December, 2024 No 7
Dear Proactive Support Staff and Participants,
Let me tell you about Wobbly.
One day when he was still quite a young chick I saw him looking different. He had been all roughed up; his feathers were sticking out and he had gone all wobbly.
From that day on he got the name ‘Wobbly’ and he was never the same again. Once I saw him fall over and he couldn’t get up. He spun around and around, wings and legs in all directions, and he only returned upright when I picked him up and stood him up. Pretty soon I realised he couldn’t fly, which is kind of hard for a chicken. He could hardly get his balance, and even hopping up a step was hard for him.
He couldn’t perch at night like all the others, up high. He became a ground dweller, and when I put out mash in bowls for the chicks he would wobble into the coop and almost lie down with his face in it. I guess he couldn’t exercise much like all the other chooks, so he slowly wobbled around and ate as much as he could cos he was really good at that.
One day, there was a big storm, and I worried about Wobbly. After it was all over, I went out to check on him. All the other chickens had taken shelter, but not Wobbly. I don’t think he could run that fast. He just stood in the storm and got hammered. His feathers were awry, laced with grit, and he was saturated but at least he was still alive. Indoors, I washed him, towelled him dry and gave him some TLC before I put him back with the other chickens.
I knew he was vulnerable, and I cared more about my chicken with a disability than all the other able-bodied chookies.
One day last month Wobbly died. I knew it was coming. He wasn’t growing as big as his peers, and he seemed listless and had no energy. I guess in the end his body just gave in and he lay down in the coop and went into his eternal sleep. Geoff gave him a decent burial under a rock in the front paddock and I cried.
Wobbly taught me so much about resilience, courage and vulnerability, I don’t think I will ever forget him, even though he was ‘just a chicken.’
What about your life? How do you impact, teach and learn from others?
Beatrice Airs,
Director
Geoff and Kevin went on the Mary Valley Rattler 13 November and had a great time!
INTERESTING FACT
There are 5.5 million Australians with a disability, representing 21.4 per cent of the population
ADLs are the basic self-care tasks we do every day, like showering, brushing our teeth, or getting dressed. But not everyone finds it easy or remembers to do these things regularly. When working with a participant, it's important to help them practice these tasks. It can improve their quality of life, build important skills, and help them reach their goals. Taking every chance to boost someone’s confidence and independence will make a big difference in their growth and well-being.
Be Prepared
We’ve already had some big storms and hot days this season, so it's important to be prepared. Below, you'll find some tips that everyone can use to get ready for disasters and emergencies. As part of our NDIS registration requirements, you’ll receive a copy of our new Emergency, Pandemic, and Disaster Management Plans before Christmas, which cover a range of different events. If you don’t have your own personal Emergency Plan yet, be sure to check your green Proactive Support Welcome Pack! You can fill it out with help from your family or support worker.
Be prepared and tackle safety head-on by following these simple tips:
- Develop a household emergency plan by identifying and practising evacuation routes, establishing communications strategies, and designating meeting points. Ensure your entire household understands their roles during an emergency.
- Create and regularly update an emergency supply kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and first aid supplies, including items for any pets.
- Stay informed about severe weather through the city’s Disaster Dashboard, which provides emergency news, power outages, road conditions, weather warnings, sandbag stations, and flood gauges.
- Subscribe to MoretonAlert for alerts straight to your phone and email.
- Secure your home by trimming trees, clearing gutters, securing loose items, and knowing how to shut off utilities.
For more resources visit: disaster.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
https://emberapp.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/EMBER-Preparability-NDIS-Provider-Booklet_FINAL.pdf
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What happens when a strawberry gets run over crossing the street?
Traffic jam!
Supporting the Carers
- Did you know that 1 in 11 of people in Queensland care for a family member or friend?
- Did you know that Australia has 391,300 carers under 25?
- Did you know that 11.9% or 3 million of Australians are carers?
- Did you know that 12.8% of all females and 11.1% of all males are carers?
- Did you know that there are 1.2 million primary carers in Australia and that 43.8% of these have a disability themselves?
That’s a lot! But who takes care of the carers? Did you also know that NILS® is a community-based program that gives carers access to fair, safe, and affordable credit for the purchase of essential goods and services?
Let’s have a look at what supports carers have available to them to stay well, healthy, and connected.
Carer Gateway has service providers in each state and territory where you can access:
· In-person and online peer support groups
· Tailored support packages
· In-person and phone counselling
· In-person and online self-guided coaching
· Online skills courses
· Access to emergency respite
For more information, call 1800 422 737.
Carers Australia serves as the national peak body representing unpaid carers across the country. The organisation plays a crucial advocacy role, working to shape policies and services at a national level in the best interests of carers. Contact 1300 747 636 or info@carersqld.com.au
The Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative was established to acknowledge the valuable contributions of carers and foster a more inclusive, supportive environment for Australians providing unpaid care. This initiative focuses on creating workplaces that understand and support the unique challenges faced by carers in the community.
The Carer Program aims to support carers through consultation, workshops, training, carer retreats, and connection with local communities and other carers.
The Young Carers Network (YCN) is a nationally coordinated resource aimed at raising awareness about young carers, offering essential information and guiding young carers to suitable support pathways.
No Interest Loans for Queensland Carers can be available, because caring for a family member or friend can involve unexpected costs. In partnership with Good Shepherd Microfinance, Carers Queensland offers a No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS®) which provides up to $2,000 for eligible Queensland based carers on low incomes. For example, to buy a computer, make a repayment, household items, medical procedures, dental, car repairs, etc.
Carer Statements
A Carer Statement or an Impact Statement is a letter written by the carer of someone with disability. It’s not a requirement, but it can strengthen an application by providing a clear picture of everyday living, bringing to light what supports are needed. While it may be confronting to detail your experience as a carer, being honest of even the difficulties gives the NDIS a more complete overview, so they can allocate the appropriate type of funding.
(Adapted from Leap In! Newsletter)
Being a carer can have its challenges, so being aware of possible assistance can provide the help the carer needs to stay well also.
To find out more, contact: Beatrice Airs, Director, Proactive Support,
Phone: 0406940123
Email: info@proactive-support.com.au
Website: www.proactive-support.com.au
My uncle named his dogs Timex and Rolex. They're his watch dogs.
WANTED: EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
i am looking at starting a support group for amputees in the South Burnett region. If your are an amputee, family member or carer and you may be interested, please contact Michelle: southburnettamputees@hotmail.com
Whether you are young or old new to this journey or have been on this journey for a long time, you are welcome to come along
When: Monthly
Where: Maybe Kingaroy RSL (depending on interest received)
What is it all about: I am hoping to start this group to help others with amputations support each other through good and bad times by telling your story. Telling your story is not compulsory. It is up to you what you wish to share with the group and when. Hoping to hear from people real soon.
I have also started a Facebook page. To join, go to Facebook, enter in search bar, “South Burnett Amputees,” and join.
Marketing
Hello, Proactive Participants & Staff!
Happy Summer! If you have an anniversary, birthday, story, or accomplishment you would like to share, please contact us, Paula Ward
Text: 0406940123
communications@proactive-support.com.au
