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.  

​Building culturally inclusive social support 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.  

The group has successfully created an environment where people from different cultures, countries and religions come together, participate in meaningful activities and build their social connections.

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

Implementing a wellness approach​

​People are experts in their own lives and it is important to recognise and respect their experiences, values and beliefs.  To implement a wellness approach this must be at the core of organisations practices.  A wellness approach will support clients to regain or maintain their social, functional and psychological independence.  This is achieved by clients having autonomy, choice, power and control over their care. 

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

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

Creating meaningful activities

Activities offered by social support groups are the ‘make or break’ factor in many people’s interest in attending a particular group.  Understanding clients’ interests and hobbies can help to create meaningful and engaging activities.  It can also help overcome possible language barriers and create connections with other group participants. 

​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 creating meaningful activities 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.  Being socially connected is key to health ageing.  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.


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Advanced Care Planning – How to have conversations with clients and carers

​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



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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. 

Access Health and Community is piloting this tool in the cities of Boroondara, Manningham and Yarra to test its efficacy.

The ESDT has worked with Access Health and Community to develop three short videos that discuss the project.  The three videos focus on

Part 1 - Identifying the need
Part 2 - The lived experience
Part 3 - Resources, training and referrals

Homelessness and housing insecurity is a significant issue and it is fantastic to see one of our service providers taking a lead in supporting clients at risk of homelessness.  The videos not only provide detail on how and why the project was developed, but tell the the personal story of someone who has a lived experience of being homeless.

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