Your Monthly Dose of Care (June 2024)

Illustration of a lab

Welcome to the latest edition of the CareMatch newsletter – marking the end of yet another busy financial year! We’ve got an exciting lineup of events, updates and resources for you this month.

First up, you’re invited to tour the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation’s Spinal Injury Project lab at Griffith University (Gold Coast campus) in August, offering a first-hand glimpse into groundbreaking research.

Don’t forget to RSVP for the Making Strides (Ormeau) Open Day in July – it’s an event open to all and one we’re excited to get behind.

June also marks Men’s Health Month, a perfect reminder to focus on well-being – both physical and mental.

Additionally, the NDIS is seeking first-hand feedback from participants, families and support workers through their latest survey – and your voice matters. Today is the last day to submit your feedback.

We’re also highlighting the Autism CRC’s National Practice Guidelines, essential for ensuring best practices in autism care.

Lastly, we’ve got some great resources to share with you:

  • The Field Jobs: A revolutionary job site connecting job seekers with disabilities to inclusive employers. Discover more at The Field Jobs
  • Housing Hub: Housing Hub collaborates with SDA providers to create housing based on genuine demand. If you’re looking for disability accommodation, visit Housing Hub and create your profile today

Invitation: Exclusive Lab Tour at Griffith University and Team Lunch

Join us for an exclusive tour of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation’s Spinal Injury Project lab, followed by a CareMatch team lunch. This is a unique opportunity to witness the groundbreaking and life-changing research happening right here on the Gold Coast.

Event details:

  • What: Private lab tour of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation’s Spinal Injury Project lab followed by a CareMatch team lunch (location to be determined)
  • Where: Griffith University, Gold Coast campus
  • When: Thursday, 15th August from 10:00am – 11:30am, followed by a CareMatch team lunch afterwards
  • RSVP: Places are strictly limited, open to 10 people only. RSVP by emailing henry.bradford@carematchaustralia.com.au with your interest ASAP

The SIP project is on the cusp of a cure for paralysis. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to tour the lab making this happen. Meet the amazing research team and learn how their incredible discoveries have the potential to result in the first widely available treatment for spinal cord injury in the world.

Don’t forget: Join us at Making Stride’s Open Day

It’s only a month away! On Saturday July 27 from 1-3pm, the Making Strides Ormeau team are hosting their Open Day.

Join us and enjoy an afternoon filled with food, drinks, entertainment, massages, a group session, and gait training – there’s something for everyone.

For those of you outside of CareMatch – Making Strides is an NDIS-approved provider dedicated to delivering a safe space for people to exercise and maintain optimal health throughout their lives. They offer exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and a range of allied health services, all while fostering community integration and social support networks.

Everyone is welcome. Don’t miss out on this exciting event marking their first birthday. RSVP via their Facebook event below.

Get to know men’s health with Men’s Health Week

June is Men’s Health Month, with June 10 – 16 marking Men’s Health Week earlier this month. For the 30th year, this initiative promotes different ways we can keep men and boys living healthier lives.

Arm yourself with the following toolkits covering a range of men’s health topics, such as Men’s Mental Health, Men’s Heart Health, Exercise + Men’s Health, and Mateship + Men’s Health to help look after yourself, or the men in your life.

Got some thoughts on the NDIS?

People with disability, supporters and workers are encouraged to have their say in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission annual stakeholder survey.

It’ll only take a few minutes to complete, and your feedback is very worthwhile.

Be quick – submission close 1 July (tomorrow).

Get the latest insights into autism care

Autism CRC recently released their new National Practice Guideline Resources, designed to aid practitioners and families in supporting autistic children.

The new Guideline Resources include a number of tools such as:

📚 an eLearning short course on Guideline-based practice
📚 comprehensive materials for pre-service education
📚 tailored resources aimed at aiding individuals and families in managing their journeys

These tools are designed to complement the National Guideline for the learning, participation, and wellbeing of autistic children and their families, introduced in 2023. The guideline underscores evidence-based practices essential for fostering the development, participation in childhood activities, and overall wellbeing of autistic children.

If you’re interested, click below to learn more.

Around the CareMatch grounds

Carer of the month for June goes to Eliza Greene. Eliza has truly shined by stepping up to take on new clients and excelling in her skill set. Well done, Eliza!