Volunteer - Child Care Worker

SHINE for Kids is the only organisation in Australia that seeks to specifically break down the barriers and difficulties faced by children of prisoners, and their families. SHINE for Kids is a non for profit Co-Op.

SHINE for Kids provides an advocacy role on behalf of their clients, being the children and their families. SHINE for Kids work to ensure that the next generation of children avoid serving time in the criminal justice system. For further information: www.shineforkids.org.au

Background to the role of a (Child Care Volunteer) at the Child and Family Centre – Parklea

SHINE for Kids has a Child and Family Centre at Parklea Gaol provides facilities to enable carers of children of prisoners and imprisoned parents the opportunity for a “child free” visit. This allows time for the carer and imprisoned parent to discuss issues together without the children hearing, for example; the child’s care, schooling and to maintain their own relationship.

Also our child and family centre allows children to be supported in a child friendly environment that provides a quality child care facility to children who are visiting the various Correctional Centres. Thus volunteering at our Child and Family Centre - Parklea promotes the following:

• A supportive environment for children which can assist to reduce their feelings of isolation and stigmatisation.
• Assist in reducing child’s trauma, which can surround the separation from parent.
• Enjoyable time for children.
• Enable families of prisoners a place to receive information, have a chat in a relaxed & supportive environment.
• Enable children to have some constructive time outside the visiting area of the Centre (goal).

Our Child & Family Centre - Parklea continues to run and provide a vital service mainly by the good will of volunteers who help out on a regular basis. Becoming a volunteer at our Child & Family Centre – Parklea means you join the ranks of 350 volunteers at SHINE for Kids across NSW with a volunteering tradition of helping children for over a quarter of century. As a volunteer not only will you make a difference in a lives of children but you will make new friends, gain new skills that will enhance your resume and career prospects and you will also enhance your own personal development and lifestyle goals. As a volunteer at our Child and Family Centre – Parklea you will contribute to achieve some of the following:

• Interact with Correctional Centre Staff and SHINE for Kids staff
• You will receive on the job training and support from the Facilitator of the Child and Centre – Parklea or from other SHINE for Kids staff
• Prepare the environment, setting up activities and to ensure necessary resources are available.
• Promote a positive experience to all who use the Centre.
• Ensure a caring and secure environment for all children attending the Centre.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect taking into account any cultural, socio-economic and/or other differences that may arise.
• Ensure the safety and well being of the children attending the Centre.
• Maintain an open, warm and very professional relationship with all parents and share positive information about the children with their parents.

The days and hours of operation

You can assist and volunteer during the following times and days:

• Saturday and/ or Sundays
• 9:30am – 3:30pm.

For further information please contact:

Melinda Pale Eli, The Facilitator, Child & Family Centre (02) 9626 - 0088

Or send an email tompaleeli@shineforkids.org

Make-A-Wish Australia

Make-A-Wish Australia® grants hundreds of cherished wishes per year to children around Australia, who are between the ages of 4 and 18, and are living with a life-threatening illness.

There are current openings for volunteers throughout all 54 branches nation-wide, in metro, urban and rural areas. Make-A-Wish Australia are looking for enthusiastic and reliable people, over the age of 18, who are able to offer an ongoing commitment.

Volunteers comprise people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, life stages, and professions. The thing they all share in common is the desire to help other people. Volunteers are required for the activities of fundraising, granting wishes, and promoting the work of Make-A-Wish Australia within the community. Each Branch of Make-A-Wish Australia is a dedicated group of people who meet once a month at a central location to discuss wishes in progress, up coming events, and provide support to each other. Make-A-Wish volunteers put in many hours of work to ensure that the wishes of the children are granted in a very special way.

Please note that all applicants will be subject to a police background check before becoming members of Make-A-Wish. All propsective volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

If you would like to take part in making children’s dreams come true by becoming a volunteer for Make-A-Wish, please contact Anne at volunteers@makeawish.org.au

Help Stan help OzHarvest

Hi,

I like what you folks do in the community and thought you'd like to support a personal effort to provide 50,000 meals to Australians in need, for a cost of $1 per meal but at no cost to the recipient.

Please spare a moment to visit www.everydayhero.com.au/stan and spread the word around.

It needs your help to reach the initial target. I'll then approach some 900 media contacts to inspire the general public and hopefully exceed the 50,000 target.

Let me know if you've got any suggestions too !

All the best.

Kind Regards,
Stan Ghys.

Check out OzHarvest here http://www.ozharvest.org/

Understanding Mood Disorders Workshop

2 April 2009 - SYDNEY (VIBE Hotel North Sydney)

This workshop describes mood disorders and the impact that they can have on a person’s day to day life. It outlines risk factors, warning signs and advises people of possible referral paths.

It also provides participants with practical strategies that can be used to assist people who are struggling with mood disorders.

PROGRAM 9.00am – 5.00pm


MORNING WORKSHOP AGENDA : 9.00am - 12.45pm

The Alarming Rise of Mood Disorders -What are the Current Trends Here and Overseas?

• What is a Mood Disorder?
• Classification of Mood Disorders
• Models of Depression

What is the Impact of a Mood Disorder?

• Risk factors
• Recognising the “language” of depression & mania
• What might you see? The assessment process
• Teasing apart what is depression and what isn’t
• The role of the Therapist

AFTERNOON WORKSHOP AGENDA : 1.30pm - 5.00pm

Psychological Interventions

• Medication
• Alternative treatments
• Using the five keys to recovery for individual treatment plans
• Best practice when working with GPs or Specialists

Self Medicating

• Worst Case Scenarios - common hurdles to successful recovery
• The tricky issue of self harm
• Knowing when to refer on
• Helping clients maintain wellness

About your Workshop Leader

Jane Sleeman is a Registered Psychologist in a Private Practice that specialises in depression, anxiety and chronic illness. She is the Founder of Hollyhox Positive Resources and Director of Inside Out Psychology and also works as a Facilitator for the Black Dog Institute. Jane has a wealth of experience working with people and their families, having formally worked as a teacher and school counsellor. Jane has presented extensively in Australia and overseas on issues pertaining to mood disorders. She was recently awarded the Anika Foundation Scholarship to further study youth depression in North America. Jane has been a serving board member of Mental Illness Education Australia and is currently involved in setting up a number of wellness programs. Jane is presently working on a research paper at the University of Sydney on positive psychology in practice.

The Australian Psychological Society has endorsed the event for 7 Specialist Professional Development points for members of the following APS Colleges: Clinical and Counselling. Members of other APS Colleges and non-College members may claim the equivalent generalist points.

REGISTRATION PRICES

Early Bird Rate $499 (Prior to 6/3/09)
Post Early Bird $599
Interstate Flat Fee $399
Not for Profit Flat Fee $369
Full Time Student Fee $249

*All prices include GST

Download registration details at www.ppleducation.com.au
For telephone enquiries phone 02 6628 2901.