Join us to see two free film screenings to acknowledge Refugee Week 2020. The Year of Welcome, will feature Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce with an opening address and guest speakers from refugee backgrounds.
WHEN: 17th June 2020
WHERE: Via ZOOM
TIME: Session 1 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Session 2 6:30pm to 8:30pm
REGISTRATION: Go Here for Session 1 at 2:30pm
Did you know that the Department of Health provides a variety of support services and resources for Seniors when looking for help with the COVID 19 crisis? Call the Support Line on 1800 171 866 or go to Department of Health for a complete list of resources and advice.
As we get older things like health or physical challenges can make everyday tasks difficult. When you’re looking to stay in your own home, asking for help does not mean that you need to move or lose your independence.
At Gymea Community Aid and Information Service (GCAIS), we are funded to facilitate services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). What this means to you if you’re over 65 is we can support you with basic domestic services around the house such as:
Do You Qualify?
Eligibility for this program is based on your support needs and age.
To be eligible for this program, you must be aged:
A face-to-face assessment will determine eligibility and ensure that the right services are made available to those that need them
The Costs
Once eligible, as you receive the services you are asked for a small contribution.
How Does It Work
GCAIS have a caring and enthusiastic team of Program Coordinators and Support Workers ready to deliver these services to you. Once you register with My Aged Care, you will receive an assessment by the RAS team (Regional Assessment Service). Once approved, you then choose your provider.
GCAIS also have workers to help with Chinese, Greek, Italian and Arabic speaking clients
Getting Started
Contact us on 9524 9559 or Aged@gcais.ngo.org.au for support throughout the process of registering with My Aged Care or for any support you need to acquire these services.
Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, to concretely impact their own lives and play a constructive role in their communities by volunteering their time. Through volunteerism, communities around the world often experience strengthened solidarity and inclusion. Here at GCAIS we couldn’t do any of our great work without our 100 plus volunteers. This week we salute you!
A group of community and in-home aged care providers in the Shire are encouraging older people to be careful with their personal information during the COVID-19 lockdown and seek help if they are being harmed in their own homes.
The Collaborative Against the Abuse of Older People in Sutherland Shire has produced a flyer [attached], which is being distributed through GPs and chemists, as well as community services that provide services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages. The information campaign is the latest in an ongoing series of projects since the Collaborative formed in 2016 to support aged care in the community.
“Our staff and volunteers in the field work very hard to identify and respond to signs of abuse and neglect in our clients, but we’re not seeing many of them at the moment because our social activities are closed, and frankly we are concerned”, according to Collaborative Chair, Melinda Paterson, who is also the Manager of Engadine Community Services.
“All the risk factors that make older people vulnerable to physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse and neglect have been present and growing for the past six weeks. Older people are isolated, families are stressed and many younger people are financially stretched, so we’re worried that trusting relationships could break down or advantages be taken.”
“It’s important for older people to be vigilant about their personal safety and call on formal Community Services to get the right support during the pandemic. We’re all here to help.”
The Collaborative is part of a network of similar groups assisted by the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission, which also has an abuse helpline 1800 628 221.
Need a list of food donation services currently operating during the COVID 19 crisis? Look no further!!!
Our weekly service for providing Visa and Immigration Advice is still operating throughout the COVID 19 restrictions. Our agent will connect with clients utilising either ZOOM or SKYPE technology. Meetings are conducted on Wednesday mornings.
To find out more and to make an appointment, contact us at Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au or, leave a message on 02 9524 9559 and we’ll respond within 2 hours.
Louiza, far right with local member, Eleni Petinos.
Louiza Knijnik 16, is a student of Caringbah High School and a youth leader at the School’s Refugee Forum. She is also a member of the young people organising the project, Changing The Narrative, facilitated by GCAIS and led by our Community Worker, Kalpna Patel.
COVID 19 is throwing quite a challenge to us. You can help the Community by helping each other. Sutherland Shire have produced the attached postcode to encourage a connected and supportive community.
Our office and Centre have been closed from 25th March 2020 due to the COVID 19 crisis. This does not mean our business is closed and we continue to offer our advertised services to over 65s for:
– Individual Social Support
– Assisted Shopping
– Pet Owner’s Network
Leave us a voicemail on 02 95249559 or send an email to Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au and we’ll respond to you during normal working hours of Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4:00pm
Hear from our General Manager, Joanne Cracknell
Well, things are moving very fast in regards to the COVID – 19 situation. It is fair to say, we are all learning as we go and are staying close to information and instructions as shared by the Department of Health and other trusted resources. The care of our workers, clients and community members are top of mind and I wanted to share with you what we are doing here at GCAIS to help stop the spread:
We understand this situation will impact on those feeling isolated and lonely. If you would like to receive our updates, please subscribe to our newsletter by sending an email to Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au and/or liking us on Facebook https://business.facebook.com/gymeacommunityaid/
Resources to understand COVID 19
Sutherland Shire Support Services
We would like to confirm that whilst the COVID – 19 virus situation is evolving by the minute, our Centre remains open until further notice. The following precautions are in practice:
We are currently following the advice of Department of Health and governing bodies and will keep our clients and community updated if and as the situation changes. We understand this situation is challenging and impacts those feeling socially isolated and lonely. We ask that individuals take responsibility for their own health and well being and stay isolated if displaying any signs of the virus.
Alternatively, those clear of infection are welcome to come and visit us, grab a book from the Street Library and join us for a cuppa!
For more information, contact us on 02 95249559 or email Frontdesk.volunteer@gcais.ngo.org.au
GCAIS are pleased to advise we are able to extend our shopping assistance. Here’s how it works:
We ask that Clients take responsibility for their health and avoid contact with our workers if feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms related to the virus. In this situation, we will work with you to keep personal contact minimal.
For more information and to reserve a date and time, contact Rita or Rowena on 95249559 or email Aged@gcais.ngo.org.au
With the well-being of our Clients and Workers in mind, the following changes have been implemented affecting GCAIS Groups and Activities. These changes are based on:
All groups and activities will cease from 18th March 2020 – 1st April 2020. Only shopping assistance and the operation of the Gymea Community Centre are exempt. Group leaders will be in contact in regards to next steps for each of the groups.
At this stage, we have NOT been instructed by the authorities to completely shutdown. Our reasons are based on what we have listed above. Further communications will be shared as advise and direction are provided to us.
We are conscious this situation will have an impact on those feeling isolated and vulnerable. As such, we have extended our assisted shopping service and doing all possible to keep our Centre open during it’s normal hours of Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm.
We ask that each visitor to the Centre take responsibility for their health and avoid entering the Centre if feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms related to the virus.
See information on our Assisted Shopping
For further information contact us on 02 95249559 or email Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au
Due to client concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak, the following group outings have been cancelled. Alternatively, we have increased our shopping assistance service to clients who are registered with MyAgedCare. Shopping assistance is a cost of $20 for 2 hours and we can assist you in doing your shopping with a carer and/or, give us your list and we’ll get it done for you!
Contact us on 95249559 or, Aged@gcais.ngo.org.au to book a time slot.
Cancelled social groups are:
– Monday Social Group: 23rd March 2020
– Multicultural Women’s Group: 17th March 2020
– Wednesday Social Group: 18th March 2020
– Tuesday Indian Social Group: 24th March 2020
Our walking groups are set up and awaiting your registration. In conjunction with Heart Foundation Walking, we have formed 5 groups to meet the needs of all ages and fitness levels. What’s even better, we have placed as much attention on the “after walk” social for those with the time to stay with the group just that little bit longer. Think cafes, smoothies, great conversation. Today it’s Gymea/Cronulla-tomorrow, Kokoda!!!
CommUNITY 2019: Awareness:Advocacy:Action
Led and inspired by young people CommUNITY 2019 raises awareness of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. Youth leaders bought together young people within the Sutherland Shire, Illawarra and St George communities, and through a program of interactive activities motivated them to act to reduce social exclusion, bullying, harassment and racism.
We understand that many of our workers and clients have been affected by the recent bush fire crisis. Many of you are engaged in fighting the fires and participating in community activities positioned to provide help and support to the victims. At the very least, many of us continue to feel the affects of the poor air quality which is expected to continue for some time.
We will continue to share any resources or information we receive. Alternatively, if there is any information you would like us to share through our network then send through to us.
Stay safe, look out for each other, and please reach out if we can help in any way.
GO HERE to find out how you can help
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