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The year that was has touched us all in memorable ways. Members coming to the centres have shown a great motivation and commitment to do this. The journey between the doorway of home and the doorway of June O’Connor Centre has seen the purpose of members portrayed purely by their arriving. Thank you.
The year has painted a colourful and diverse picture. Where to start? With June O’Connor Centre members, for all of you are the essence of the centres
The centre aims to lay the path to recovery, by providing a caring environment consisting of the very details that are so important to whole wellbeing. Social inclusion and participation which builds self esteem. Skill enhancing activities to give confidence and reinforce self worth. Direct care to physical wellbeing provided through wholesome food, massage, hairdressing and body care. Informal counselling takes place to offer members options for their concerns, and provide the vital need of being listened to.
Then there’s the laughter. Building friendships and enjoying good company, endorsing pleasurable recreation.
Art: Subiaco June O’Connor Centre is home to many of the paintings of our members, and the walls are lively and colourful thanks to them. The picture rails lining the hallway will soon be home to more of members’ wonderful artwork.
Conference: In November 2008 two staff received full subsidies to attend the Recovery from Psychosis Conference at the Convention centre. This was also acquired for several members. The feedback was very positive.
Following this, was the Hearing Voices Network Conference attended by one member and one staff.
EDAC: Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre held a series of First Click Lessons, for which we organised enrolment of quite a few members. As EDAC is so close by, this was very successful.
Even Keel: Even Keel provide a wonderful service and staff alike. We thank Even Keel for their support, the provision of the Even Keel Support Group on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30pm and Libby’s newsletter, read widely. Janice Hinks has left Even Keel and we wish Janice the very best. Brett Hardy has been welcomed and now joins Even Keel.
Hearing Voices Group: The Hearing Voices Group facilitated by Caroline provides voice hearers, and anyone enduring distressing hallucinations, the opportunity to gain support and coping strategies from other people who have or have had their own experience. The group is held in a comfortable and confidential setting, and Caroline leads the group through discussions to promote their wellbeing. The group had previously been facilitated by Susan Hancock of Ruah, and Susan was pleased to have someone as insightful and dedicated as Caroline to take the group. The group has had outings to Matilda Bay, and a recent visit from Marlene Jansen of the Hearing Voices Network. Thank you Caroline for sharing your experiences and knowledge with the group.
Guitar Skills: Formerly conducted by Asko Sutton who provided members with a relaxed atmosphere in which to hone their skills, have lessons and jam. Asko inspired members and through this he built a solid rapport. Asko left us at the end of April this year to travel, and we wish Asko well.
May 2009 Maggie Spence provided a contact, and we were very fortunate to acquire Nick Stockwell to “pick the strings” where Asko left off, and guitar tuition continued on. Nick like Asko is easy to relate to and provides a relaxed environment. Members are very pleased to have Nick. Thank you Nick.
Hairdressing and Facials: Our staff, Johanna V L has offered hairdressing at three centres, which she has travelled to one day per month and conducted at Subiaco one day per month (for the three centres) on alternative months.
Jo has worked with enthusiasm and had wonderful results, giving pride for members. Thank you Jo. Lea L was working at Subiaco for four months, during which time Lea and Josie conducted the Women’s Group, with Lea giving facials once a month. Thank you Lea.
Japanese Choir: The music of the Japanese Choir has provided us with beautiful voices that have graced our ears on numerous occasions now. Christmas in July, and AGM 2008 were two such events, and we thank the choir for sharing their voices and time to provide us with their music.
Karaoke : Karaoke has been a feature at the June O’Connor Centre functions, and Annie has invited many people to come along and sing. Having acquired a karaoke machine and microphones during the year, it has meant that this activity can be enjoyed by many people, providing entertainment at the AGM, Christmas in July, CAG Party, Christmas Party, and June’s Birthday Party. Annie is also a volunteer who holds karaoke sessions at the Subiaco centre. Thank you Annie.
Massage: Peter Golding remains with the June O’Connor Centre, providing the valuable benefits of massage. Members have commented on the relief and relaxation provided by Peter’s massage. Peter has greatly assisted the wellbeing of members, and maintains a vigilant work ethic, offering the utmost care. At three dollars per massage for between ten and forty five minutes, this offers members the opportunity to experience an otherwise expensive service. Peter has been there, the AGM, Blue Sky, Christmas in July, Christmas, June’s Birthday 2009, Heading Bush Outings. Thank you Peter.