In 2012 it is proposed to run a few short courses called Money Minded which are budgetting sessions to provide people the financial skills for the future. We will also be holding a community consultation to hear what people in the local community see as a need that we may be able to address either through the Neighbouhood Centre or in partnesrhip with other agencies and the community.

They provide over 10,000 meals a month with approx 700 clients from Mooney Mooney in the South to lake Munmorah in the north. They also have 5 community restaurants located from Umina to San Remo.

The organisation is managed by a voluntary committee with paid staff in place to provide daily services.

Central Coast Meals on Wheels needs volunteers as many of their current volunteers are aging and the organisation needs to continually increase their volunteer base to provide future services.

A new program called “Flexible Foods” has commenced. The aim of this program is to provide socialisation with a food theme. New and interesting roles such as taking clients shopping, shopping for clients, sharing meals with clients, assisting with cooking programs externally or in a client’s home, mentoring clients on nutrition and supermarket tours are part of the assistance volunteers will be involved in.

Volunteers are reimbursed for their fuel expenses.

Meals on Wheels need their communities’ help. You are only asked to donate a couple of hours a fortnight or month and would like to help bring some happiness to a client’s life.

If you would like to help this important organisation phone staff on 0243829444 or email admin@ccmow.com.au

The purpose of the AGM is to present the organisation’s Annual Report and to elect a committee who will oversee current projects as well as look at future plans. 

We are seeking people who are able to give approximately 2hrs one Monday per month minimum and who believe in the organisation’s philosophy and objectives. We also need people with financial skills, management skills (business knowledge) but most importantly interest in their community. Meetings are held monthly with one meeting at Glenning Valley and the other at Bateau Bay to encompass the areas we represent.

 To become a committee member you must first become a financial member of the organisation (cost is $2.20) and be nominated by two current financial members.

Even if you aren’t able to join the committee we would like you to come along to meet the current committee and staff, as well as hear what the organisation is all about and the exciting new direction we will be moving into. A tasty morning tea will also be provided.

RSVP for catering purposes by Thursday, 6^th October, 2011.

*not her real name

Susan is a trusting, open and outgoing woman. Now 47, she lives in a local group home where she has lived for the past four years. Susan attends a day program two days a week and is interested in music (especially AC/DC), bushwalking, picnicking and going to the beach. Above all she enjoys a simple coffee and chat, usually a ‘Mocha at Maccas’. Susan would also like the chance to do some travel.

Over the years there has been major dislocation and disintegration of relationships in Susan’s life. From a very early age she lived in a number of institutions until her early 30s. Her many moves from place to place have made it difficult for her to develop lasting friendships and the high rate of staff turnover in places where she has lived has likely added to Susan’s sense of dislocation. Susan has never really known what it was like to be a part of a family and there have been few people that she has been able to depend on in her life. Despite this, Susan is extremely social and loves to sit and chat over coffee. She reciprocates friendship and kindness. 

In addition to a mild intellectual disability, Susan has some ongoing mental health issues. While her mental health has remained settled for much of the last few years, she can experience times of extreme stress when she finds it hard to cope and understand what is happening around her. At these times Susan especially needs the reassurance of an accepting and sensitive friend, who she knows is looking out for her.

Susan has a Citizen Advocate, Lisa, who has been involved in her life for the past 19 years. Lisa is Susan’s close friend, advocate and legal guardian. However as she now lives some distance away from Susan she is only able to see her on an infrequent basis. She will be continuing her guardianship, advocacy and friendship with Susan.

Susan needs a co-advocate who will:

*   Commit long-term and develop a deep personal connection with her and over time become a trusted friend who shares in joy and hardship

*   Be the ‘eyes and ears’ in her life, to monitor discreetly her situation

*   Be understanding and compassionate, have a good sense of humour, and is tolerant of the fact that Susan is a frequent smoker

Could you be that person, or know someone who might?

If you would like to find out more, please contact Matthew Dimmock, Citizen Advocacy Coordinator at Side By Side Advocacy on 9808 5500 or 0424 187 974 or ca@sidebysideadvocacy.org.au The prospective advocate will be progressively introduced to Susan and her story, and ongoing support is provided once a match is made.

Citizen Advocacy is a powerful and rewarding way of taking personal action to improve the life of a vulnerable and marginalised person in your community.

Citizen Advocacy: Social Justice for People with Disability

Links
Beyond Blue http://www.beyondblue.org.au

Reach Out http://au.reachout.com

Suicide Prevention http://www.suicideprevention.com.au

Mental Health Association NSW http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/