We are very excited this week to start welcoming back some more activities and programs.
Over the past few months we have been abiding by health advice and warnings and operating behind closed doors. Community members have been sharing their stories and challenges and we are ready to start returning to some semblance of normality. The challenges we have all faced have been daunting however the connections, support, stories, sharing and the way our community has managed to look out for each other is truly admirable.
KNH has continued to provide food relief, NILS Loans, face to face meetings, computer access, and referral and advice to support services during the restrictions and we are now looking forward to a gradual re-opening.
We were very pleased that, within the first three days of our limited re-opening, we had contact with over 160 community members – the joy and happiness felt by volunteers and staff from re-connecting with our community was a pleasure to be a part of.
Volunteers @ Kingston Neighbourhood House
We would like to acknowledge the selfless and ongoing commitment from our volunteers over the recent months. The essence of volunteering at KNH is connecting with people. Our volunteers have been tireless in their dedication to supporting people and have done some magnificent work recently to tidy up the House ready to welcome people back to KNH.
We thank you for putting others before yourselves, we thank you for your passion and positivity and above all we thank you for being there.
Kingston Neighbourhood House Entry Criteria
We have reduced the requirements for people entering KNH from yesterday. We ask you to read the Self-Assessment Screening requirements, if you are okay, then record your name and contact number on the sheet provided. All records will be disposed of after 21 days.
Personal details are only provided to the State Government upon request and in support of contact tracing.
All personal details are managed in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) – click here for further information.
Kingston Neighbourhood House Community Survey – Closing Soon
Over the coming fortnight we will be finalising responses to the KNH COVID 19 Community Survey.
The survey has provided us with some valuable information on how we can best support our community over the coming months.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to complete it please click here – it will take approx. 10 minutes and we would really appreciate your time and informed responses.
Kingston Childcare Centre (occasional care) – recommences Wednesday 5th August
We are very pleased to announce the return of the Occasional Care from Wednesday the 5th August at 9.00am. Occasional Care is available for children under school age. We are very pleased to welcome Lucy and James back to KCCC. A big thank you to Lesley for helping us get ready for Wednesday.
If you would like to enrol your child, please complete the attached enrolment form and child information form and bring a copy of your child’s immunisation booklet for our records.
Please note: Entry to KCCC will be through the driveway and childcare gate. Parents will be encouraged not to enter the room at the moment. Doors between childcare and the house proper will be closed to prevent through traffic.
If you have any questions, please contact us on 6229 4066.
Launching into Learning – Re-commences Tuesday 11th August
Launching into Learning is a free program where you and your child can get to know your local school,
Child and Family Centre and other families. It is for families with children from birth – 4 years of age and is available in all Tasmanian Government schools and Child and Family Centres. Children learn a lot in the early years of life.
Launching into Learning provides opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s learning in a
supportive environment, helping you give your child a great start.
If you would like to be involved, please contact us on 6229 4066.
Counselling and support for those affected by the Disability Royal Commission
Relationship Australia
RA are offering new program providing counselling and support to individuals affected by the Disability Royal Commission, including individuals with disability, their families, friends, carers and support workers.
The program is accessible, person-centred and meet the needs of people with disability, their families and carers.
For further information please see attached brochure.
A Tasmanian Lifeline
Lifeline Tasmania has set up a new service for Tasmanians, specifically to deal with unprecedented demand for information, advice and support because of the coronavirus pandemic, called A Tasmanian Lifeline.
There are three types of support available:
- Call in: Tasmanians will receive support from a trained support worker to discuss concerns and where appropriate, be directed to a referral service.
- Call out: Contact socially isolated older Tasmanians identified through existing services, concerned family and friends, or by other health professionals.
- Reach out: Through partnership with those industries significantly impacted, identify at-risk members and reach out with support, counselling or employee assistance programs.
If COVID-19 has made life tough for you, or people you know, call A Tasmanian Lifeline on 1800 98 44 34.
Association for Children with Disability TAS (ACD)
We are pleased to welcome ACD Tas back on 27th August and 10th September to KNH. ACD began as a support group for parents with children with disability.
ACD Tas is a peer-led not-for-profit organisation providing information, advocacy, consultation and training, case coordination and peer support.
- Our vision is that people with disability, their families and carers have equal opportunity to reach their potential and lead fulfilling lives.
- Our mission is to provide community leadership and quality support options that improve participation and life outcomes.
Although much of our focus is on assisting families with children and young people with disability aged 0-25 years, we do all that we can support family carers regardless of the age of the person/s that they care for.
Contact Cassie at ACD on 6231 2466 to enquire about support and assistance.
ABC Winter Rug Up Appeal
KNH contributed to the ABC Rug Up Winter Appeal assisting the appeal to smash the original target of 5000 squares!
Thank you to everyone who took the time and care to help those who might need a little more warmth this winter.
atWork Australia
atWork Australia have re-commenced their presence at KNH offering disability employment support services for eligible people in the community.
atWork Australia operate from KNH one day per week (Monday). As a Disability Employment Services
provider in Kingston Tasmania, atWork focus on supporting you to gain skills, or make the most of the ones
you have, to secure the right job for you.
If your needs could be met close to home, consider contacting atWork Australia.
Kingston Neighbourhood House Community Buddies
Our Community Buddies Program is going very well thank you everyone. Please keep an ear out and if you know anyone who would like a friendly phone call from one of our wonderful staff or volunteers, please let us know 6229 4066.
Kingston Neighbourhood House COVID Safe Workplace
KNH has completed the WorkSafe Tasmania COVID Safe Workplace documentation for small businesses.
We have met the requirement that organisations complete a WorkSafe plan for re-opening once pandemic restrictions have been lifted. We are making sure volunteers and staff have completed COVID19 Online Infection Control Training. We are receiving a lot of information that will assist us to re-open safely including increased cleaning practices. We are conscious of the safety of all community members so we will be re-opening when we are advised to by the Tasmanian Government and Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania (NHT).
As always, we welcome your feedback, ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to contact us via email, FaceBook or phone.