Community Connector Point

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre is a Community Connector Point. Community Connector Points have someone who can support you to access the MyHealthConnector directory and provide support and information around social connection in your local area or other LGA's.

We can help you to see what may suit you and give you information about local services like classes, social or support groups, volunteer programs and transport options to get there. There is no charge for this service.

REFRESH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID SKILLS

to support friends, family members, colleagues and others

This refresher course allows people who have completed a 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course to improve their knowledge and skills.
For Accredited MHFAiders, this course offers an opportunity to extend their
accreditation for a further 3 years.

THIS COURSE WILL HELP YOU:
• Gain an understanding of the latest research in the mental health field
• Learn the 3 key actions for helping someone feeling suicidal
• Work through complex mental health first aid interactions
• Practice mental health first aid skills
This is a 4-hour educational course, not a therapy or support group.
The course will run on the 29th April at the Centre cost is $15, if you want a new manual, add $20.

Register interest at the link below, if you cannot use it, email Ian:  Ian Scott  - ian@scottadr.com

Link: Winmalee Refresher sponsored by WNC and Central Blue Mountain

BE STROKE SAFE

WNC HEALTH SESSIONS 

Did you know stroke is a leading cause of disability in Australia? A stroke is when blood can’t get to all parts of your brain. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients for your brain cells. If blood can’t get through, your brain can be injured. Your arteries can get blocked, which is called an ischaemic stroke. Or your arteries can break, which is called a haemorrhagic stroke.

Early treatment for stroke is critical – the longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance that stressed brain cells will die, leaving behind permanent stroke-related brain damage. Men are at greater risk of stroke and as we get older our risk increases.

In saying that, stroke is preventable for many. Some of the causes within our control include high blood pressure, being overweight, smoking, high cholesterol, a high intake of alcohol and diabetes.

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre will be holding a Stroke Safe workshop in collaboration with Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association.

Monday 8^th April, 10am with Speaker Ken Bullock. 62 White Cross Road Winmalee. This is a free information session. 

Women Returning to Employment Network (WREN) Workshops-Free   

Older women contribute enormously to communities, through paid and unpaid work, caregiving, volunteering, and much more. They also bring great knowledge and experience to their work, if they have the opportunity to re-enter after years of caring. However, many older women also experience discrimination and ageism barriers to their well-being that impact on their ability to participate in employment opportunities. 

The Bureau of Statistics reports that women have either lost their job or suffered a big decline in their income since the middle of March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Women looking for work now have no idea what their future may look like and that even when the economy recovers, they're going to have to hunt and compete for another job this makes the workshops vital to allow women the opportunity to increase their financial resilience.

The WREN program has been very successful with numerous workshops rolled out in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Lithgow. Included in the program are the following workshops:

• Learning and getting more from your computer to reskill for employment:
• Resume writing-if you need to update your resume this is the workshop for you:
• Work base skills-identifying what you need to re enter the workforce:
• Budgeting-how to make your money work for you:
• Financially Savvy Women-course and workbook provided:
• Superannuation & Women:
• Re entering the workforce-what do you need?; and
• Opportunities to attend Mental Health First Aid courses to provide skills and strategies.

The Centre wants to hear from women what their biggest barrier is to finding employment and what they require to move into employment. We will also provide financial resilience workshops to help with future planning. 

Ring the centre to book your place or find out more: 47544050

Supporting People who have been diagnosed with Cancer-Please ring for more information

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre’s Bosom Buddies was initially set up to support women living with breast cancer but welcomes all  who have been diagnosed with cancer. The group consists of community members who have experienced the uncertainty of breast cancer and was established 14 years ago. The group encourages confidential, and open forum in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

The group has now expanded and invites all women who have been diagnosed with cancer to join them.

Bosom Buddies provides a safe place for women affected by cancer to come together to support each other, develop friendships, share ideas and thoughts, obtain information, social outings and activities, and learn coping skills in a non-judgmental and caring environment.

If you’re feeling alone and want to share your experiences with others who have gone through a similar experience and want the opportunity to meet other Bosom Buddies members everyone is welcome. To find out more phone the Centre on 4754 4050 activities change monthly.

The group is meeting fortnightly as computer classes are being offered to the women. The ladies have identified that they have not got the skills to assist with helping their grandchildren with their homework and would like to learn more for their own interest.

 Meeting times: Monday 10:00am to 12:00pm (except for School Holidays). For more information, call 47544050    

Kinship & Clan Knitters & Spinners 

This group is for beginners through to advanced knitters, and crochets. Come and share your expertise with those wanting to learn, our facilitator Sandy welcomes all to come and bring their patterns. If you do not have wool or needles we can provide wool to beginners to practice with and we have knitting needles that can be borrowed.  Held on the 4th Wednesday of each month 10am - 12.30pm.

Spinners meet every Wednesday please ring to find out more.

FREE-All welcome.

Women's Art - Mosaics 

Due to demand the group meet weekly, every Tuesday 9:30 -12pm at a cost of $10 per class. To ensure the centre complies with social distancing the group is now broken into 2 groups which means the women can attend on a fortnightly basis. Materials required for mosaics are-adhesive-Weldbond and PREP Multi-Use adhesive as one is used for indoor and one for outdoor use.

As you become more adept we encourage participants to buy their own tools to enable them to do projects at home. Glass and tiles are a wonderful medium to work with and come in wonderful textures and patterns. Several of the ladies are making mosaic planter pots and our next big project for the more experienced be bird baths.

For more information please call Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre on 02 4754 4050.

We are now also holding lead lighting classes on Mondays. The days will alternate so you will need to phone the Centre for the Mondays they will take place. They are $10 per class.

Winter Warmers

With the support of Bev Milner 'Knit for Charities' the centre can provide warm items over winter for the community  who face financial stress. Last year we provided over 130 scarfs, 30 knee rugs, 40 children's items and 15 pairs of gloves

Winter Warmers - Outreach

We are now providing outreach where items can also be collected at Nanna's Touch Lithgow 3 Albert Street Hermitage Flat.

Our list of courses and activities held at Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre has been updated. Click the Courses/ Activities button on the top of this to view them.

Culinary Communities

Cooking with Our Community-Lithgow

We will be holding a cooking class where everyone will get the opportunity to learn how to make blue berry jam and a polish apple pie.

Petruta, a local will walk everyone through this wonderful day where we will later share lunch and try the delish fruits of labour.

 Nanna's Touch 3 Albert St Hermitage Flat

These cooking classes will be ongoing. It is an opportunity to share recipes, learn how to cook cheap nutritious meals, and connect with other community.

“This activity has been funded by Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network as part of the Australian Governments response to the 2019/20 bushfires.

Free Computer Classes

These workshops are tailored to the needs of the participants. Whether you’re looking for an introduction to using a computer or want to improve your know-how when it comes to certain programs or computer applications, these workshops are for you. Technology offers extensive benefits for everyone, especially seniors, from making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family to staying active and meeting doctors virtually. Classes are every Tuesday 12.30pm-2pm ring to book

   Gentle Chair Exercise

Gentle chair exercise program is back at the Centre. Physical exercise is as important to older people as it is to the younger population. It’s vital to maintain a certain level of fitness as you progress in age. However, as you get older, you may not move a lot without putting strain on your body. Chair exercise has many benefits. 

You may spend much of your time sitting as you age. This can lead to a change in your posture. Your body needs to maintain good posture despite your age. When you sit, the pelvis tilts backward, and your bottom tilts under. Your hips may not support the half top of your frame. Sitting also fails to exercise your glutes and core, which support your spine.‌

When this happens, the spine shifts into a long C-curve instead of maintaining its natural S shape. This slump eventually affects your ability to maintain a straight posture when standing up. Chair exercises can help prevent the situation from deteriorating.

Classes are every Thursday afternoon at 1.30-2.15 and are $8. We have a new instructor and Rebecca is looking forward to meeting everyone. Bookings are essential phone the centre on 47544050

NEW- Chair-Robics Exercise

This class will include seated toning with bands and hand weights. 

Chair exercises come in handy when you have limited mobility or find it hard to maintain your balance.‌ When you do chair exercises daily, you reduce the risk of falls. The movements increase blood flow and keep your joints active and lubricated. They also strengthen your muscles.

Classes Mondays 1.30-2.45pm $8

Bookings are essential phone the centre on 47544050

Hawkesbury Council's Solar & Energy Efficiency Workshop

•  Explore natural cooling methods like passive solar design, landscaping, and ventilation to work against the heat this summer.

• Examine your home's performance. We'll discuss the impact of air leaks, insulation needs and window treatments which can greatly enhance your home's performance through the heat.
• Learn about best practice 'Active Cooling' using fans and air conditioners. There are smart ways to keep you comfortable, reduce wear and tear, consume less electricity and deliver lower energy bills.
• Consider smart technologies and upgrading appliances for an even more energy efficient future.
• Find out about rebates and get answers to your specific cooling challenges and concerns.

  Date: Wednesday 8 November 2023.

  Time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

  Where: Face-to-face, Tebbutt Room, Deerubbin Centre, 300 George Street Windsor.

  Who: This workshop is for residents who live in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area.

  Presenter: Ian Moxon, Sustainability Consultant, Facilitator and Educator.

  Cost: This workshop is provided FREE of charge to residents of the Hawkesbury Local Government Area.

  Booking: Bookings are essential.

I

The Art of Recovery

 Lead lighting workshops will continue through the Centres recovery projects. Keep up to date with our activities through the website.

Seniors Programs

There are four key steps to accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services. If you require assistance in applying the Centre can help. You can see what services are available to help you stay in your own home, or what to expect in an aged care home.

If you’ve had a look at what services might be available and you want to know if you are eligible, applying on-line will let you know. Ring the Centre or pop in.

Seniors Workshops:

Workshops for seniors:

• Falls Prevention;
• Arthritis Management;
• Diabetes Awareness;
• Medicine Management;
• Oral Health Care;
• Healthy Bones & Osteoporosis;
• Healthy Bladder and Bowel Habits;
• Stroke Safe;
• Chair Yoga;
• Chair-Robics;
• My Super;
• Support Groups:

These workshops will be running again this year due to their popularity. Working with Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association we are able to bring these workshops to the Centre.

Seniors Rights Service

In 2023 we were fortunate to have Nova Ritchie (Age Care Advocate) come and present a workshop on Seniors Rights. The Seniors Rights Service provides information and support to people using or seeking to access in-home and residential aged care services. Our aged care advocates are located across NSW to provide support for recipients of all Commonwealth funded aged care services.

Advocates:

• Listen to your concerns
• Provide information about rights and responsibilities
• Help resolve problems or complaints with your aged care service providers
• Speak with your service provider if required
• Refer to other agencies where necessary
• Seniors Rights Service advocacy work raises consumer issues on behalf of vulnerable older people to government, the aged care system and the community.

Our team of specialist financial advocates help older people with increasingly complex aged care financing arrangements.

They can help with the assessment process for residential aged care and how providers work out income and assets and offer information and support on a range of different issues around government funded aged care, including:

• statements
• basic daily fees and charges
• hardship applications
• moving into residential care, and
• changing between packages.

If an older person decides to switch home care providers, advocates can help them get value for money by helping them understand how aged care fees are calculated.

For free and confidential telephone advice call
02 9281 3600

National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP)

NACAP provides free and confidential advocacy support to older people, their family and carers. It also helps aged care service providers to understand their responsibilities and the aged care rights of the people they care for.

NACAP services are important for older people who:

• do not feel they can negotiate or stand up for their rights
• are not sure how the aged care system works
• need support to resolve issues with their aged care

NACAP advocates can speak on their behalf and help them to make informed decisions.

DCaf Dementia Support Group

The Rotary Club of Springwood has begun the DCaf social Cafe which provides an opportunity for people living with dementia, their home carers and family to meet friends and create a supportive community network.

DCafe is a place to socialise and share your experiences with others who understand. They also share information on resources available in the community that can assist those living with dementia, while having a bit of fun.

Meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Orient Hotel Springwood from 10.30am

For more information or to book please email (glassock@bigpond.net.au) or call Dr Geoffrey Glassock 0408 436 676 or call Valda Bray 0414 974 686

Proudly supported by

The Rotary Club of Springwood.

National dementia hotline 1800 100 500 https://www.dementiafriendly.org.au/