News and views from our community
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Baptcare introduces Caring Dads program October 2020
6 October 2020In a first for Tasmania, Baptcare is introducing Caring Dads™; an evidence-based behaviour-change program that helps fathers improve their relationship with their children when there has been a history of violence.Part of grant funding by the Department of Communities Tasmania to support responses to family and sexual violence as a result of COVID-19, Baptcare will be running Caring Dads™ alongside the existing evidence-based program Mothers in Mind®.Family and Community Services Tasmania Operations Manager, Chris Demeyer, says that both programs, which were developed in Canada and are internationally evidence-based, have great track records in improving relationships between parents and their children.Mr Demeyer reports “In Tasmania, there has been a need for a program for fathers; to develop skills to build better relationships with their children, particularly where family violence has been a factor. We’ve wanted to do this for some time, and this funding from the Department of Communities Tasmania has enabled us to bring in Caring Dads™ to sit alongside Mothers In Mind®; a mother and child group designed specifically to meet the parenting needs of mothers who have experienced trauma, such as family violence, childhood abuse or sexual assault, and have children under the age of four.”Mr Demeyer said that having both programs available will mean that Baptcare will now be able to work not only with mothers and children who have experienced family violence, but also the men who have used violence in their relationships.Caring Dads™ uses group work to engage with men who have used violence, or are at high risk of doing so, supporting them to stop controlling, abusive and neglectful behaviour. By connecting with other men, participants learn how to cope with frustrating situations in healthy ways and to strengthen and repair relationships with their children.Caring Dads™ is aimed at fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and those who play a fathering role and who:Worry about how angry they get with their childrenCriticise or blame the mother of their children in the presence of their childrenFeel like their children intentionally annoy themUse violence in the home toward their partner, or other adults and/or childrenComplain to their children about how their mother is spending child supportAre working with a professional who thinks this program might help themSince its development in Canada in 2001, Caring Dads™ has seen numerous benefits to including fathers in enhancing the safety and wellbeing of their children; including:Improving father-child relationshipsOffering an additional route to ending violence against womenModelling accountabilityAddressing fathers’ potential use of abuse in other relationships and with other childrenProviding an opportunity to monitor and contain risk from fathers during follow-up from the child safety and justice systemsCommencing in November 2020, Caring Dads™ groups will be run by trained facilitators across the state. It is anticipated each group will have 8-12 men participating.For referrals and more information about Caring Dads™ and Mothers in Mind® please contact:Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line (1800 000 123)Baptcare Northern Region, Ground Floor, 288 Invermay Road, Mowbray (6323 6700)Baptcare Southern Region, 4/95 Albert Road, Moonah (6283 5700).Media inquiriesBaptcare Communications 0400 503 713 or communications@baptcare.org.au
- 06 Oct 2020
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R U Okay? Day – Start a conversation that could change a life
We all experience life's ups and downs, particularly during times like these. Such moments can really challenge us, and sadly many people feel they don't have anyone to confide in. Today is R U OK? Day, when Australians are encouraged to invest more time in the people around them, to meaningfully connect and support one another. Asking that simple but important question "Are you OK?" could trigger a conversation that changes a life.R U OK? Day is held on the second Thursday in September, as a national day of action dedicated to supporting those who may be struggling. This year's message is 'There's more to say after R U OK?' At Baptcare, our mission and vision are lived through our WE CARE values and Wellbeing plays a significant role in who we are, and what we do. Starting conversations with those who may not be quite themselves goes towards living our values, cultivating an encouraging and safe workplace, and strengthening connections with our customers, residents, volunteers, and anyone we come across in our daily lives.Today, and every day, we encourage you to look for the signs that something’s not quite right with a friend, colleague, loved one, teammate, or neighbour – trust that gut instinct, reach out to them, and ask “Are you okay?”The question is just the beginning. Have a conversation that could change a life by remembering these 4 simple steps (ALEC):Ask R U Okay?ListenEncourageCheck inResources to assist you:ruok.org.au/every-day-resourcesYou can find further information and tools at www.ruok.org.au.
- 10 Sep 2020
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National Volunteer Week at Baptcare
National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible contribution of our 1000 volunteers. Here are just 2 stories describing the wonderful people that bring so much to our Baptcare community. Evelyn Wakeling has volunteered at Baptcare for an incredible 30 years, as the pianist for the Chapel services at the Hedley Sutton and Karana communities.Evelyn begins playing the piano before the residents are brought by carers to the Chapel - her presence known to the residents by the music flowing through the building. She hears them humming along to the music on arrival in the Chapel. “The people love to sing the old hymns,” says Evelyn.When asked about her experience Evelyn shares, “I love it, it’s something I can do without thinking. I love to play the piano; I have played since I was 5 years old. I get to know the residents and provide ministry to them after the service and I know it is something they enjoy. They may not know the words, but they know the melody, it is something they grew up with."Now living in Ferntree Gully, Evelyn makes the long drive to Hedley Sutton every Monday and Thursday. Last year, she was awarded a certificate of recognition for 30 of volunteering. Baptcare acknowledges this wonderful commitment and thanks Evelyn for serving others in this way.As a social worker of many years Jen Mitchell has a deep appreciation for the importance of positive influence amongst parents and young children. Following her retirement in 2013 she saw the opportunity to bring that rich experience to the Bendigo Homestart team. Jen was impressed by the training program for Homestart Mentors and immediately felt part of the team.Since completing the training Jen has worked with four very different families but has found common ground with each of them. Jen takes a slow approach, helping families to navigate challenges as they arrive. She enjoys watching the growth of parents and children, knowing that strong foundations are being developed.When asked about her motivation for volunteering Jen responded, “I guess I feel that I’ve had a pretty good life. I had loving parents and a good education, and I’ve been able to work in an area that I enjoyed and felt (mostly!) competent in. But my work also brought me close to the great struggle that life can be for some people. And that is more often around systems and the way our communities run, rather than some innate fault in the people themselves”.Jen is grateful for the connections she has made and doesn’t necessarily feel the need to be recognised or thanked. She acknowledges that being valued within a supportive team brings that recognition every week. “It’s been a great thing to be a part of and I hope to continue for some time yet”.
- 10 Aug 2020
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It’s ok to have home care
Is it okay to have home care? (Baptcare)Some members of our community have made adjustments to their services and supports during this time, which is completely understandable. As this current situation is not expected to be just a matter of weeks, we do encourage you to continue to access the services that you need. All our workers have completed mandatory training and understand precautions that need to take places, such as practicing good hygiene and social distancing. For the latest information Government advice, please visit their website here”. (MW)How can In Home Care services help through COVID-19? (Baptcare)“Our regular In Home Care services can support you at this time or easily be modified to meet your needs. Please click here for our list of these services including one new service called Social Wellbeing Phone Call.” (MW)Can Home Care Package funds be used to pay for communication enabling technology? (Baptcare)“At this time some of the services require and include the use of a mobile phone or other communication tools. The government has announced that for the short period your Home Care Package funds can be used to support the purchase of technology to ensure you are not isolated. Where this type of purchase aligns with your care plan and you have the available funds, we can assist with identifying the best technology solution for you, to enable you to have a greater level of connectivity with your loved ones and other important supports in your network.” (MW)Click here for information on both personal monitoring technology.Can I get COVID-19 Infection Control Training? (Baptcare)“A number of members from within the Baptcare community have expressed an interest in having a greater understanding of infection control, particularly related to COVID-19. The Department of Health online training module. While this is directed at health and community workers, it is open to everyone and free to register. Follow the steps to register and enroll in the training. The training takes approximately 30 minutes to do.” (MW)Where should we look for the latest Government Sources of information & Supports? (Baptcare)We know there is a lot of information out there which can at times be overwhelming, confusing and misleading. Its best to take information from reliable sources such as government updates and Information from links such as Gov Health Resources” (MW) Which service should I contact regarding my Mental Wellbeing during the Coronavirus situation? (Baptcare)“The Government in partnership with Beyond Blue have released a free 24 hour support service specifically designed to help people through the COVID-19 pandemic, offering support for any mental health impacts such as fear about the virus, financial stress, family stress, anxiety and loneliness.” (MW) If you are feeling lonely, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Baptcare office, as there is support available to help you stay connected – even if it’s just a casual chat on the phone.
- 18 May 2020
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The Music Goes On
From small beginnings Music Therapist Peter Coughlan has created a community of music-lovers across Baptcare. With his work already established at five sites, Peter is using the time of physical distancing to imagine reaching out to the wider Baptcare community.In recent days his program was offered via video link to Baptcare Karana. Lifestyle co-ordinator, Ann-Marie Harli shared, “From a shaky start with the technology, we got everything up and running, and the concert was a great success. Our residents were very happy to have Peter sing and play for them, and the room filled quickly as news of his performance was shared. It was a credit to Peter and his tenacity.”Peter believes his work is a conversation rather than a performance and recognises the therapeutic benefits emerge when residents feel involved. He was able to dialogue back and forth over the video link as residents shared what the music means to them. The songs creating the most discussion consistently emerge from the Great American Songbook and often evoke memories of World War 2.Peter has always understood his involvement as reaching out and being intentional about including others. Now he is doing that more than ever, “we are still here for you,” Peter said, “and will continue to deliver services as best we can - we are with you, wherever you are in the Baptcare community”
- 06 May 2020
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Bringing wild Australia to Baptcare Karana
We exist in challenging times, and this ‘new normal’ requires we adapt to stay connected. There are also opportunities, and Baptcare communities are being intentional to find alternate ways to bring enjoyment into our homes. This is exemplified at Baptcare Karana who entered new territory by receiving an online stream from Australian Reptile Park (ARP), based in Sydney, NSW.Residents and staff were able to get a look at Australia’s unique wildlife from the comfort and safety of their seats, including koalas, feeding of a saltwater crocodile and the milking of deadly snakes, all brought together by Tim Faulkner from ARP.The afternoon also included classic clips of Australia’s animal guru himself, Steve Irwin and a selection of his baby animals.Baptcare Karana is grateful to Tim and the rest of the team at Australian Reptile Park for a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by all.
- 01 May 2020
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Orana offers new social housing option
“I have found the unit that I am living in to be comfortable, warm and something that I have wanted to live in my whole life. It is an amazing piece of architecture that is modern and light” – Ken, a former architect and one of the five residents who calls the new social housing development at Orana home. To ease homelessness four new social housing units have been built by Baptcare, in partnership with the Tasmanian Government, in East Devonport. Tenants moved in recently and come from Tasmania’s priority social housing list. They are all older Tasmanians, still capable of living independently, who have been provided the opportunity to live comfortably in affordable housing rather than private rental accommodation where they have not been able to manage their health and/or financial situation due to the ongoing costs of living.Baptcare Affordable Housing (BAH), a subsidiary company of Baptcare, will manage the units as part of Baptcare’s commitment to the Devonport community.The new units sit adjacent to Baptcare’s Orana Respite and Social Centre. Baptcare Disability Services Manager, Catherine Viney said this development realised Baptcare’s vision and commitment to social housing by providing homes that are well located, of quality build and affordable to lower income households.“The shortage of affordable housing in Tasmania is extreme. 34% of households renting in Tasmania are living in rental stress, a 17% increase since 2011 which is far too many people struggling to keep a roof over their head, as well as afford the basics of life. It is this chronic shortage of affordable rental housing which is a leading cause of homelessness,” said Ms Viney.“Our goal with these units is to improve access to affordable housing options for those who are struggling, as well as creating a community where residents can participate fully in life and live independently, with rent adjusted to tenants’ income.“Baptcare is excited to deliver this opportunity to the people of Devonport and help create positive memories for all who reside here,” said Ms Viney.This development would not have been possible without the valuable contribution and partnership with Housing Tasmania who contributed $440,000 toward the project.
- 24 Oct 2019
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Celebrating and thanking our carers
National Carers Week provides the opportunity for Baptcare and other organisations to recognise the outstanding role that carers play in the community. Each year carers save the Government $60.3 billion through their caring role.Of the 43,399 children in out of home care in Australia, 20,528 are living in formal kinship care. Kinship care refers to care provided by relatives or members of the child’s social network when a child is unable to live at home with their parents and is the preferred placement option within the child protection system. The demands on carers are diverse, extending from the care of the child, to negotiation with parents, support services and the legal system.Informal kinship carers receive very little or no support financially and a number of grandparents have had to dip into their retirement savings, while others have had to sell their homes.Baptcare has highlighted the work of carers in its report into family violence in kinship care, including evidence that 82% of carers experienced psychological, emotional or verbal abuse caused by a family member of the child. Consistently carers identify threats and intimidation resulting in the loss of social connection.One carer explained, “I was treated like I was so lacking in value. I was very tired of hearing the phrase, “you’re only the grandmother””.Carers Week gives Baptcare and the wider community the opportunity to acknowledge carers as more than, ‘only the grandmother.’ While carers are lamenting the lack of respect and recognition, Baptcare recognises that, “respect, encouragement and validation are no-cost resources that could make a huge difference in the life of a kinship carer with flow on benefits for the children in their care.”[1] ‘ It’s been an absolute nightmare’ Family violence in kinship care. August 2017.
- 15 Oct 2019
