HOPE + SUPPORT = CHANGE

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1 A u s t r a l i a n C o m m u n i t y S u p p o r t O r g a n i s a t i o n C O N S U M E R A D V I S O R Y G R O U P Changing TIDES Magazine September 2014 To find out more about the Consumer Advisory Group checkout our Website and type the following link into your Computer The Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) is a group of up to 12 Consumers and Exconsumers (Clients). The group advocates for the interests of all ACSO consumers by; Assisting ACSO to understand what consumers want and need by providing advice, knowledge and guidance. Assisting ACSO to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services Providing input into strategic planning Considering any matter referred to it by the ACSO council, management or programs/services and Participating in ACSO activities as required If you are interested and want more information ring Christine Cappello or Susie Beach on Telephone or us: ccappello@acso.org.au sbeach@acso.org.au HOPE + SUPPORT = CHANGE

2 WOMEN AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Ozanam Community Centre 268 Abbotsford st, North Melbourne Ph: Mon-Fri am-1.30 pm, 4.00 pm-6.30 pm Tram 57 from Elizabeth St, City Drop-in Centre 9 am-2.30pm Breakfast 9.15am-10 am. Lunch 12noon 1 pm (Donation if possible) On site services: showers and toilets, laundry facilities, lounge area, women's space, recreation, doctor's surgery, dental clinic (by appointment). Community workers meals program Visiting services: Centrelink, Royal District Nursing service. R E S P E C T Right to be Safe Enlist Assistance Seek Support Protect You and your Kids Escape Situation Courage Talk to Someone Innerspace 4 Johnston Street, Collingwood Ph: info@innerspace.org.au Tram 86 Service caters for people with a history of injecting drug use. Drop-in Centre 11 am 1 pm and 3pm-5pm Monday to Friday Needle Exchange 10.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday Breakfast Program 11am 1pm Monday to Friday Referral and services: Shower facilities, clothes washing and drying, computer access, peer support. Medical services available- Doctors (methadone and buprenorphine prescriptions) drug and alcohol counselling, sexual health, nutrition, housing and accommodation, community support, and legal advice St Kilda Crisis Centre 29 Grey Street, St. Kilda Phone: (03) Tram 96 The Centre provides crisis information and referrals for emergency housing, and services, including material aid. A mail holding/collection service provides a stable address for people who are homeless or in short-term housing. Staff act as advocates with other community welfare agencies and with Government departments, such as Centrelink, Office of Housing and other support services. Including financial, drug detoxification, mental health and housing issues.

3 WOMENS SERVICES Women's domestic violence crisis service: or (toll free) DROP-IN CENTRES CONTACT LIST Women's information and referral service: Women's refuge referral service: or (toll free) Women's health Victoria: / (toll free) Drug info line for Women: Women's legal resource centre: Drop-in centres are a good place to cool your heels for a while, grab a coffee and a shower, wash some clothes and have a look at what's on offer. They will normally have meals available for free or a couple of dollars. You may want to have a yarn to a duty worker and tell them a bit about your circumstances and what your immediate needs are, and they will steer you in the right direction. If you are moving around a bit they will hold your mail for you, as long as you collect it every week. They can refer you to services if you have any special needs.. St Mary's House of Welcome Brunswick St Fitzroy Ph: Mon. Tues. Thur. Fri, 8.30am-3.30pm, Wed & Sat 8.30am- 1.30pm. Trams 11 & 112 from Collins St, City Meals: breakfast: 8.45am and 9,14 am Donation. Lunch: and pm $2.00 Free referral services for accommodation, health, drug & alcohol, psychiatric, disability, women's health, Centrelink. On site services: free showers, toilets, rest room, games room, TV arts and crafts. Service. Men: Monday, am-1.00 pm. Women: Tuesday and Thursday, am-1.00 pm. Young Women's health service: Sacred Heart Mission s Women s House 65 Robe Street St Kilda: o Drop-in centre o Free lunch o Assist with housing, health issues and support o Showers, laundry and telephone o Art program and social activities WIRE Women s Information Centre 372 Spencer Street West Melbourne Ph: o Support and referral for women with relationship issues, domestic violence, and health concerns, etc. o Free internet access o Support finding education/training o Free computer classes and seminars on various topics Women s Health West Barkley Street Footscray Ph: o Information. Referral and Counselling on issues including relationships, domestic violence and health. o Crisis support o Court support o Support groups

4 Do you want to share Do you want to share your experiences of your experiences of being a service user being a service user to help ACSO under- A MOTHER S JOURNEY Once again I ve lost my precious son to drugs and prison. I gave birth 41 years ago today to a beautiful perfect little boy and I had 16 years of happy and loving times. What went wrong? Cannabis came into his life, so now I watch heartbroken and helpless as he destroys his life. I don t have ambitions for him now except wishing him to be happy, drug free and out of prison. A Mother should be able to make it all better I believed, but now I realise after lots of learning and support from groups, that I can only love him and pray for him. He is the only person who can make it all better. I really don t know if he and other people in this situation can fully understand the heartbreak of a parent who watches helplessly as their child sinks further and further into misery. Do you Do you want to help want to help ACSO im- The Consumer Advisory Group is a group of current and previous ACSO service users (clients/ consumers). Members play a key role in making sure consumer voices inform ACSO s work. You can help make sure services and supports are delivered when and where they are needed most. CAG members You need to complete a Membership Form. and there will be an informal interview. You are required to participate in the group at least 12 months and participate in monthly 2 hour CAG meetings in Richmond. You will be paid for your input. Do you want to Do you want to advocate for all advocate for all ACSO consum- For more information and to find out how to apply please contact Christine Cappello Susie Beach Telephone : ccappello@acso.org.au sbeach@acso.org.au

5 Parents are the victims as well here Yes my child is going through hell, but what about all my dreams after I gave birth to this much wanted son. He is my only child, I have no daughter-in-law, no grandchild, no happy family celebrations. Today I should be making a birthday cake, instead I m waitting for a phone call from my son from prison, so I can wish him a happy birthday. God grant me the Serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. I feel so empty. How many more birthdays will he spend behind bars, or in a drugged stupor. I want my son back the happy and loving person I know is there somewhere - What went wrong? Drugs came into his life. Cheryle

6 STEPHEN S QUICK CURRIED SAUSAGES Ingredients : 1 Tablespoon Oil 8 Thick Beef Sausages 50g Butter 2 Onions Sliced 2 Tablespoons Tomato Sauce 1-2 Tablespoons Curry Powder 1 Tablespoon Plain Flour 2 Beef Stock Cubes 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Stan McCormack, ACSO s founder realised his talent for creative expression after receiving private tuition whilst he was incarcerated in Pentridge Prison. Upon release in 1983, he established the Epistle Centre (later renamed Australian Community Support Organisation) because he wanted to help people get out & stay out of prison and provide them with support and hope for a better life. 30 years on Stan s vision is at the core of what we do. Method : Heat Oil in Pan and Cook Sausages until Browned Take out of pan Drain on Paper Towel Cut Sausages into thick slices Heat Butter in Pan add Sliced Onion and cook until Soft Add Plain Flour and Curry Powder and Stir until Bubbling Remove from Heat Slowly stir in Water and Stock Cubes Add Sausages Pieces Return to Heat and Stir until Mixture is Smooth and Thick Stir in Tomato and Worcestershire Sauce and stir until heated through and Serve. Serve with Peas and Mashed Potato

7 THE 2014 ACSO ART EXHIBITION DON T LOSE HOPE WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN THE STARS COME OUT!

8 CAG AT THE ACSO ART EXHIBITION 2014 BRANCHING OUT, ACSO s 2014 ART EXHIBITION A shining example of how ACSO plays a vital role in its client s recovery journey. Due to layers of complexity and Criminal Justice background, our clients are often excluded from community programs, so ACSO provides a range of Day Programs that promotes reintegration into the community. Creative Art is one such program, where art is the therapeutic means used to encourage our clients to express emotions, feelings and thoughts. Each year around budding artists benefit from this program, which is delivered by ACSO s Life Skills Team. The Program acts as a stepping stone into other community Arts Programs. ACSO has held biannual art exhibitions for 16 years to provide the public with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the issues faced by our clients and view the creative endeavours of those members of our community that, without the right supports, would be unlikely to realise their potential and share their talent.