SUPPORT WORKER NEWSLETTER AUTUMN ISSUE 2016

WHAT'S INSIDE

AUTUMN 2016Here we are well into Autumn already! One term is over, we are well into term two and we have all been so busy. For most of you the year is in full swing now with school and uni on the go and we hope lots of work with IOE.

We have had a number of our long term support workers leave us, as they complete their studies, to take on full time work in their chosen field. We are gratified to hear how much their experience with IOE has enhanced their confidence and skills as they launch their new careers. We are sorry to see them go but wish them all the best.

We began the year with an early recruitment of support workers, to replace those who have left, with great success. Welcome to our new support workers, we hope working with IOE will be the great experience for you so many before you have found it to be.

Enjoy our lovely Melbourne Autumn and the chance to watch the colours slowly change.

- Anna and Bern

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Interchange Outer East 5-7 Yose Street, Ferntree Gully Victoria 3156

(03) 9758 5522 | ioe@ioe.org.au | www.ioe.org.au

PROGRAMS IN PROFILE

Emergency After Hours Number: 0439 883 667

Activ8

Our Activ8 program is all about bringing the community together through activities and programs where all are welcome. We have some great photos of the Kids Moving group and the silent disco from the DiveIn Cinema event. Our young man pictured looks like he has had enough moving for today thanks very much! If you want to get involved with Activ8 either in the Yarra Valley or Knox give Heather or Karina a call.

Adult Services: (photo left is spray painting at Community)

SPOTLIGHT ON LINK, BAYSWATER. If you don’t know, LINK is a day service site that runs many different programs through out its week. The site runs programs mainly Mon-Fri 9am-3pm over 4 terms. We are running two Intentional Learning

NewsInformationThings to doArticlesEventsLast laughand more....

Cont. pg 2:

With everything in full swing for 2016 by now, have you taken the time to update us on your current availability.

We note the times you are not available for shifts and when looking for support workers will bypass those who are noted as unavailable. You can update by sending in a new availability form or just give a coordinator a call to check what our system has recorded.

If it has been a while since your last update our records may be out of date and you will be missing out on being offered shifts.

SUPPORT WORKER NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016

PROGRAMS IN PROFILE continued.

Outcome Programs this year and these programs run consecutive days and follow an ongoing outline. The two at Link are Health & Fitness and Communication. These are successful for many different reasons and great fun also.

We have a great group of permanent staff, as well as casual staff who we use on a semi regular basis; in addition we have volunteers who assist with all areas of the day.

21 people attend Link through out the week. On 3 days we have a third group runs along

side the Intesives Programs and focus on each persons individual goals so they can achieve the things they want.

We all agree, Link is a fun and exciting place to be.

If you would like to be on the casual list for the adult prorams or just want to know more about know them you are welcome to volunteer with them for half a day. Meet the people and let them meet you.

Give Sarah Wilson a call if you are interested in finding out more. Ph; 9758 5522

AVAILABILITY UPDATE

Link cont.

The are many tools available to help us to work better. Thanks to Freya who recently shared information about apps she has found helpful on our Support Workers of Interchange Outer East facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1600223170265220/.

A quick search on google found these apps she suggested. If you find a tool that helps in the work you do please share it with us all.

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pictello-talking-visual-story/id397858008?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.specialiapps.specialstories&hl=en

http://touchautism.com/app/social-stories-creator-library/

ENHANCING COMMUNICATION

WINTER WARNINGS

FREE TRAINING

We are offering two opportunities to undertake Personal Care training with IOE.

FERNTREE GULLY

Date: Thursday 12th May 2016

Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Training Room @ Yose St, FTG

LILYDALE

Date: Thursday 26th May 2016

Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Network – Shop 2/6 Clarke St,

Numbers: Maximum 16 participants

Respond to Emma Robertson at

emma.robertson@ioe.org.au to register your availability to attend.

Free Training cont.:

With the winter months coming so too does cold and flu season. Autumn is a great time to do some pre planning by updating your flu vaccinations. Why not consider stocking up on some echinacea tablets if vitamins are your thing or maybe investigate the latest super smoothie for fighting those winter lurgies before they hit.

Our policy and procedures provide important information for you to know what is expected of you and also to assist you to perform your role well. When considering your health it is important that you keep us informed. If you have an illness or injury that affects the way you do your job we need to know. We will work with you to ensure your wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of those you work with.

In most cases it is vital that you don’t “soldier on” as this may compromise your health or the health of those you are working with.

If you feel that the person you are working with may have an infection and are concerned about cross contamination, please discuss this with your co-ordinator or call the after hours emergency telephone to discuss your concerns. When in doubt always talk to us as we are here to help.

Our cancellation policy and infectious diseases policies are available to you. Please take the time to refresh your knowledge of these policies and again call and speak to coordiantors if you have any questions.

http://www.ioe.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cancellation-Policy-2014_2.pdf

Infectious diseases policy attached.

One way to ensure your ongoing health and that of the person you are working with is by ensuring you practice vigilance in infection control precautions. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks as needed, performing hand hygiene and respiratory/cough etiquitte.

Using the links below will help you to identify good practice and give you the tools to ensure you can put the practices into use.

http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/4EPR_AM2.pdf

Here is the link to practise correct handwashing prcedure. The standard package takes about 10 mins to complete.

http://www.hha.org.au/LearningPackage/olp-home.aspx

IOE NEWS

Upgrade to first aid requirements:

We have decided that the minimum reqirement for first aid will now be a certificate level HLTAID004 - Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting. The unit applies to educators and support staff working within an education and care setting who are required to respond to a first aid emergency, including asthmatic and anaphylactic emergencies.

In some situations, the course component in a TAFE or University qualification will be considered if it can be proven to be equivalent to this level. HLTAID003 certificate will still be accepted if it is current but must be upgraded at renewal.

All support workers will be required to upgrade to HLTAID004 as their current certificate becomes due for renewal.

Staff movement/news:

Jess Van Arendonk (volunteer coordinator) has taken leave awaiting the birth of her baby mid year. Jess’s cheery presence is sorely missed in portable 3.

Jacinta Benne will be heading off on another road trip with her family so the jacinta/lauren duo has been reduced to Lauren.

We welcome back Kat Drake and Bel Minett from maternity leave

More baby news with pregnancies for Emma Robertson (with no. 3), Rachael Cantwell (with no. 2) , Bee Wallace (first).

Congratulations:

To the new mums.

Michaela A, Ellen Y and Bel B along with all the other new mums as you jump in to the great adventure that is motherhood.

K-Mart Spare Change:

Don’t forget to shop at K-Mart Knox to donate your spare change to our

programs. See IOE facebook page for more.

THINGS TO DO...

Event orActivity Details...

National Rhododendron Gardens, Olinda

Exploring the gardensThe gardens are endowed by the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. Tall Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) provide a magnificent vertical accent to the gar-dens. Mountain Ash are the tallest flowering trees in the world.Magnificent views overlook Silvan Reservoir, the Yarra Valley, Warburton Ranges and Mount Baw Baw. Many species of birds and animals frequent the gardens. The resident lyrebirds may occasionally be seen or heard.Take your time and enjoy all of the constantly changing vistas of the gardens, or if you would prefer, take a shorter walk to specific area of the gardens.Should you decide to walk the entire Gardens (a round trip of approximately 5km) you will encounter some steeper grades.The friendly staff at the Gift Shop at the Main Entrance will be delighted to advise and direct you to areas of the gardens that most interest you.http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/national-rhododendron-garden

Redwood Forest - Cement Creek (Warburton)

One of the best kept secrets in the hills is the forest of Californian Redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens, a few kilometres outside Warburton. http://www.visitwarburton.com.au/activity/redwood-forest-cement-creek

Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is an iconic 40 km recreation trail for walkers, cy-clists and horse riders. The trail follows the path of the historical railway line through the stunning Yarra Valley starting behind Lilydale Railway Station and finishing in the Warburton township. Jump on anywhere from Lilydale to Warburtonhttp://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Lists/Parks-Facilities/Lilydale-to-Warburton-Rail-Trail

Roll Play, Healesville

There is a new, AMAZING and safe place to take the bikes, scooters and trikes and let the kids do laps. Roll Play has opened at Queens Park in Healesville and is a perfect spot to learn to ride. The interweaving tracks are sealed and include wide sweeping bends, a hills section and lots of animal tracks to follow. Our little native buddies are the theme of the playspace and the signs along the track hint help teach little ones about bike safety, making sure you give way to kangaroos, watch out for wombats and slow down for snakes. There are some great little places to play along the tree stumps or have a rest along the way at the bowerbird houses. http://www.mammaknowseast.com.au/places-to-go/roll-play-healesville

Wyreena Com-munity Arts Centre, Croydon

Wyreena is set within a magnificent historical estate featuring gracious buildings and the Conservatory Café overlooking an new adventure playground, within four acres of delightful gardens. http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Wyreena.aspx

Wally Tew Re-serve, Ferntree Gully This recently updated park, Wally Tew in Ferntree Gully is teaming with buggy goodness,

from the leaves that shelter the wooden play frame, to the birds nest slide and then the giant bug like climbing structure. There are hidden treasures all around the space. The playspace is fully fenced and is accessible for all abilities, including a Liberty Swing.http://www.mammaknowseast.com.au/parks-and-playgrounds/wally-tew-reserve-ferntree-gully

SUPPORT WORKER NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016

Take advantage of the lovely Autumn weather and get out and experience those

beautiful displays of colour

Your complaint will be heard: As participants of Interchange Outer East we all have to right to complain should we feel that we need to. Your rights are set out in our complaints policy and the staff manual. http://www.ioe.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Complaints-Policy-and-Procedure-2013_2.pdfhttp://www.ioe.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/STAFFMANUAL-2013.pdf

SUPPORT WORKER NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016

A: 5 - 7 Yose Street Ferntree Gully, Vic 3156

P: (03) 9758 5522 F: (03) 9758 5899

E: ioe@ioe.org.au W: www.ioe.org.au

Emergency After Hours Number: 0439 883 667

INTERCHANGE OUTER EAST

Download a copy of our Newsletter from our website www.ioe.org.au/newsletters/

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LAST LAUGH

WINTER WARMERS; COOKING UP A STORM

Chicken & Basil Pesto PizzaIngredients:• 1 chicken breast or thigh

• Pesto dip or basil pesto

• cherry tomatoes halved

• 1/4 onion - red

• hand full grated mozzarella cheese

• handful grated parmesan

• spinach or basil leaves

• tortilla or small wholemeal wrap

Directions:1. Preheat oven to 180°C. 2. Grill poach or bake chicken. (or use pre cooked chicken)3. Heat a small skillet pan over medium high heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add chopped red onion and cook about 5 minutes or until caramelized. 4. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Place wrap or tortilla on baking sheet. Spread basil pesto sauce evenly on wrap. Top with chopped tomato, caramelized onions, spinach, cheeses and grilled chicken. 4. Bake in oven for about 12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is crispy. Top with freshly chopped basil. Enjoy!

Ttip- for a crispier crust, place wrap directly onto oven rack. Add sliced green or red peppers if desired.

Chicken and Corn soup

• 2 chicken breast

• 1 leek

• 2 can creamed corn

• 1 glove garlic

• 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a pot and place on stove top.

Simmer until chicken is cooked and falling apart.

Shred chicken and blend briefly with a Barmix.