BETTERDAYS Autumn 2017

www.openminds.org.au

OPEN MINDS AT THE 2017 IIMHL CONFERENCE

The International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) is a unique international collaborative focused on improving mental health and addictions services

Read more on page 9

Open Minds is a registered NDIS provider. Our team works to enhance mental health and wellbeing by delivering tailored supports to people living with mental ill health, disability or acquired brain injury.

You are in the driving seat and Open Minds can help with directions

HEAD OFFICE

66 Annerley Road (PO Box 8142)Woolloongabba QLD 4102

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (07) 3896 4222Facsimile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (07) 3896 4200Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enquiries@openminds.org.au

get in touchCall 1300 673 664 or visit www.openminds.org.au

Open Minds has dedicated NDIS teams to assist you with enquiries around how the NDIS works, NDIS planning and review processes. Our experience as a NDIS provider means we will support you so your transition to the NDIS system goes as smoothly as possible.

Open Minds holds regular NDIS readiness workshops for people with a disability and those who support them – contact us: ndis@openminds.org.au

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing support for people living with disability. The NDIS is designed to provide the right support according to each person’s needs and goals.

Open Minds is a registered NDIS provider.

Boonah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3280 5777Bundaberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3896 4222 Caboolture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 5495 0111Capalaba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3900 3444Goodna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3158 1600Grafton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3896 4222Ipswich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3280 5777Lawnton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3107 1327Lismore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 5699 9999Logan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3158 4111Lowood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3280 5777

Mount Gravatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3469 7000Nambour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 5348 9100Redcliffe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3897 1829Redcliffe (headspace Centre) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3897 1897Stones Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3394 6666Taringa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3157 1500Taringa (headspace Centre) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3157 1555Toowoomba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 4572 3400Townsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 4412 7200Tweed Heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 5699 9999Woolloongabba (Head Office) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3896 4222

SERVICE LOCATIONS

openmindsaustralia

OpenMindsAus

open-minds

Open Minds acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pays respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. Open Minds recognise their custodianship and role in caring for and maintaining country over thousands of years and is committed to reconciliation.

Our Commitment: Your Future. Your Way. Better Days Autumn Edition 20171

Interim CEO, Simon James

A word from our interim CEO

inside this editionA word from our interim CEO

Open Minds, Queensland’s first NDIS provider

Open Minds is now in Toowoomba

Our Community Re-Entry Service Team (CREST)

Open Minds welcomes its Members at Morning Tea

Lismore’s strong heart

Living well in your community

International mental health leaders visit Brisbane

Introducing our supported School Based Traineeships

2017 Shaping up as a big year for the Wattle League Foundation

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It is an exciting and rewarding time for everyone here at Open Minds, Queensland’s first NDIS provider, as we settle into 2017.

There is little doubt that 2017 and beyond will provide one constant – change. Our organisation will embrace change and excellence in all forms as we continue to navigate this new, consumer-driven landscape where individuals are empowered to make their own choices and decisions.

Open Minds remains solely focused on programs and service delivery for our customers to encourage and facilitate their recovery. This focus is matched by our strong commitment to ‘deliver’ as an experienced NDIS provider. As the NDIS continues its roll-out, our proven experience sets us apart from the rest. We will also continue to provide innovative and results-driven employment services for our customers.

New appointments

We are delighted to share some pivotal leadership enhancements to our team which allow us to continue providing the consistent service we are renowned for, together with the highest quality programs and supports.

Open Minds is proud to announce the recent appointment of our Board Chair - Griffith University Arts, Education and Law Pro- Vice Chancellor, Paul Mazerolle. Professor Mazerolle has been an Open Minds Board Director since June 2009 and a member of our Governance, Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Professor Mazerolle has extensive leadership and management experience, having led several academic and research programs at local universities as well as the former Crime and Misconduct Commission’s research and prevention team.

I would also like to introduce myself as interim Open Minds CEO as of mid-March 2017. I have an extensive background in healthcare (public / private and primary / secondary / tertiary), community services and sports management. I bring with me 18 years experience as an executive leader and 8 years as both an executive and non-executive director serving on SME boards in the For Profit and Not For Profit sectors,

along with a strong professional network in the relevant sectors and industry groupings.

Last, but certainly not least, Bernadette Shanahan has been appointed General Manager Operations. Bernadette joined Open Minds in 2015 and has been instrumental in the design and delivery of our Community Living Supports (CLS) program, overseeing the establishment of three sites and key relationships in Northern New South Wales, developing the prisoner community re-entry program in Townsville (CREST), as well as establishing Open Minds’ Townsville office which registered the first NDIS client in Queensland (who is still with us). Bernadette has held senior executive roles across private, government and non-government organisations over the past 17 years.

Farewell and thanks

On behalf of the Board and leadership team at Open Minds, I would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to Marie Fox (former CEO), and Denise Cumming (our outgoing GM Operations), for their service to our organisation.

Marie joined Open Minds several years ago as General Manager Operations, before becoming CEO. Marie led our organisation through a unique period of transformation in Australia, as our sector absorbed and prepared for the changes brought about by the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Marie’s leadership and strategic input helped drive our growth and preparedness for the NDIS, and we wish her all the very best.

Denise Cumming joined Open Minds in 2013, and leaves us after a successful period as General Manager Operations. Denise was a driving force in the provision of high-quality supports for our customers whilst ensuring our reputation and relationships with our key stakeholders. Denise contributed to policy development and growth for our organisation. We wish Denise all the best and extend our thanks for her contributions.

I hope you enjoy our Autumn 2017 edition of Better Days.

Simon JamesInterim CEO

All new NDIS plans now come with support connection to assist participants to activate and implement their plans. This assists participants to understand the services available in their community.

Open Minds teams provide a range of daily supports, including:

+ Individual skills development and training

+ Assistance to access community, social and recreational activities

+ Assistance with self-care activities

+ Support Coordination

+ Support Connection

Many participants have experienced their first full year NDIS Plan Review. This

process has helped our teams understand that preparing our participants for their Plan Review is just as important as the initial pre-planning phase.

Our teams are ready and experienced to assist, supporting participants through case reviews and the completion of Support Coordination reports for our participants to provide to NDIA.

The review process has seen the majority of participants maintain their current level of support. Some participants have been able to clearly demonstrate where additional supports are required.

Participants continue to embrace the choice and control the NDIS creates, and the expertise and experience of Open Minds as we strive to support our customers.

Open Minds, Queensland’s first NDIS provider

New participants continue to choose Open Minds to deliver their supports, with our Townsville Office currently supporting 46 NDIS participants.

Our Commitment: Your Future. Your Way. Better Days Autumn Edition 20173

Our team has been working together across the region since last year, spreading the word and building our profile, and we are now welcoming new customers and referrals.

Our team had a particularly strong presence in Toowoomba over December last year and into January, setting up stands in local shopping centres around town, providing information to shoppers about accessing the NDIS, advice about pre-planning for the NDIS and what a good life could look like with NDIS funding to provide reasonable & necessary supports. Shoppers were also invited to attend Open Minds NDIS Information workshops.

Open Minds is now also providing NDIS information to GP Practices in the region, ensuring GPs are well informed about the NDIS and their responsibilities regarding the provision of information regarding their customers’ disabilities, as part of the approval process.

Another unexpected and fantastic outcome from the experience was we met local people who wanted to join our team at Open Minds!

Open Minds is now in Toowoomba!

The Toowoomba office is now open for business, serving the region right through to the Western border. Our office is centrally located

in Toowoomba’s CBD, opposite the Police Station and only a couple of minutes down the road from the new NDIS office.

Contact Open Minds now on 1300 673 664 or email us at

ndis@openminds.org.au

Queensland NDIS rollout dates

• Brisbane• Redland

• Gold Coast

• Sunshine Coast

• Noosa

• Moreton Bay

• Somerset

• Lockyer Valley

• Scenic Rim

• Ipswich

• Logan• Southern Downs

INSET• Lockhart River

• Aurukun

• Pormpuraaw

• Kowanyama

• Cook• Douglas

• Cairns• Mareeba

• Etheridge

• Townsville• Burdekin

• Whitsunday

• Mackay

• Isaac

• Livingstone

• Rockhampton

• Gladstone

• Western Downs

• Toowoomba

• Goondiwindi

• Northern NSW• Hunter

New England

• Balonne

• Maranoa

• Paroo

• Murweh• Quilpie

• Barcoo

• Diamantina

• Longreach

• Winton

• Flinders

• Richmond

• McKinlay

• Cloncurry

• Boulia

• Mt Isa

• Burke

• Carpentaria

• Croydon

• Mornington

• Charters Towers

• Barcaldine

• Woorabinda

• Banana

• Bulloo

• Blackall Tambo

• Tablelands

NOR

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NEW SOUTH WALES

July 2016November 2016January 2017July 2017October 2017January 2018July 2018January 2019

• Bundaberg

• Fraser Coast / North & South Burnett, Cherbourg

The Open Minds CREST staff work across prison, probation, parole phases and the Open Minds office to provide a holistic, supported service to our participants.

Our contract for delivery is with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS), and we offer three streams of service to our participants:

+ An In-Prison Stream - accessible to all people in custody

+ A Managed Stream - a co-case management model with QCS, working with people who have high and complex needs, developing a re-entry plan in custody and supporting them for three

months post-custody

+ A Crisis Stream - referrals are determined by QCS when people are at risk of being returned to custody.

So who are our CREST team?

+ Matthew Friday, Kyle Dixon and Chris Gray work with male participants, and recruitment of another case worker is in progress.

+ Joanne Bourne, Christine Hero and Yvette Salam work with female participants.

+ Zarina Reljanovic is the Program Manager

Implementing a new program has allowed us to be creative in our practice and tailor the program (within its stated framework) to the needs of participants. We have already seen real success with people remaining out of custody for longer periods, accessing services they may not have accessed before, and most importantly, CREST has built trust and rapport with our participants.

The program builds hope for the future as our Open Minds CREST team works towards empowering our participants to achieve change.

Our Community Re-Entry Service Team (CREST)

In July 2016, Open Minds was successful in securing a five year contract to provide re-entry support back into the community for men and women exiting Townsville Correctional Centre.

The program’s aim is to reduce recidivism (repeating undesirable behaviour) through success whilst on parole.

Our Commitment: Your Future. Your Way. 5 Better Days Autumn Edition 2017

Mr Stewart, a former Director and Chair of Open Minds presented a box of archival material from his time as Chair. Current Open Minds Chair, Professor Paul Mazerolle, acknowledged the purposeful contribution and passion of Marie Fox and Denise Cumming who were farewelled by Members at the gathering.

As part of its strategy to meet with our Members more frequently, the Board will hold another Member

morning tea again in June, and Members will be invited to attend Wattle Day High Tea in September and the Annual General Meeting in November.

Open Minds acknowledges our Members are of great value to and make a significant contribution towards its governance a overall operations, including attending meetings, voting on various resolutions, and electing our Board of Directors.

Open Minds welcomes its Members at Morning Tea

Lismore’s strong heart

Open Minds’ Members were welcomed at a morning tea held by the Board on Friday, 24 March. Those in attendance included Mrs Mel Gilmour, Mr Claude Huddy, Mr Ted Stewart, as well as

Board Directors, Simon James (Interim CEO) and the Executive Leadership Team.

The devastation of the April 2017 floods impacted communities right throughout Queensland, the Gold Coast,

Tweed region and south of the border through to Lismore and surrounds.

Throughout the flood period, Open Minds staff and customers in the Lismore region remained safe. Whilst our office was closed, phone contact continued to ensure our customers and team remained safe and well in the community. Five Open Minds cars were lost in the floods but with support from Wellways Australia (who generously loaned cars to our team), other organisations, and some tight scheduling and hard work from staff, the team were able to maintain service to our customers.

In Lismore, the emergency siren was activated on Friday, 31 March at 4:00am - warning residents to evacuate immediately as the levy constructed in 2005 was cracking and in danger of being breeched.

In the dark and early hours of that morning, floodwaters continued rising in the northern and southern districts and rushed into Lismore CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods, inundating over 3,000 households and businesses. Many residents had to be rescued as the levy was breached, with the amount of water topping the levy catching many people by surprise.

In the following days, as the water receded, the scale of devastation was revealed. Heartbreakingly, street after street of rubbish piles grew, as it became obvious of the loss of personal items and posessions. Many business owners lost all their stock and were left with damaged and often uninsured businesses.

Amongst all the despair and devastation, people took action to support each other and help out their friends, family and neighbours. Businesses supported each other while community organisations and volunteer networks small and large went to work. The rural fire brigades from all over the region poured into town to assist with the clean-up.

Donation food banks, high school kids helping out a record store, relief centres, and a magic bus transporting people and goods were all part of the clean-up efforts.

Black Sombrero’s owner, Julie Dixon, hung a heart flag from her restaurant symbolising the heart of Lismore and resistance to the heartbreaking circumstances. The flag popped up all over the place - a visual sign of shared community support.

Whilst the emotional and financial impact of the floods continue, the bond at both personal and organisational levels provides hope and inspiration for a shared and resilient community in Lismore now and into the future.

Our Employment Consultant, Sarah, assisted Will with an application for hearing aid assistance as Will’s hearing aids were a little outdated and not doing the job for him. This process took a couple of weeks, but Will was granted new $22,000 state-of-the-art hearing aids! During this period, Will’s mental health was up and down, but Will was committed to travelling to Brisbane’s north side for his psychology appointments on a fortnightly basis to work with his trusted provider.

Once Will received notification that he would be receiving his new hearing aids, he felt comfortable to utilise his years of experience in the customer service/call centre industry and apply for new roles.

Will attended weekly one-on-one appointments and has completed assisted job searches. Will had a few job interviews, but sadly was unsuccessful until…he applied for a full-time inbound call centre role with Bupa. Will was contacted that very day to complete a behaviour assessment and participate in Call Centre scenarios.

The following day, Will was contacted for a face-to-face interview and the rest is history!

Open Minds assisted Will with a Bluetooth hearing device that was compatible with Bupa’s phone system as well as Will’s hearing aids. Bupa was very supportive, and have indicated that moving forward, they are happy to cover

any modification costs and look after Will if they identify any further barriers or employment needs.

Will is tracking amazingly, had his performance review recently, received amazing feedback and has been told he is reaching the KPI’s of someone who has been working with the organisation for over a year!

When our Employment Consultant contacted Will for permission to share his wonderful achievements, Will gave us some very exciting news. Will received an award for the best KPI’s in February 2017 for someone on his Service Level throughout Australia at Bupa!

Will’s fantastic employment achievements

Will was referred to Open Minds from Centrelink due to his partial hearing loss and mental health barriers.

Better Days Autumn Edition 2017

Open Minds life skills and psycho-educational workshops have been delivered since 2016 and our team has grown and our offerings have expanded to include:

‘Shy No Longer’, a ten week group program for participants who experience social anxiety.

‘ACT Now!’, a six week group program based on acceptance and commitment therapy.

‘Why Work Works’, a six week program focusing on workforce readiness and participation.

‘Emotional Intelligence’, a six week program focused on recognising and managing your own and others’ feelings, as well as healthy relationships.

‘Rent It, Keep It’, a one or two day workshop around navigating the rental market and finding and maintaining a tenancy or co-tenancy.

‘Wise Choices’, a ten week acceptance and commitment therapy based program for participants with personality vulnerabilities or who wish to develop greater emotional regulation.

‘WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning)’, this introduces participants to a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well and achieve their goals

‘NDIS Readiness workshops’

The Living Well team continue to develop new workshops targeting identified needs as indicated by our Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaMs) Eligibility Screening Tool data. The workshops have been developed to align with needs of NDIS participants and service areas as articulated by the NDIA.

As an example, the ‘Why Work Works’ workshops are designed to encourage capacity-building for our participants around motivation, confidence, resilience and retention skills whilst preparing, seeking and retaining employment. The major emphasis is that being employed has significant emotional benefits, often outweighing the financial benefits. Sessions touch on the following topics: barriers & strengths; options for directions; applying for a job; interview preparation and keeping motivated in my new job.

Program Participants are referred to the workshops from Open Minds Employment Services and the PHaMs program.

Living well in your communityThe Living Well team develop and facilitate a range of life-skills and

psycho-educational workshops for Open Minds customers.

For more information on the workshops, contact Clint Tierney, (Acting) Living Well PHaMS Team Leader on

clinton.tierney@openminds.org.au

Our Commitment: Your Future. Your Way 7

Today I am...Vocal Workshop Program

Perform as part of Queensland Music Festival 2017! Join Access Arts and Cheep Trill community choirs to discover your own voice through song.

Internationally acclaimed singer song writer Emma Dean will be joined by Brisbane’s Woman in Voice producer Annie Peterson to guide your learnings.

Be involved in performance opportunities at QPAC and the massed choir of Queensland Music Festival program The Voice!

If you have some experiences to share or want to try something new - ‘Today I am’ is just for you!

Workshop and performance dates are between 8 June and 29 July 2017.

Open Minds clients are encouraged to participate by contacting Tara Dunne on 0403 254 507 or email tara.dunne@openminds.org.au

The broader community are welcome to attend, for further information, or to register, please contact Access Arts via:

info@accessarts.org.au or call (07) 3505 0311

Our Commitment: Your Future. Your Way. 9 Better Days Autumn Edition 2017

This year, the conference was held in Australia. The forum draws around 450 international delegates together, every 18 months to exchange knowledge and new ideas in mental health leadership. The theme for the 2017 Exchange was, ‘Contributing lives, thriving communities’.

On Sunday 26 February, Open Minds, at the request of the Queensland Mental Health Commission, hosted an impressive group of international delegates, stakeholders and guests at the ‘Welcome to Queensland’ event for delegates attending IIMHL.

A delegation from Timor Leste attended the event in Brisbane to attend the Australian Aid Fellowship Program facilitated by QUT. This program works to support leaders from the Timor Leste mental health sector who have identified practical issues in relation to delivering care to mental health service users. Open Minds supported this Program by presenting the range

of mental health supports we offer in Australia, in the hope our experience and leadership in this field will assist these professionals to improve health care delivery in their nation.

IMMHL Delegates were attending the first, of a two-phase experience with Open Minds hosting delegates at a leadership exchange workshop in Brisbane on 27 & 28 February 2017. The workshop program was designed around a topic, ‘Physical Health Outcomes – A Different Perspective’ and was delivered by Positive Social Solutions.

PwC supported our program by providing a wonderful venue for the workshop in their Brisbane CBD office. The topic focussed on how participating countries are addressing the critical issue of improving physical health outcomes for people with severe and enduring mental illness. Our workshop facilitators encouraged interactive and creative thinking to explore the question, “How might we better enable people living with severe

mental illness to monitor their own physical health care indicators as a means for improving personal health/wellbeing outcomes?”

Over the two days, 31 participants engaged in an accelerated design thinking workshop underpinned by a structured five-step innovation process. Key presentations delivered by Open Minds Australia and Equally Well New Zealand provided evidence of the staggering physical health gap between people who experience mental health and/or addiction issues, and those who don’t, in both Australia and New Zealand.

The match provided a ‘hands-on’ leadership development experience for our participants, focusing on three core future leadership competencies:

1. Enhanced communication for collaboration

2. Design thinking3. Creative problem solving

Participants were coached along a simulated learning journey that

International mental health leaders visit Brisbane

The International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) is a unique international collaborative that focuses on improving mental health and addiction services. IIMHL organises

systems for international innovation sharing, networking and problem solving across countries and agencies. The overall aim is to provide better outcomes for people who use mental health and addiction services and their families.

enabled each individual to demonstrate and further develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in these three core competencies. The high-level objective of this approach was to develop transferable skill sets in these leaders and equip them with the tangible toolkits required to lead collaborative change efforts at the intersection between mental and physical health outcomes.

Sustaining communications to ensure innovative concepts are further developed and ensuring participant commitments are actioned is of utmost importance to the Match. A LinkedIn private group was established to connect all of the participants going forward.

Open Minds was impressed with the outcomes achieved by the Equally Well initiative, working together to improve physical health for people experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues. Open Minds have since endorsed their efforts and

become a member organisation. For further information on the initiative, please visit: www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/equally-well-physical-health

The second phase of the IIMHL Conference was held in Sydney and provided an opportunity for delegates to hear from expert speakers and engage with their peers about trends, innovative practices, policy and reform. Topics included: ‘Wide brown land: Australia’s mental health and disability landscape’; ‘Leaders by experience - a call to action’; ‘Creating the perfect storm: Leadership and the journey of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia’; ‘Self directed support in psychosocial disability and mental health’; and ‘Zero suicide in healthcare: from international declaration to local action’.

Open Minds is delighted to be a part of such an outcome- driven initiative, working together with our Australian and International peers toward shared goals and outcomes.

Our Commitment: Your Future. Your Way. 11 Better Days Autumn Edition 2017

Transitioning from school to employment can be difficult for students. We partner with the school, parents and employers to ensure students are well supported and advocated for throughout this journey. Our goal is to transition each and every student in our program into sustainable employment post-high school.

What is a Supported School Based Traineeship?

A supported School Based Traineeship is a collaboration of partners where the key objective is for the student to gain and complete a school based traineeship, followed by sustainable ongoing employment post-high school. This leads to empowerment, increased self-esteem, becoming self- sufficient and provides an unrivalled opportunity to become a contributing adult in the community.

In addition, students will gain a nationally recognised qualification, paid employment, relevant workplace experience, mentoring and support throughout their journey. Students participating in a school based traineeship will work for 8 paid hours, per week, which is paid by our Principal Employer Organisation (PEO). Work hours and days will be coordinated in collaboration with each student’s school. Students will receive face-to-face training and mentoring in the workplace and at school.

Could you be a host employer?

Supportive host employers make a real difference to the outcomes of young people with a disability in their community. As a Host Employer, your role will be to:

+ Provide a safe, supportive and disability-friendly environment for the student to grow

+ Allow the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to train the student once a month in the workplace

+ Provide feedback on attendance and any ongoing support required to all key stakeholders

Benefits for a Host Employer

+ The satisfaction of making a real difference to a student with a disability

+ A free staff member for 8 hours a week

+ The option of employing the student directly upon completion of their traineeship

+ Creating a positive impact on staff morale

+ Promoting a positive message to the community of diversity in the workplace and social inclusion

+ A life changing positive impact on the student and their family

Facts

+ People with a disability - just like all employees - bring a range of skills and abilities to the workplace, and can strengthen your business through a more diverse, inclusive and stable workforce

+ 92% of the public view companies employing people with a disability more favourably than those that do not

+ 87% of the public also agree that they would prefer to give their business to companies employing people with a disability

What is the outcome?

It is our goal that all students finish their traineeship with ongoing employment. We do not stop working with our students once they are qualified; we are here for students at the conclusion of their traineeship to ensure they have sustainable ongoing employment.

Introducing our supported School Based Traineeships

Open Minds recently introduced a new employment program to provide supported School Based Traineeships for Year 10, 11 & 12 students with a verified disability. Our Schools Division support

students to help them get their first job whilst completing high school and provide the tools for them to commence a career pathway.

Bailey and Billy

The Open Minds Employment Services team assisted Bailey to begin a School Based Traineeship (SBT) in Retail with Cash Converters. Bailey was so keen to give a good impression on his first day that he arrived 30 minutes early and was waiting for the store to open! The recent rain wasn’t a good enough excuse for Bailey to not go to work – he chose to brave the weather conditions. His employer is really impressed with his work ethic.

Billy has also commenced a SBT in Retail with Cash Converters. Billy has already shown terrific initiative by not waiting for instructions from his supervisor and taking on tasks himself – impressing his employer by showing he is a real self starter.

Both Bailey and Billy go to the same school and both they and their families are so happy for the support given by Open Minds, which included buying work-ready clothes to wear on their first day. A comment from the School after their first day at work was, “both of the boys really enjoyed working at Cash Converters and this is a great fit for both of them,

thank you so much”. The Manager at Cash Converters is delighted that both of them are doing so well.

Aleisha

Our Employment Services Schools Division have supported Aleisha to commence a School Based Traineeship in Hospitality with Red Rooster.

Aleisha comes from a big family of seven children, loves cooking and is very keen to learn as much as she can about hospitality. Her dream is to pursue a career in this area once she completes high school.

Aleisha will be the first person in her family to complete high school and her parents are hoping that she will be the role model for her younger siblings. Her family were so grateful to Open Minds for assisting Aleisha by supplying her with work-ready clothes - Aleisha will certainly look the part in her workplace!

Both the Franchise Owner and the Store Manager are very supportive of the program and of Aleisha.

Students following their dreams

Want to know more? We would love to hear from you!

p: 1300 673 664 or 07 3896 4222 e: schools@openminds.org.au

Better Days Autumn Edition 201713

Once established, Wattle House will provide access to a comprehensive therapeutic and peer support program for ADF service men and women (current and veterans) that includes both group activities and individual support. Case Management will facilitate linkages to specific in- house and external programs that include, but are not limited to:

+ Psychological support

+ Budgeting and Financial Management

+ Activities of daily living - Grocery shopping, Menu Planning and cooking skills

+ Maintenance of Physical Health and fitness with a gymnasium on site

+ Social skills

+ Relationship guidance

+ Managing substance abuse

+ Vocational guidance, training and education

+ Planning engagement in leisure activities and developing hobbies

National Review of the services available to veterans and members of the ADF

On 11 August 2016, the Prime Minister announced a review of the services available to veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in relation to the prevention of self-harm and suicide. This Review was undertaken by the National Mental Health Commission and the final report was presented to the Prime Minister on 28 March this year.

The Wattle League Foundation, Open Minds’ philanthropic arm, provided a significant and considered submission to the Review. Our submission was developed in partnership with leading clinicians and practitioners in their fields, all integral in the scoping work relating to Wattle House, and its step up, step down supports for ADF veterans experiencing mental ill health due to their service to country.

The Government is considering the Review recommendations and determining future actions to strengthen efforts to prevent suicide and self-harm amongst current and former serving members of the ADF.

A response to the Review will be released by 30 June 2017.

Wattle House Model of Service Workshop

The 9th of February 2017 saw an impressive group come together at Open Minds Head Office with a shared goal to develop a model of service that will be provided to ADF veterans during their stay at Wattle House.

We were joined by veterans Sean Mulqueen and Tom Williams, physicians, clinicians and individuals from Ex-Service Organisations working with veterans on a daily basis.

Sean and Tom provided invaluable advice gained through their extensive work supporting their mates in the former ADF network through the difficulties they experience post-service.

It is clear the program will require a personalised recovery service model, with clear goals set for each veteran during their stay at Wattle House. This will not be ‘just another place to stay’ - its focus will be recovery.

Some services and therapies will be accessed on-site, with others off-site. Each veteran’s needs are unique, so the program of services in which they participate and access will vary.

Some may be focussed on employment and need to work on job readiness with our Employment Services team, some may even undertake work experience whilst residing at Wattle House. Others may need access to family and individual counselling and therapy, or help with budgeting and setting financial goals.

The peer support amongst the residing cohort will be an invaluable element unique to Wattle House – veterans helping veterans achieve their chosen goals on a road to long-term recovery.

2017 shaping up as a big year for the Wattle League Foundation

The Wattle League Foundation continues to go from strength to strength, with so much progress and collaboration taking place on the Foundation’s first project – Wattle House.

Workplace Giving Program Launched

In April 2017, Open Minds launched its Workplace Giving program, providing our staff with an opportunity to donate to the Wattle League Foundation, directly from their pre-tax pay.

By signing up to the Workplace Giving program, our staff donations will assist the Foundation to deliver programs to people in need of supports to recover from mental illness. The first of these programs will be Wattle House, supporting Australian veterans experiencing mental ill health as a direct result of their service to country.

It doesn't take much to make a difference. Our staff know that forgoing a cup of coffee once a week and instead contributing to the Wattle League Foundation DOES make a difference!

If your organisation would like to support the Wattle League Foundation through your staff Workplace Giving program, contact marketing@openminds.org.au for more information, or visit www.wattleleaguefoundation.org.au

Giving starts with us

“I didn’t hesitate to sign up to the staff Workplace Giving program to support our Wattle League Foundation. I’m honoured to have a chance to give back to our ADF veterans and I am proud of Open Minds for their work in this space. Our legacy and history lives on in our Foundation and its first program to support our ex-service men and women.

With so many ADF personnel experiencing mental ill heath as a consequence of their service for our country, the establishment of Wattle House is very timely indeed, and sorely needed.

Donating through the Workplace Giving program means I know 100% of my donation goes directly

towards the Wattle League Foundation. Giving pre-tax via this method also maximises my donation – another great win.”

John GimpelGeneral Manager Business Development Open Minds staff member

Our Commitment: Your Future. Your Way

Proud to serve our country “We all have stories to tell about the difficulties we experienced upon our return. Some of us were hospitalised, some of us struggled through on our own. We were all asked what a non-acute facility should provide – we all agreed it should look and feel nothing like a hospital. We all stressed long term ‘recovery’ as the focus for Wattle House. We don’t want to go anywhere that doesn’t fix us – we need to set goals and recovery targets. Most of us are young and have our lives ahead of us. When we are well we have a lot to give back to our country, our community and our loved ones. We are proud to serve our country - if we had our time over again we would do it all the same.”

Tom WilliamsSapper, Australian Defence Force (retired)

A family’s experience“My husband was hospitalised on a number of occasions both in Victoria and Queensland – psychiatric wards are not places for family and especially not places for children.

If there was a facility during our time of need that could have included family we all would have understood his condition and treatment needs better. I fully support the establishment of Wattle House”

Partner of ADF Veteran, Queensland

Make a donation today at: www.wattleleaguefoundation.org.au