Everyone belongs at Carers Queensland
February 2023
Carers Queensland continues to amplify the voices of carers and people with disability, as our work reflects the diversity of the communities we work in, and our commitment to inclusion for all. In this edition, we highlight the importance of celebrating Neighbour Day and Harmony Week and how Carers Queensland plays a part in establishing these connections. Read about how Carers Queensland connects to culture with our First Nations LAC in Community sessions and a morning tea with our First Nations staff. As part of our celebrations during World Pride, we have launched our new Carers Queensland’s Rainbow email rainbow@carersqld.com.au
Barrie’s back on the water thanks to NDIS supportsHaving to sell his beloved fishing boats broke Barrie’s heart, but the 60-year-old amputee is back on the water thanks to supports he receives from the NDIS.
Bill uses NDIS supports to lose weight and regain sense of prideBill has a smile on his face when he arrives at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre to start exercising, a daily routine that’s helped him lose nearly 90 kilograms.
Somewhere over the rainbow... at Carers Queensland
We specialise in providing culturally sensitive and safe support for people with disability, families and carers from our rainbow communities. We know that people from LGBTIQ+ communities can experience unique challenges because of their identity mix of abilities, age, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality.
We are committed to: - affirming the dignity of LGBTIQ+ people’s sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status and relationships
- freedom from discrimination – ensuring LGBTIQ clients and potential clients do not encounter discrimination in our workplaces
- access and equity – through the provision of LGBTIQ-inclusive policies, programs and services.
As a Rainbow Tick organisation, Carers Queensland is active in the community, attending local Pride events, including in Brisbane and Toowoomba, bringing awareness to combating discrimination as part of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), and establishing an internal network of Rainbow Allies committed to providing a safe space for LGBTIQ+ employees and clients. As part of our World
Pride 2023 celebrations, Carers Queensland has launched our dedicated contact channel, rainbow@carersqld.com.au, a culturally-sensitive and safe way for people from LGBTIQ+ communities to connect with us. You will be welcomed and treated with respect and dignity. We will connect you with one of our many LGBTIQ+ team members to ensure you feel safe, supported, and free to be yourself when engaging in our services. Connecting with us is easy and safe;
email rainbow@carersqld.com.au for high-quality and person-centred contact with Carers Queensland.
Celebrating HarmonyHarmony Week recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds; it’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Carers Queensland’s Embracing Disability in Multicultural Communities project is supporting families and people with disability from culturally diverse communities to better understand the services, supports and opportunities available for people with disability. As part of this project, Istarlin Ismail – who is a refugee, advocate for the Brisbane Somali community and a mother of children with disabilities – shares her story and the importance of community within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and disability communities. “The NDIS is doing an amazing job supporting the community. Sometimes I think we need to say ‘thank you for the NDIS’. But, we still need to
advocate and be the voice for people with disabilities and those left behind.”
Building community connectionsNeighbour Day – celebrated on March 26 – contributes to building respectful relationships, sustainable connections and reducing loneliness in our communities. Carer’s Queensland’s Driving Inclusive Change projects also work alongside communities toward sustainable change that ensures people with disability are leading conversations and driving the inclusive changes they need and want to see to achieve their goals. The Inclusive Volunteering project works with community organisations and their volunteers to build their knowledge and understanding so that people with disability are welcomed and included as part of their workforce, and in their programs and services. Every week, NDIS
participant Tamara looks forward to volunteering at Gold Coast charity Parrots for Purpose, with the bird lover saying she is the happiest she’s been in years. “Lots of people have commented, ‘Tamara you’re so much happier since you’ve got the birds. They’ve really made a difference to you’. I agree with them.”
Podcast - Be Your Own BossThe Carers Queensland Be Your Own Boss Microbusiness Program is back in 2023! The program will help you to learn about microbusinesses and how you can earn an income while being your own boss. Registrations are now open for participants and business mentors in the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Brisbane and Logan regions. To register your interest,
please register and complete the section 'Register your interest for the Be Your Own Boss program for 2023.
If you are interested in starting your own business or wanting to take your business to the next level, listen to our podcast episode, as we speak to Bec, Sue and Bella, who are thriving with their local small businesses.
School to adult life transition - Family Connect ForumCarers Queensland is working with families and carers of young people aged 14 to 17 years old to identify potential barriers and challenges for young people transitioning from school to adult life, as well as the positive impacts that have supported students during this important life transition. The Family Connect Forums will help you to: - connect and learn from other families and carers;
- increase your knowledge about successful transitions from school to adult life; and
- feel empowered to set and achieve transition-related goals with your young person.
“The forum was a good opportunity to connect to other families, get information and ideas and ask for help.” – Chermside Forum attendee Find out more about the forums and register for the March forum
in Rockhampton by clicking on the link below.
First Nations LAC in Community Our First Nations LAC in Community sessions help First Nations people access and understand the NDIS. Find out about what our sessions are about, and to register, by clicking below.
Carers Queensland: work at a place where you belongCan your work fulfil your purpose to be the change you wish to see in the world? NDIS Team Leader Craig shares why he loves working at Carers Queensland and how he is making life better for people every day.
Online Be the Voice You Want
to Be Introductory WorkshopOur online Be the Voice You Want to Be Introductory Workshop this March helps people with disability to develop skills and resources to best self-advocate for yourself, build peer support groups within your community and recognise and celebrate self-advocacy champions.
NDIS news You can now read the NDIA’s updated participant booklets in 17 languages on the NDIS website. Digital braille and Auslan video translations have been added for the first time, as well as Assyrian, Dari, Khmer, Korean and Turkish.
Connect with us! Our LAC Connect app provides accessible and relevant information to connect to Carers Queensland support, including accessing your LAC appointments, viewing workshops and events, and showcasing our latest news, stories and podcasts.
Learn new skills and get a job in the community services industry at no cost.The Building Caring Communities program supports eligible customers in receiving training and job-ready skills. If you are 25 years or older, in the greater Brisbane area, and want to learn new skills and start your career, this program is for you! - JOIN A GROWING SECTOR - Community services are one of the fastest-growing employment sectors. As a result, there is a lot of opportunity to find that new role.
- WE WILL HELP YOU GET A JOB - The Building Caring Communities program will support you in finding meaningful work.
- A BETTER TRAINING EXPERIENCE - Your success is our success. Our Student Experience Officers will be there for you at every step of your journey.
Spots are limited; our last intake starts on Monday, 6 March. Register now or contact one of our
friendly staff today to discuss your eligibility.
More InformationBuilding Caring Communities is a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program proudly funded by the Queensland Government. For more information, visit our website: https://carersqld.com.au/training/sqw
or call us on 1300 626 636. * No cost for eligible customers
Begin a new future that's all about you...We understand what it's like to care for someone with a disability. We are here to make your life easier and will help you create your new future. Your Caring Way (a Carers Queensland initiative) offers FREE employment services and SUBSIDISED training options for unpaid carers. We’re here to listen, assist in learning, and create a
personalised step-by-step plan towards achieving fulfilment in your own life. Whether it’s studying, volunteering, or finding a job, there are many ways we can help you get started. More than 600 carers accessed training, and over 120 carers gained employment last year with Your Caring Way’s support. You can be one of them. Let us support you while you support your loved ones. Your new future begins today...
Carer Program - Events Calendar Our Carer Health and Wellbeing Program provides a fantastic line-up of different monthly activities for carers.
Join our carer Facebook group Get connected and be a part of a caring community. Join our Carer Health and Wellbeing Group today!
Carers Queensland is working with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
to deliver the Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program,
supporting Australians with disability to live fulfilling and connected lives.
|