family searches, health funding and general one-to-one catch-ups.We hope you like the new-look newsletter, and welcome any feedback you have!Take care and stay well,Michelle McDonald Senior Manager Open Place
RAV is pleased and privileged to have been selected by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to be the new provider of Open Place from 1 July 2020, following a competitive tender process.As an introduction, RAV was established in 1948 as the ‘Marriage Guidance Council of Victoria’. It was a modest but aspirational organisation established by members of the community who were concerned about the increasing prevalence of divorce following the Second
World War, and the impact on families and society. In those early years, volunteers and some professionals primarily offered marriage education and couple counselling, with a focus on assisting couples who were experiencing difficulties to stay together, and on preventing future marriage difficulties.Since that time, we have grown and diversified significantly, and we now support individuals, families and couples, including children and young people, through a broad range of services.
FROM RAV’S CEO
AN UPDATE FROM MICHELLE CONTINUED
Dr Andrew Bickerdike, RAV CEO
3Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
These include counselling, family dispute resolution (mediation), family violence services, relationship education and professional training. We now deliver services from 18 locations across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, through nine RAV centres, four Family Relationship Centres, three headspace centres and the Open Place Drop-In Centre, with our Central Office based in Camberwell. We also provide services via telephone and video conferencing, online and through outreach locations.Throughout our history, the needs of our clients have always been the motivation for our work, and we proudly provide services for all members of the community, regardless of religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances. We believe that people, in all their diversity, have the right to live their lives safely and with dignity, with their families and within their communities, and to enjoy positive, respectful, safe and fulfilling relationships.You can learn more about RAV on our website at www.rav.org.au or watch a short video about RAV and our history at youtu.be/v-xEExO922QWe believe that Open Place will complement and fit well with our existing suite of services and that we are well-placed to provide this service. We have provided counselling to some Care Leavers for several years, and we believe that we understand some of your issues and needs. We will seek to grow this understanding and we look forward to listening to you and supporting you. We acknowledge Berry Street as the managing organisation of Open Place for the past 10 years and thank them for their leadership.All the Open Place programs are now operating from under RAV’s management, and Open Place will continue business as usual; including working out of the same sites in Richmond and around Victoria where groups meet. Twenty-two Open Place staff are now also RAV staff members, so the Open Place staff will remain familiar faces.Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Drop-In Centre is currently closed, and other on-site services and groups have not been operating for some months now. It will remain this way until further notice, given the current COVID-19 restrictions. We will continue to provide updates about this via the Open Place website.
Some weeks ago, a letter was sent to all registered Open Place service users in relation to records that were held by Berry Street. For those who responded to the letter and opted out of their records being provided to RAV, these records were deleted. All other records have now been securely transferred to RAV, using the same secure data system that was used previously. You can still opt at any time to have RAV delete your records. You can let us know by contacting Open Place via email, phone or mail. For those of you who access brokerage, you may be aware that Berry Street set up a waiting list some time ago as the funds for the financial year had been expended. With the new financial year, we are able to re-commence providing brokerage in keeping with the Health Brokerage Funding Guidelines. These guidelines have recently been updated, with changes to the limits (see pages 4-5 of this newsletter for more information) as a result of reduced brokerage funding compared to last year. We are continuing to talk with DHHS about funding for brokerage needs, particularly for health, and will keep you updated on the outcomes of these discussions. We are committed to maintaining regular communication with our service users, stakeholders, staff, funders and interested members of the public, and we will continue to publish a regular newsletter, as well as keep the Open Place website up to date.We are also interested in hearing what you would like to see in this regular newsletter, so please feel free to send us any ideas.We look forward to working with and supporting you now and in the future.
Dr Andrew Bickerdike Chief Executive Officer RAV
We believe that people, in all their diversity, have the right to live their lives safely and with dignity, with their families and within their communities, and to enjoy positive, respectful, safe and fulfilling relationships.
“
4 Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
Please note, the funding provided by the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to support the needs of Forgotten Australians is limited. Open Place currently has over 4,000 registered Forgotten Australians who are able to access its suite of services, including brokerage. If the demand for brokerage exceeds the funding provided by DHHS, Open Place may be required to revise these guidelines and/or prioritise funding according to need. Each financial year, you may access up to: • $1,000 for Health • $250 for Medical Transport and Accommodation (regional and rural service users only). If required, you may also access an additional $1,000 (lifetime limit) for dental treatments (eligibility criteria applies – please refer to the section on Additional Dental below).
This document outlines guidelines in relation to the brokerage funding you may choose to access during the first quarter of the 2020-21 financial year (1 July 2020 – 30 October 2020).
OPEN PLACE HEALTH BROKERAGE FUNDING GUIDELINES
Funding Type HealthWho may access Forgotten AustraliansLimit each financial year
$1,000
Eligible expenses Medicare out-of-pocket expenses for GP visits and tests not covered by Medicare (for example, an MRI scan), as well as other areas that require Medicare gap assistance (for example, out-of-pocket expenses for medical specialist consultations). Private health gap expenses not covered by private health insurance (excluding the first $250/$500 of excess or annual excess fee). Optical expenses. Prescription glasses only. $400 limit. Sunglasses are not covered.Hearing aids, mobility aids and equipment expenses. Open Place will continue to seek out other available subsidies and assistance, e.g. SWEP or the Victorian Hearing Aid Bank. Allied health expenses may be provided following a letter of support from your GP. Efforts will be made to ensure that a primary health care plan is initiated by a GP, which provides five free sessions per year. Treatment may include: dietician, podiatry, physiotherapy, osteopathy, myotherapy and chiropractic treatment. Pharmaceutical expenses for prescription medication that is provided via a prescription from a GP. Assistance is only available by prior arrangement with pharmacist who can accept payment by credit card or via direct deposit.Please note: Reimbursements will not be provided for pharmaceutical expenses. Dental. Expenses from a private dental clinic. As treatments can involve multiple visits, a treatment plan will need to be approved by Open Place after the initial consultation and prior to the first appointment. Alternatively, Open Place will make every effort to link Forgotten Australians to local public or community dental services and arrange for them to be placed on a priority list.
Conditions Health funding can go towards any number of the eligible expenses listed above. Reimbursements will only be made for amounts over $30. You may submit multiple receipts that add up to $30, except for pharmaceutical expenses.
5Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
Funding Type Additional DentalWho may access Forgotten AustraliansLimit each financial year
$1,000
Eligible expenses Dental expenses from a private dental clinic that exceed the funds you have available for Health expenses (i.e. $1,000/financial year).
Conditions There is a lifetime limit of $1,000 for Additional Dental.
Funding Type Medical Transport and AccommodationWho may access Forgotten Australians and/or carers supporting themLimit each financial year
$250
Eligible expenses Up to $250 is available to Forgotten Australians who live in regional and rural areas (or their partner/family member or carer if they are supporting the service user during treatment) who are required to attend medical appointments, including hospital visits or to see a specialist, in the Melbourne metropolitan area or their nearest regional centre. In the first instance, the Coordinated Support team will explore government funding options such as the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS), which is designed to help Victorians who must travel a long way for specialist medical treatment by subsidising their travel and accommodation costs.
Conditions Funding is for people who live in regional and rural Victoria. Funding must be discussed with and approved by Open Place before the first appointment with the health provider is attended. Open Place will be unable to reimburse Forgotten Australians if there has been no prior approval. A copy of the appointment documentation will be required prior to approving requests for medical transport or accommodation funding. Invoices and/or receipts will be required to process any reimbursements for medical transport and accommodation expenses. Once a reservation for accommodation has been paid, changes cannot be made to the booking.
Items no longer covered under health brokerage:
• White goods• Kitchen ware/appliances• Gym equipment/memberships• Car repairs• Mattresses/bedding• Cleaning equipment (vacuums etc)• Sunglasses
Find & ConnectIf your time in ‘care’ was less than six (6) months in Victoria, or took place interstate, you may access up to $1,000 health brokerage (lifetime total) in certain circumstances. Please contact Open Place if you are unsure whether this condition applies to you.
6 Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
The Drop-In Centre in Richmond has been a quiet place since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced. Since 24 March, the constant hum of people talking and phones ringing has been replaced by near silence. Only a few staff members continue to work from the office while the majority have moved to remote working from home.Although our physical doors are closed and we can’t let anyone in, it’s always nice when a service user stops by for a chat. We even get passers-by giggling at the irony of our sign, which states that “Open Place is currently closed”, and stopping to take some photos!Under the management of RAV, the Drop-In Centre has received some much needed sprucing up, including new carpet in the computer room and a fresh lick of paint. It looks fantastic, as you can see from the photos below, and we can’t wait for you to see it in person when COVID-19 restrictions are eased and some normalcy returns. A hand sanitising station and temperature monitor have been placed at the front of reception for everyone to have easy access to when entering and leaving, once this occurs.
FROM EMMA
It will be a wonderful day when we are able to open the doors to you again. Until then, stay safe and well.Take care.Emma Kitson Drop -In/Intake Worker
What a time it’s been these past few months – like a rollercoaster ride!I’m currently sitting at my desk, looking out the window, watching an endless stream of people pulling up outside my house and queueing across the street to buy their takeaway coffees and sandwiches from either the café or the deli opposite my house in Melbourne. It starts around 8am and wraps up around 2pm when the café closes and the deli runs out of their rolls. I never imagined that I would be setting up office in my front room at home but here I am, with both me and my partner working from home and we’re still talking!Back in early March, the Gippsland SSG met at the Sale Botanic Gardens for a BBQ on the most perfect Autumn day and like all other Open Place social groups, we haven’t seen each other since. I miss you all but I’m hoping that Spring may see us together again – very ‘Pollyanna’ of me, I know, but you have to be optimistic!I hope you are all well and keeping safe.Virginia Carey Redress Support Worker Gippsland SSG
FROM VIRGINIA
A MESSAGE FOR YOU...
We wish to thank the Vermont Lions Club for their kind donation to the Richmond Social Support Group (SSG) in honour of our Graeme McLeod, who sadly passed away. Graeme’s family was very keen for the money to be used by the group, as they said that Graeme received many happy hours of enjoyment from the group over the years that he attended.Once COVID-19 restrictions have been eased and SSGs are up and running again, a special meal will be held in Graeme’s honour at the Richmond SSG.Caroline Carroll Community Education Co-ordinator
FROM CAROLINE
Drop-In Reception
7Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
Munni, Raymond and I have all been working from home since 24 March 2020. COVID-19 has changed much about how we work and how we stay connected to each other. The work continues however, although there have been some small changes, which will be shared later, and we all miss our social support groups a lot!Some things I like about working from home:1. Commuting now takes 30 seconds instead of 30
minutes and slippers are way more comfortable than work shoes.
2. Hair brushing is now optional until a Zoom meeting requires face-to-face interaction.
3. Dinner is on the table much more quickly and lunches no longer consist of 7/11 sandwiches.
4. It’s quiet, and everyone knows I like the quiet.5. My own loo!
Some things I don’t like about working from home:1. It can get lonely. I miss seeing all the regulars at
drop in as well as the staff.2. No walks outside for a breather (cough, cough).3. The daily lunchtime staff quiz on Zoom (yuck).4. Easily accessed snacks… and not the healthy
ones!5. Sometimes it’s too quiet without Emma and
Shaye singing, or Megan calling out from the other office.
6. Having to share the kitchen for breakfast.7. Missing the sunrise on my way into the office.8. No photocopier or scanner.9. Missing Friday afternoon nibbles with the staff.I hope we’ll be back to normal soon and then I can start complaining again about no parking, traffic, noise, queuing for the ladies’ room and other things.Stay safe and well.Lesley Jones Coordinator of Coordinated Support
FROM THE COORDINATED SUPPORT TEAM Hello everyone, they say that being in your own
home just about 24/7 is challenging for everyone - for some, as we know, more than others. We have all been encouraged to try and learn something new; a new skill of some kind. Well, mine is learning the guitar. I never realised how difficult it is to learn an instrument and my teacher has told me that guitar is the hardest to learn. For those who are interested, it is acoustic not electric guitar.I try not to drive the neighbours mad, however, I’m not sure about the dog next door. It’s a keen little barker who goes off at the drop of a pin, and I haven’t seen it, but it sounds small.I was sitting outside practising, no, not ‘Stairway to Heaven’ by Led Zeppelin or that terrible song ‘Hotel California’ - I refuse to play that - but that fantastic tune ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Pink Floyd. I can tell you that I play badly as I’m on L Plates and the dog agreed. It started to howl and howl and howl, like it was crying or in pain. When I stopped playing, it stopped howling. When I started again, it started again, and on it went until the neighbour, who I don’t know, came out and shouted “SHUT UP!”. I’m not sure who she was talking to, but I took the hint and I haven’t played outside again.I would just like to do a shout out to the Preston Group, Carey and Lydia. I miss you and hope you are all keeping warm and safe. Hopefully, it will not be too long until we meet again. Sue Kilfeather Counsellor
FROM SUE
8 Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
A MESSAGE FOR YOU... CONTINUED
Hi everyone near and far! I hope you are coping okay and managing with our new way of life whilst we live with COVID-19! It’s been tough on all of us in so many and varied ways.For me personally, it’s been tough not being able to do my work in supporting you and not being able to deliver the three social support groups that I co-facilitate; being Warrnambool, Bendigo and Geelong.I’ve been missing our adventures, our monthly catch ups and of course, YOU. Hang in there and let’s hope we can come together soon. If you’re thinking about joining any of these groups or want to catch up, please give me a call on 1800 779 379 – I’d love to hear from you!Sharon Guy and I are looking forward to working with the staff at RAV and hope to be able to introduce you to our new colleagues at RAV in the not-too-distant future. We will be based at RAV’s Ballarat Centre when it’s safe to do so, but in the meantime, I am still home-based. In my spare time during isolation I’ve been learning the art of mosaic. I’ve mostly done pavers and a few pots – maybe I can do a class at Open Place in the future!
Until we meet again, whether it’s in the social support groups or individually, please take care and remember that we are just a phone call away. Warm regards,Annie Fell Regional Outreach Support Worker
FROM ANNIE
Annie Fell’s Mosaic Artwork
Until we meet again, whether it’s in the social support groups or individually, please take care and remember that we are just a phone call away.
“
9Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
Geelong SSG updateWe had a large gathering in February at the Sir Charles Darwin Hotel in Geelong, where we enjoyed a nice lunch together and a good catch-up with each other. In March, we enjoyed a BBQ lunch and catch-up at the Grovedale Neighbourhood House.
Bendigo SSG updateIn February, we came together at St. Luke’s where we enjoyed a good catch up and lunch together. We did plan on a BBQ in March, but sadly had to cancel due to COVID-19.
Warrnambool SSG updateIn February, we met at the Archie Graham Centre where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and catch-up at the Tasty Plate Café. We also met in March at Martins Point in Port Fairy where we enjoyed a leisurely walk to the Griffiths Island Lighthouse and had a bite to eat at a local café.
Bendigo SSG Warrnambool SSG
Warrnambool SSGBendigo SSG
Geelong SSG
10 Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
How we miss everyone - service users and staff alike. Di here, I’m one of the skeleton staff at the office, working at my desk to make sure Open Place is accessible for mail, etc. While I’m very happy not to be at home all the time, the office is a very lonely place at the moment. My colleagues Siobhan, Lydia and Sharon are all working from home and we’re missing each other and our easy communications, as well as Charlotte who finished her contract on 30 June. The “chat forums” aren’t quite the same but have to do under the circumstances.The only good thing for me about “lockdown” is that it’s an absolute joy to drive to work! I finished with public transport as soon as the word “virus” was mentioned and have been driving ever since. The road is nice and clear of vehicles – it’s like the time between Christmas and New Year for those used to the city peak hour traffic. The best days are when it’s crisp but sunny and there’s a good tune on the radio (with harmonies and a good bass riff ) and I can sing along and only have to slip into third gear to whip through the traffic lights. An added bonus is that I get a park at work – hooray!Now to work – our change over to RAV has happened and we’re just getting the hang of a new system and ironing out the inevitable IT hiccups.
FROM THE RECORDS TEAM IN LOCKDOWN
All the Records team members are working from home, so applications are happening but can be a bit delayed depending on whether records are digitised or in storage – most Records Holders have both, which is good as accessing stored records can be a problem and slow the process somewhat. Nonetheless, Records Holders are doing their best and are accommodating our requests to the best of their abilities given the current restrictions. Some agencies will still be able to print and post records, when they can, however for those who can’t just yet, some secure alternatives are available, such as having records sent by secure password-protected emails, which might be helpful to some.Some of our ‘go to’ places, like the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), Public Records Office (PROV) and the State Library of Victoria (SLV), are not accessible at the moment due to COVID-19 restrictions and office closures. This means it hasn’t been possible for us to conduct some family searches, but we hope to get back to this when restrictions are lifted.Keep well and safe, Di Jacobson Records Find & Connect WorkerRecords Team: Siobhan, Lydia, Sharon and Diane
A MESSAGE FOR YOU... CONTINUED
CONTACT OPEN PLACEFor information about your current services, to find out how Open Place can support you, or to subscribe to receive this newsletter by email, please contact us.Free call 1800 779 379 Visit openplace.org.auEmail [email protected]
STAYING SAFE DURING COVID-19Our thoughts are with everyone during this challenging time of COVID-19.Stay safe by following the latest guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services, available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Hi everyone,Tracey, Shaye, Megan and Allie from the Administration/Health Brokerage team all send their best wishes and hope you are well and looking after yourselves during these unique COVID-19 times. We miss you lots and are adjusting to our new kind of normal working from home. Megan has been one of the skeleton staff who has continued to work from the Open Place Bromham Place office, making sure that Emma and Di behave themselves, while Shaye, Allie and I visit the office once in a while. More recently, Shaye has been working at RAV’s Central Office to help take calls from many of you who are ringing and asking mostly about the health funding. We understand that it’s been a bit frustrating for you and we thank you for your patience, however as you can see in this newsletter, the Health Brokerage Funding Guidelines have now been finalised. Just so you know, we have over 200 people on our waiting list who will need to be contacted while we also take any new calls for funding requests. Each of you matter to us and we will get back to you.The team have settled in during the transition and have maintained a sense of humour when some things have not gone quite so right. There have been some challenges with the phones and printers - I never knew how dependent one could be on a simple printer and scanner. Thankfully we’ve had mobile phones and been able to take photos and attach them to our emails!I’m not sure about you, but being in lockdown definitely has some drawbacks. I’m eating more, drinking more coffee and certainly not as active as I used to be. Come 5pm, the usual scenario is – another coffee, comfy clothes, the couch and yes, Netflix. I think I’ve almost exhausted poor Netflix. During the early stages of lockdown, when every item was flying off the shelves of the supermarket (toilet paper, pasta, rice etc), I became obsessed with buying a packet of self-raising flour.
FROM THE ADMIN / HEALTH BROKERAGE TEAM
The ridiculous thing is I didn’t need it nor would I ever use it, however I think because it was one of the items that you just couldn’t get, my mind was telling me that I just HAD TO HAVE IT. I finally found a packet, bought it and yes, it’s still sitting in my pantry, unopened. Tricky COVID-19 times.Do you have any funny stories you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them. Send them to us and if you don’t mind and with your permission, we may put them in our next newsletter so everyone can have a giggle.Have you taken up a new hobby? Painting or art? Send us a picture so that we can share it with other Forgotten Australians. Similarly, if you’ve written any poems or stories - we’d love to hear from you.Email your stories, photos or writing to [email protected] hope to see you soon and hope you are keeping safe.Take care,Tracey Anderson Client Services CoordinatorAdmin/Health Brokerage Team: Tracey, Shaye, Megan and Allie
The Administration/Health Brokerage team all send their best wishes and hope you are well and looking after yourselves during these unique COVID-19 times.
“
We recognise the lifelong impacts of childhood trauma.Open Place is committed to inclusivity and providing safe, inclusive and accessible services for all people.We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of Australia. We support Aboriginal people’s right to self-determination and culturally safe services.
12Open Place Newsletter: Volume 36, July 2020
• One on one sessions with a skilled listener and writer who knows Forgotten Australians.
• Together, over a number of sessions, the listener can record your story with you.
• Your Life Story can be both a paper copy and an electronic copy.
• There is no cost to you. This is a free service.
ASSISTANCE CAN INCLUDE:
It cannot be used anywhere else without your consent.
YOU OWN YOUR STORY. YOUR STORY STAYS YOURS !
DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL?YOUR STORY IS IMPORTANT.
We can help you RECORD your LIFE STORY. For You.
This project is provided by the Alliance for Forgotten Australians with the assistance of the Department of Social Services
Simon will begin to work on this Project in early July 2020. However until the social isolating/distancing regulations, required by Covid-19 are relaxed initial contact will be by phone.
If you would like to participate please contact Simon. Contact details below.
This is a project of the Alliance for Forgotten Australians.
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pen Place Newsletter: Volum
e 36, July 2020
The Life Stories Project provides an opportunity for you to tell the story of your life or of parts of your life. Everybody has a story to tell. We all have our past. All of our stories are important. Making a record of your life and telling of some of the events in your life is one way of saying you matter and that your life matters.
Some Forgotten Australians have already done this. We are very aware that there are many Forgotten Australians who would like to have a life story record but, for a variety of reasons, may need some assistance in undertaking this task. The Project is intended to help those who may find this task a little daunting.
Simon Gardiner, who many of you will know from his days at Open Place, has been asked by the Alliance for Forgotten Australians to work on the Project. Simon can talk with you about how best to go about the Life Story task. Simon’s contact details are on the bottom of this sheet
There are many ways you can do this with Simon. Simon will meet with you and together you will plan out the best approach. This may mean sitting together with you speaking into a recorder with Simon asking questions. Simon will then write out a record from the tape and you would then go through it.
On the other hand you may wish to write some notes and then talk with Simon about how best to put this into a story format. Simon can provide you with some questions that may prompt some thoughts.
You may have photos or records that you would like to include. It may be possible to find and include other photos.
You can choose whether your story goes into a book form and/or electronic form. Each story can be up to 5000-6000 words which is about 10-12 A4 pages. There is no cost to you.
Remember your story belongs to you. Your consent is needed for your story to be used in any other way.
