Blog Archives - Venture Care Support Services

Ursh Answers The Call When Opportunity Knocks

March 27, 2024

by VCSSadmin News Published:

When opportunity came knocking, NDIS participant Ursh Hyslop was ready to answer the call.

Supported by the NDIS, Ursh, 50, has transitioned from volunteer to an online marketing and sales guru at Momentum Collective Recycler’s Op Shop on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales.

Ursh, who lives with schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is letting her dedication and personality shine.

‘I started 2-and-a-half years ago as a volunteer, and after I applied for the NDIS, it took about 6 months to get paid work,’ Ursh said.

‘Through the NDIS, I’ve been given support, and being able to be paid a wage has been an incentive to work and get me out of my room.

‘I tend to isolate and have done for most of my life, but it’s been amazing.

‘My bosses and co-workers are great, and I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity.’

Ursh was born in Zimbabwe before relocating to Australia at the age of 18 in 1991.

After enjoying sport as a child, Ursh worked in sports coordination in Perth before moving east to forge careers as a security guard and facility manager in Sydney.

It was losing her mother through mental illness which turned Ursh’s life upside down and placed her on a path to the Tweed.

‘Losing mum was a traumatic experience.

‘I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, ADHD, and depression after her death, and recently found I’m on the Autism spectrum,’ Ursh said.

‘The ADHD and Autism I can see from when I was a child, but the schizophrenia was brought on by the trauma.

‘I lost my house and had to resign from my job as I wasn’t coping.’

After finding her feet, Ursh began building her future through her volunteering role at the Op Shop.

Starting out in the sorting room, Ursh sorted, steamed, priced and prepared clothes and other items.

She cleaned furniture to ensure it sparkled, and even dabbled in car detailing as she transitioned into paid work, with NDIS support.

‘I started working on the register.

‘That was great as I enjoy the sales side,’ Ursh said.

‘My manager taught me how to use Facebook Marketplace.

‘So now, I photograph, measure, and assess all the furniture, and do a description for the items we put on there.

‘Any help I need, I go to my managers, and the staff have also been great.

“I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to work there.’

Through her NDIS supports, Ursh is also enjoying building her capacity outside of work.

Ursh gets about using transport funding, and engages support workers, Marty, and Janet, who’ve been ‘really supportive’.

Ursh is in line with 97% of NDIS participants surveyed who felt happy with their relationship with staff, a 26 percentage point increase.

‘Janet helps me with my paperwork and applications, and in general with my health and wellbeing’ Ursh said.

‘I’ve been able to do a photography course to learn how to use a digital camera.

‘Marty is interested in photography, and he takes me out.

‘I also have funding for a night or weekend away a couple of times a year.

‘It means I get to spend time with people with the same mental health issues and it’s really supportive.’

Ursh is one of the 80% of participants who participate in activities that interest them and the 78% who choose how to spend their free time, a 20 percentage point increase.

Ursh said those breaks away had been great for growing her confidence socially.

Ursh, who identifies as gay, said she hoped to use that confidence and support, to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community.

‘I’m a gay woman and have been openly gay since I was a teenager,’ Ursh said.

‘I haven’t had much to do with gay groups since leaving Sydney, but I’d like to get involved.

‘There are events I can go to, but I need a support worker with me as I’m afraid to go alone.’

Ursh hopes to continue building her personal and professional capacity and is exploring options for independent living.

She also plans to do more courses through work, study, and share her mother’s story and the associated trauma, to better educate others on the impacts of mental health.

‘I’ve been bullied and have been in situations which weren’t very nice, and that comes with the stigma of mental illness,’ Ursh said.

‘It can be life-changing, and I think it’s important for people to know mental health can also impact them and their family.’

A New Venture, a new vision, support your way

May 8, 2023

by VCSSadmin News Published:

Hello and welcome to Venture Care Support Services, the newest Disability Support provider in the Maryborough region. We are a little bit excited to be providing support to you, your way. Actually, we are a LOT excited!

And just who are we? We are a team of experienced Disability Support Workers with a variety of skills, experiences. and qualifications between us including disability support, small business, large organisations, charities, community services, management, early childhood and counselling. We are all passionate about person centred support, human rights and community and we’ve all chosen to make our homes in Maryborough where we have been supporting local people for a combined total of more than 20 years.

During those years we’ve seen, heard and shared a lot of things. We’ve had the privilege of being welcomed into people’s lives and homes, we’ve laughed and cried with them and made some amazing memories. We’ve amassed wonderful ideas, made wish lists of things we’d like to support people to do, given a lot of thought to how we can deliver a quality service and spoken to a lot, a real lot, of wonderful people in the industry, to pick their brains. (We are very grateful to them all for their generous sharing of knowledge, what an inspiration). All of this has led us to this, here we are!

We aim to complement the great services already provided in the region, reduce waiting lists and tackle the challenging support issues and needs that others may not be able to. If it’s safe, healthy and legal we will do our utmost to support you to do it! From daily living tasks, skills development, outings, attending appointments, events and holidays to having someone come in and make your living quarters sparkle and more! We are so looking forward to supporting you, getting to know you and assisting you to access our wonderful community and environment.

We can’t wait to meet you and start our support adventure together. See you soon!

You can contact us by phoning 0455 261 589 or emailing info@venturecss.com and you can keep up to date with the latest VCSS news by following us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/venturecaresupportservices

PS: If you are a person who shares our passion to provide quality person centred support, we want to talk to you about career opportunities, please get in touch!

Neilo’s buddied up and out spreading his wings socially

April 28, 2023

by VCSSadmin News Published:

Birrong National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant Neilo Ferreira is a bit on the shy side, but thanks to Gig Buddies volunteer Jan Ireland working with him one-on-one and taking him places he’s out spreading his wings socially.

Neilo, 52, has learning difficulties but it hasn’t stopped him from clocking up an impressive 26 years working full-time as a storeman/parts packer at City Ford and doing most things independently.

Neilo gets up at 5:15am, catches a bus and a train to work. It takes an hour each way and he arrives home at 4pm. He then helps his elderly mum around their family home.

Looking to expand his social network Neilo used his NDIS funds to engage disability provider ACL Disability Services who introduced him to Gig Buddies, a service matching him with a “buddy” to support him to enjoy greater social inclusion. That buddy was Jan.

“I like going places with Jan. We go to the movies, bowling and we go out for dinner. It’s nice to have someone to go out with,” Neilo said.
According to Jan the feeling is mutual. “I really enjoy Neilo’s company too,” she said.

“My husband passed away 15 years ago. I’m on my own and volunteering to support Neilo socially has helped me to widen my own social circles. It’s helped us both tremendously.”

After being matched on their shared interests, age and how close they lived to each other, Jan and Neilo said they clicked instantly.

“We’ve talked about it, and we just hit it off. It’s weird. I was saying to Neilo the other day I feel like I’ve known you for years. He said the same thing. We just find it really easy to talk to each other and we enjoy each other’s company,” Jan said.

“Gig Buddies like you to go out together once a month, but Neilo and I go out more than that. Sometimes we go out 2 or 3 times a month. It just depends on our availability.

“We also text each other a lot to say hi and he sends me random jokes. He’s hilarious.”

Jan said Gig Buddies also organise lunches and dinners where everyone is invited.

“The last one we went to was at a club in Parramatta. Neilo was sitting down the end of the table, so I encouraged him to move up and join in on the conversation. He did. It was so good. We are making progress building his confidence and social skills. It’s wonderful.”

Neilo’s brother Joe said having the NDIS funding to engage Gig Buddies has been great for his brother, who hasn’t felt comfortable or confident mixing in social settings for years.

“We can see Neilo really enjoys Jan’s company, and their friendship is really having a positive effect on his confidence and general well-being,” he said.

“Just by being in Jan’s company Neilo is experiencing and being exposed to things he wouldn’t normally of had the opportunity to do.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing his confidence continue to grow,” he said.

The NDIS provides support to over 534,000 Australians with over half receiving supports for the first time.

In NSW, over 172,000 people are now benefitting from the NDIS.

Brenton’s grateful he can live his own life in his own place

April 11, 2023

by VCSSadmin Published:

Thanks to a Geelong-based Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) developer and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Brenton Bell has moved from aged care to his own home, built to his specific needs.
Now 60, Brenton became a paraplegic 3 years ago and joined the NDIS for support.

“Every day I think how lucky I am and how grateful I am for all the supports I get,” he said.

Now calling Grovedale home, Brenton lives close to amenities in a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home he co-designed with SDA developer, Keith Fagg.

Brenton’s home is just like any other property. However, inside it boasts state-of the art assistive technology.
Also, if Brenton needs to discuss anything relating to his home and supports, he calls his SDA provider Illowra

Living who ensure his environment continues to meet his needs.
“I’ve got everything I need to live independently,” he said. “It’s been that good I do most things myself.

“I did have 24/7 NDIS support, but I found I don’t need it, so I reduced it. Now I can manage on my own from 3 to 8pm every day.

“It is hard having people in and out your home constantly, but now during that time I get to do what I want to do. I cook dinner on the BBQ, turn up the music and enjoy my own space,” he said.
Built and accredited to NDIS High Physical Support standards, Brenton says he still in disbelief how easy it is for him to move around his new home.

“The doorways are wider; the floors are level; my oven and microwave are easy to access and with my hydraulic wheelchair there’s no difficulty accessing any kitchen cupboards,” he said.
“I’ve also got ceiling hoists and a hospital bed with an air mattress to prevent bed sores. After having a couple, I wouldn’t be without it.”

Brenton’s home also features an uninterrupted power supply (UPS system) – a battery back-up so if his power goes off, all his equipment and utilities still work.

Blinds are automated and floors are vinyl plank which means his wheelchair won’t slip.
Brenton’s accessible bathroom is the size of a bedroom. He can easily position himself under the sink to shave or brush his teeth and transfer himself to his shower and toilet.

“What I like about this SDA design is the carers have their own room and bathroom and I have mine. We don’t have to share,” he said.

With his increased independence, Brenton has also turned his garage into a workshop.
Now able to tinker with tools, he’s made a timber planter wall which he has fitted to his back patio fence, and he’s been filling it with plants from his local Bunnings store.

“I really love my outdoor area,” Brenton said. “I often cook a steak on the BBQ for dinner. I’m also looking forward to getting a dining table and some chairs out here.

“Eventually I’d like to put a roof on the pergola and lay artificial turf over the concrete.”
Jodie, Brenton’s Access Your Supports NDIS support coordinator, and Keith said they marvel at how Brenton’s move has improved his overall health and general wellbeing.

“This home has been the best thing for Brenton. Now his health is more stable, he’s been able to achieve his goal – to reduce his supports,” Jodie said.

“Ash, Brenton’s house manager, has helped to make this happen too. She was onboard at the start. She worked with Brenton, listening, and acting on what he wanted.”

A huge SDA advocate, who was inspired by former NDIA CEO David Bowen in the early days of the Scheme, Keith said it’s fantastic to see Brenton happy, settled and in control of his own life in a home they co-designed so he could live his best life. Keith also works with Illowra Living as the SDA Provider for his SDA homes.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Keith said. “Everybody’s situation is unique. If all parties can work together to understand where the participant is coming from, and we can get the design right, look what we can achieve!”

The NDIS is now providing support to more than 534,000 Australians, with more than half receiving supports for the first time.

Brenton is one of over 151,000 Victorians benefitting from the NDIS.

Josh finds his tribe on the spectrum

March 30, 2023

by VCSSadmin Published:

Finding mates can be hard for those on the autism spectrum, but a
national website is helping neurodiverse people like Josh Mandis make lasting
friendships.

Josh, 24, from Baulkham Hills, is a NDIS participant who lives with
autism.

With World Autism Day on Sunday 2 April, Josh wants to tell his story of
how he found a group of mates that have turned his life around.

Josh’s mum, Elisa, helped find a social group called Mates That Matter
(MTM), which posts regular meetups on The A List Hub, a website designed to
connect people with autism in their local area.

“Mum was a bit worried about me because I was losing touch with people I
had befriended,” Josh said.

“I was catching up with a friend about once every 2 months.

“I didn’t have that many friends.

“Mates That Matter organises outings and activities so men with autism
who live locally can meet and make friendships, which is important for mental
health.

“There’s nothing more important than having mates.”

Mates That Matter founder, Dan Drapac, says the group is committed to
developing lasting friendships.

“Mateship is such an important aspect of male mental health that isn’t
given the attention it deserves,” Dan said.

“Josh brings a smile to everyone around him. His passion for life is
what makes him a great mate.

“It is obvious Josh has found his tribe.”

Josh’s NDIS supports have also made a huge impact to his life.

Since joining the Scheme in 2019, Josh has been able to access a
psychologist and an exercise physiologist.

“I see the psychologist to help me manage my anxiety and any negative
mindset I might have, Josh said.

“The exercise physiologist helps me improve my fitness, which will also
improve my mental health.”

Josh’s NDIS plan also allows him to access MTM activities through The A
List Hub, which is funded through the Department of Social Services.

The A List Hub general manager, Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, says about
one-third of young people with autism in Australia have no friends other than
family or paid support staff.

“We are making it easier for people like Josh to find and connect with
social organisations like Mates That Matter,” Madeleine said.

“Our national platform lists hundreds of social options so that young
autistic people can easily find activities they love in a safe and fun space.

“Whether it’s gaming, surfing, Dungeons and Dragons, camping or simply
hanging out, The A List Hub is a place where everybody will find their thing.”

Thanks to the confidence borne out of his newfound friendships, Josh is going
from strength to strength.

Last year, he got his driver’s license at the first attempt.

He is employed 2 days a week with a supported employment organisation,
working as a packer in a factory.

Currently living at home, Josh has a goal to move into a place of his
own and gain employment in the retail sector.

Josh is urging people to “be kinder to people with a disability”.

“Don’t let people define you based on who you are and your disability,”
he said.

“Give people who have autism a chance – you’ll be amazed at what we can
do.

“My message to other people with autism is to believe in yourself.

“There are lots of great people out there who will support you.”

Josh is one of more than 172,000 in New South Wales benefitting from the
NDIS.

He is one of almost
200,000 participants nationally who have listed autism as their primary
disability.

Support shines for Julie in answering the call for others

March 21, 2023

by VCSSadmin Published:

For Sydney mother Julie Louden, the “saving grace” of support she received after the birth of daughter Bridie is a gift worth sharing.

Marking World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March, Julie will be there for others, like they were for her, in the days, weeks, and years following Bridie’s birth.

“Bridie was 7 days old when we were abruptly told she had Trisomy 21,” Julie said of Bridie, who’s now 17.

“Fortunately, I had already been put in contact with a social worker due to the traumatic nature of Bridie’s birth and got the number for Down Syndrome NSW.

“They were my support initially. I contacted them whenever I needed to; even just to chat. Bridie had 2 heart surgeries before she was one and there was always someone to talk to who had gone through something similar.

“Now, I’m providing that support to others as a business support manager with Down Syndrome NSW. I’ve been there and know how it feels… that support is 100% important, and it can be the saving grace for parents.”

Sharing her journey and providing support to mothers, family members, carers, or whoever needs advice and guidance, Julie also fields questions around National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plans.

Fittingly, it was the support Julie received which led the family to an introduction to the NDIS for Bridie.

Turning 18 in August, Bridie uses her NDIS plan to access speech therapy and support work and is building her social and professional capacity.

Whether it’s learning about the magic of makeup, making Tik Toks or hanging out at home, Bridie’s support network assists her to shine and provides extra flexibility for Julie and the family.

“Bridie has become good friends with her speech therapist and support worker, Olivia, which is what we were hoping for,” Julie said.

“She takes her out to the community and picks her up once a week to go shopping and to do things like order food to help her speech in that way.

“They incorporate Tik Toks into speech therapy too. They talk to camera, do makeup videos and all kinds of things, so, it’s a really good thing for her.

“With a bit more independence outside of the family, the support around social activities and things like that allowed me to go back to work also.”

Into the final year of her schooling, Bridie attends a support TAFE class once a week, where she indulges in her love for learning all about makeup, on a path towards landing her “dream job”.

A hoarder who loves anything done with a pen or piece of paper, Bridie also wants to one day work at Officeworks.

For now though, continuing to increase Bridie’s capacity outside the home is a focus for Julie.

“For her to be more socially active is a short-term goal,” Julie said.

“Bridie loves putt putt golf, aqua golf, bowling, going to the movies,” and that type of thing, but where regular kids go to school and then socialise out of school, our girls don’t do that, and it needs to be facilitated by the parents.

“So, I’m hoping to start an exercise and mentor peer support group for girls.”

According to Down Syndrome NSW, about 1 in every 1100 babies born in Australia will have Down syndrome. This means that each year there are about 290 new babies born each year who have the genetic condition.

Wanting to play her part in helping the families of those babies as they navigate their individual journeys, Julie plans on continuing to be just a phone call away.

“It’s powerful to help others. At first people tend to be a bit sheepish, but once they hear about me, the conversation is ‘you’ve been there, and it’s very valuable,” Julie said.

“I found when Bridie was young, the people I spoke to had kids with Down syndrome as well and it felt the same.

“The woman I used to speak with works here still, and she’s been here 18 years. So, it’s kind of gone full circle for me, and now I ’m able to offer my learning and understanding to parents who are exactly where I was 17 years ago.”

DJ Cooper ready to rock the crow at the all-inclusive Ability Fest

March 20, 2023

by VCSSadmin Published:

When 18-year Melbourne DJ Cooper Smith takes the main stage at this year’s Ability Fest, he’ll be communicating the best way he knows how – through music.

“I absolutely love how it (DJ’ing) makes me and my audiences feel,” says Cooper.

“I love bringing high energy and artistry to my gigs.

“It just feels awesome that so many people are touched by my music.”

Cooper will be beatmatching alongside more than 50 of Australia’s leading bands and DJs for the 4th Ability Fest on 25 March at Birrarung Marr, organized by the Dylan Alcott Foundation.

He says he’s pumped to perform for the first time at the all-accessible music festival, bringing his passion for Afro house and melodic techno to the dance stage.

“I’m a bit nervous about performing in front of so many thousands of people,” Cooper says.

“But I’m excited and looking forward to getting people up and dancing and having fun.”

Cooper, who lives with cerebral palsy, regularly DJs at clubs and corporate and private gigs around Melbourne.

He describes himself as a DJ who ‘happens to have a disability.’

Supported through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to pursue his life goals, Cooper says he’s ‘a proud disabled guy’ but his disability does not define him.

“Having cerebral palsy means my muscles move differently as all the messages get mixed up.

“It’s just a small part of me but it’s not who I am,” Cooper says.

“I can walk, and I sometimes use a wheelchair.

“My voice sounds different, so you need to take the time and be patient to hear and understand all the awesome topics I discuss!

“When I perform, I use DJ-ing and music as a communication tool.

“I think people can see past the disability, it’s not a big deal.

They just have fun and enjoy my music.”

Cooper began working the DJ circuit in Melbourne after starting to DJ at home during COVID.

When school resumed, Cooper’s teachers invited the aspiring DJ to entertain schoolmates during PE class and lunchbreaks.

And then something special happened.

Disability advocates and ListenABLE podcast co-hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin turned up at Cooper’s high school assembly to surprise Cooper with a gift – his own top-of-the-line professional scratch DJ mixer.

Cooper was grinning from ear to ear as his high school rose for a moving standing ovation.

“It was pretty amazing,” Cooper says.

“They (Dylan and Angus) had heard from my awesome teacher Mr Jack that I dreamed of becoming a world-famous DJ.

“What they did helped make that dream come true!

“So, a year on I am in the studio each and every day practising and making my own music.”

Cooper’s music career will take a leap forward when he debuts his own music at Ability Fest.

“I’ve been working for about 6 months with a music producer Tom Evans, who is the most awesome and inclusive person I know,” Cooper says.

“I’ll be releasing my first single ‘Stay’ at Ability Fest, which is very exciting.

“It’s a techno track, but a bit more mainstream and emotional, which will hopefully appeal to the crowd.”

The NDIS is helping Cooper to pursue his goals with a variety of supports, including support workers who help him to stay fit, access his community and socialise with people his own age.

“I have 3 support workers who do different things with me like going to the gym and doing boxing, which I really love because that helps me to keep fit for my DJ work,” Cooper says.

“Sometimes we go out for coffee or meet up with friends or go out with my siblings.

“My support workers are great and they’re more like friends to me now.

“I like that they’re young like me, it feels more like we are just sort of hanging out together.”

Cooper says he hopes to be a good role model to other young people with disability.

He’s looking forward to showing the crowds at Ability Fest what he can do.

“I’m living a great life and busier and having more fun than most people,” Cooper says.

“I have an amazing team supporting me and I am showing everyone, disabled and able-bodied, that when you work, are persistent and committed you can achieve your goals.

“Never give up is my motto!”

Ursh answers the call when opportunity knocks

February 21, 2023