Welcome to 2022
The brand new year is here and it’s time to welcome 2022 with lads of positivity and enthusiasm. A new year brings with it fresh opportunities, possibilities and signifies a new start and while things may not look perfect at the start of the year considering hike in daily count of Covid cases, our positive outlook can go a long way in making 2022 a special year for personal growth and development.
End of Year Celebration:
To celebrate the festive season and look forward to the New Year. a scrumptious lunch was enjoyed by members at the new Holiday Inn
Bistro in Werribee.
Priscilla and Mena did a wonderful job by organising a raffle with a list of some beautiful prizes donated by generous people which helped towards funding the lunch.
Thank you Priscilla and Mena
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Carer Gateway will refer you to the support you need –
1800 422 737
Tandem Carer Support & Referral line – 1800 314 325
Head to Help – to access support – 1800 595 212
Carers Victoria – 1800 242 636
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Mensline Australia – 1300 789 978
Women’s Support line – 1300 134 130
Head to Help – 1800 595 212
Lifeline – 13 11 14
E Headspace – 1800 650 890 (12 – 25 yr old’s)
Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs are now operating in Victoria:
The Hubs provide a mix of free face-to-face support, telehealth, mobile outreach and online delivery services. The Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs are available to Victorians of all ages who have mental health or wellbeing concerns. 
The COVID pandemic has highlighted the need for easily accessible mental health services to provide people with the “support they need when they need it”. A Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub in Werribee is managed by MIND where in-person support services are being delivered.
Support workers will assess a person’s need, help develop strategies to cope, and provide direct links and pathways to other health and social support needs; all services are free. Support is available for families, friends and carers of people who are experiencing mental health issues.
To access a Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub call: 1300 375 330 to have an initial discussion.
First Meeting for 2022
Michelle Wright, COTA (Council of The Ageing) was a guest speaker at this meeting.
She explained the Living Longer Living Stronger Program the she is co-ordinating with funding from Carers Vic and will be available through the Carer Gateway.
She spoke to the carers present to find out what barriers, if any and about their exercise routine in their caring role.
Michelle also mentioned another program aimed at female carers aged 30-40 who are looking for paid work. She will be sending Patricia the details for distribution to members.
Everyone appreciated Michelle taking the time to come out and talk to us.
FUNDING TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESPITE FOR CARERS
The Victorian Government has announced that 55 projects will receive funding totaling $9.5 million to provide additional hours of respite for carers in flexible and innovative ways as well as through traditional respite options.
Carers Victoria received $1,150,000 for servicing carers in the western region.
Take part in the 2022 Carer Wellbeing Survey
Across Australia millions of people provide care for family members or friends who are ill, have a disability, an addiction, or who are frail. Last year, the first annual Carer Wellbeing Survey found that carers are dedicated in their caring role and often find it rewarding – but that being a carer often has a big impact on the wellbeing and quality of life of carers. The report is available at www.carersaustralia.com.au
You can complete this year’s survey online using the link at http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/support-for-carers/carer-wellbeing-survey/
POPCORN SNACK BALLS
Ingredients
200-grams Fresh Dates (pitted)
¼ cup Coconut Oil (melted)
¼ cup Natural Nut Butter
4 cups Lightly Salted Popcorn (roughly crushed)
1 cup Fruit & Nut Mix (roughly chopped)
Directions
POPCORN SNACK BALLS
Ingredients
200-grams Fresh Dates (pitted)
¼ cup Coconut Oil (melted)
¼ cup Natural Nut Butter
4 cups Lightly Salted Popcorn (roughly crushed)
1 cup Fruit & Nut Mix (roughly chopped)
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Directions
1. Place dates in a food processor and pulse to make a rough paste. Add coconut oil and nut butter. Process until smooth.
2. Scrape date mixture into bowl. Add popcorn and fruit and nut mix. Mix with a wooden spoon until mixture binds.
3. Line a large tray with baking paper. Roll 2 tbs of mixture into balls and place on tray. Freeze for 30 minutes or until firm.
“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them:” – Walt Disney
LOCAL ADULT & OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERVICES
The Department of Health has published a report on the second phase of engagement for the new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services on the Engage Victoria website (https://tandemcarers.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f41b29b2b5acfa2b488cea7ef&id=cac923e8a9&e=eb033262cd) . (https://tandemcarers.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f41b29b2b5acfa2b488cea7ef&id=057e16c641&e=eb033262cd)
The department hosted online place-based forums in November 2021 for communities in each of the six locations receiving the first Local Services.
Forum participants discussed ways to make the new services relevant to their local community. This includes feedback about the local service system, local communities and their aspirations for the future Local Service.
The engagement report highlights the findings from each forum.
It also includes feedback from a series of targeted engagement sessions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations. These sessions explored how the new services can provide culturally safe and appropriate treatment, care and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Local Services will form a new service stream and are central to developing a responsive and integrated mental health and wellbeing system with community at its heart.
The first six Local Services are due to open in Benalla, Brimbank, Frankston, Greater Geelong, Latrobe Valley, and Whittlesea by the end of 2022.
You can read the place-based engagement report on the Engage Victoria website. Click here
