Using personal stories and individual experiences supports us in learning new and innovative ways to develop and deliver services that respond to diverse experiences, interest and needs.  It allows us to connect with people and understand how and why inclusive person-centred approaches are necessary.  "Connecting through stories" will share personal stories from clients and staff, provide advice and good practice in regards to diversity, inclusion, wellness and reablement.  

Communicating Wellness in Domestic Assistance

This case study highlights how Monash City Council set out to better articulate their wellness approach with their clients receiving domestic assistance. ​Michelle Jones from Monash  City Council details the different approaches the organisation took to engage with clients and staff and the changes put in place that have ensured their approach to wellness is understood by clients and implemented in their service delivery. To read the full case study click here.

Finding strengths and opportunities in times of challenge

This film is from a presentation at the Let it Shine Conference on 23 November 2021. It highlights the approach and successes of CHSP providers across East Metro Melbourne in responding to the challenges of delivering services and keeping clients engaged during COVID-19.

Embracing multimedia approaches ​to share stories, provide education and build capacity

Presented at the Let it Shine conference this video showcases the different multimedia approaches adopted by the Eastern Sector Development Team (ESDT). From video case studies to animations, webinars and podcasts this video highlights the diversity, wellness and reablement resources. 

Maintaining independence and autonomy while ageing

Independence is important to all of us. In this film Arie, Martin and Neville who attend Mountain View Cottage share their thoughts on what it is to be independent and autonomous and why it is so important. They discuss how they maintain their independence, autonomy and health as they age.

Kilara house responding to COVID-19

Caladenia responding to COVID-19

Baptcare adapting to change under COVID-19

​Building culturally inclusive groups

This film explores how Uniting East Burwood has established a well-connected and thriving social support group.  A group that embraces people’s diversity and supports them to be fully engaged in a range of activities.

Implementing a wellness approach​

Uniting East Burwood staff, volunteers and clients share their personal stories, techniques and how they work together to maximise quality of life and embrace a wellness approach.                         

Creating meaningful activities

​Staff, volunteers and clients from Uniting East Burwood share personal stories and advice on how to develop meaningful activities and ensure that client’s voice and preferences are used to shape the program.

For further information on implementing a wellness approach see Building Culturally Inclusive Social Support Groups Help Sheets  

​​Creating social connections for older adults

​Remaining socially connected and active is important to our health and well-being.  Older people who have close social connections live longer, have a better quality of life and are better equip to deal with health and well-being issues. In this video clients and staff share their views and experiences on how to create a welcoming environment that supports older adults to remain socially connected.

 Supporting clients' faith in service delivery

​Client's faith and beliefs are important aspects that need to be supported and respected. Uniting Care East Burwood and The Haven Day Centre share their approaches to supporting client's faith. Clients share the value their faith adds to their lives and provides an insight in to how to design and deliver inclusive programs that support and respond to individual needs and preferences.

​The Haven Day Approach to inclusive programs

This film highlights the Haven Day Centre approach to developing and delivering inclusive and responsive social support programs.  By focusing on each individual client's strengths, interests and preferences they are able to create an engaging program.  Hear from clients, carers, volunteers and staff about the Haven Day approach to valuing each client and what is important to them.​

​Advanced Care Planning 

Involving clients in planning

​Reasonable Risk - Consumer dignity and choice

​Advanced Care Plans are important for all of us, but often we find it difficult to talk about anything to do with end of life.  Uniting East Burwood share their approach to opening up conversations about what is important to each of us and the why Advanced Care Plans are so important.

Read more about Uniting's Advanced Care Planning Sessions

People want to be involved in their planning. If we want to support them to be truly engaged then it is essential they are at the centre of planning.  This short animations explores the ways that you can involve your clients in all aspects of planning activities.

Supporting clients to risks and maintaining dignity of risk is an important aspect of the Aged Care Quality Standards. This video explains the need for clients to be able to take risks, have autonomy and be the decision makers in their own lives.

Stable Housing Project

The Stable Housing Pilot Project is about identifying homelessness before it occurs.  The project created an "At Risk Screening Tool" and resources to help staff assess a client’s risk of homelessness. These films highlight the real life experience of Helen, a peer support member who has a lived experience of being homeless. 

​Part 1 - Identifying the need

Part 2 - The lived experience

​Part 3 - Resources, training and referrals

All these videos plus our diversity and wellness playlists can be viewed on our YouTube Channel.