WISH Newsletter

		Dear Subscriber, Welcome to the 1st edition of the ConnectGroups E-news for 2008. We are currently in the process of revising our website and e-news template hence the WISH address. However, please keep an eye out for the new and improved ConnectGroups format! Having trouble reading this in your email program? You can always read this newsletter on the web. Just visit here.
		LATEST NEWS Expressions of Interest – Workshops and Networking Events We are planning activities for the coming year and would like your input. Workshops We are very pleased that long-time journalist and media advisor, Tony Serve is keen to present more Media Workshops in 2008! ‘The Human Face in the Media’ is planned for mid-year. This workshop looks at how to be an effective group spokesperson when dealing with the Media. Tony will explain the risks and rewards of putting yourself in front of the microphone or camera, and mock interviews will be conducted in order to prepare you for an actual interview. *'Media and The Internet’* workshop, learning how to use Google alerts and providing IT tips, may also be offered. If you are interested in either of these topics, or alternatively, if you are interested in other media issues, please let us know and we can look at developing a media workshop around your ideas. Networking Events Networking events and other workshops are planned for this year and we welcome your suggestions for topics. Interest has been shown in the following: - Secrets of Successful Meetings - Working with the Media - Finding Funding - Basic Public Speaking Skills - Working with Health Professionals - Risk Management. If you are interested in any of the above, or have ideas for other workshops, please contact Christine at cdo@connectgroups.org.au New Internet Phone Service for the Deaf People who are Deaf or have hearing and speech-impairment can now use the internet to make telephone calls without fixed phone landlines. The internet can now be used to access the National Relay Service via laptops or mobile phones. National Relay Service users who cannot speak, type messages which are verbally relayed by an operator to the other person taking part in the call. The operator also types the verbal responses. Service users previously had to use text telephones known as TTYs which are connected to landlines. Further information about the service is available from the website, www.relayservice.com.au
		GRANTS Lotterywest Grants In October 2007 Lotterywest undertook a review of its grants approach to supporting the organisational development of the not-for-profit sector. These grants have been developed to assist in extending the capacity of Organisations through grants for Organisational Development, Conferences and Professional Development. Key Improvements to the grant area include, - Removal of the limits for Organisational Development activities - Removal of the limit for Conferences For more information, the Extending the Capacity for Not-For-Profit Organisations Information Package can be accessed at www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au/grants. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the information package or wish to discuss a grant proposal in more detail, please contact the Lotterywest Grants Team on 9340 5270 or 1800 655 270. Mental Health The Department of Health and Ageing has provided the Mental Health Council of Australia with funds to assist in the development of the capacity of NGO mental health organisations and other organisations delivering services relating to mental health. There are two opportunities: - One-off grants of up to $40,000 for organisations working in: drug and alcohol rehabilitation, counseling, telephone help lines, family support services, men's services, asylum seeker support, eating disorders, suicide prevention and addiction. Grant application forms & info available at www.mhca.org.au from 1st Feb 2008. - 14 free, full day workshops. Providers of mental health services can also attend the workshops around the country designed for building smarter and stronger not-for-profit organisations and also better projects. Book a place in the workshops by contacting Rachelle Irving at rachelle.irving@mhca.org.au or (02) 6285 0812
		NEW GROUPS We have had interest in starting a new group for the following issue. If you would like more information contact Christine at cdo@connectgroups.org.au Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) HHT is a genetic disorder that causes abnormalities of blood vessels and involves nosebleeds and characteristic red spots that are distinctly different from haemophilia. Most blood vessels in the body of someone with HHT are normal. However, a small percentage of the blood vessels in a person with HHT have a specific type of abnormality.
		COMING EVENTS Heart to Heart Gala Ball Saturday 8th of March 2008 - Hyatt Regency Perth Show your support of HeartKids Western Australia who help support and give hope to children and the families of children with congenital and/or acquired heart disorders. Proceeds go to PMH Care Unit and Children's Cardiac Centre. Tickets are $160, Please contact Fran on 0409 290 504 or Shelley on 9440 1999 for more details. FREE CARER WORKSHOPS Things you Need to Know in the Caring Role - 4th March 10am-2pm This workshop explores coping with change, finding out and receiving the right information, services that might be available for you, working with service providers, health professionals, and keeping a balance in your everyday life. Looking After Yourself - 25th March 10am-2pm This workshop explores different ways of taking time out, from either a five minute coffee break through to a couple of weeks. Explore the options; talk about how you feel taking time out and provide some ideas for asking and receiving respite. These and other useful workshops are available free of charge, please contact Carers WA Education and Training Department on 9228 7428 (Savannah or Louise) or register online at www.carerswa.asn.au FREE MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS Standing In Their Shoes Armadale - 12th Feb 6.30-8.30pm Carlisle - 20th Feb 6.30-8.30pm Aimed at increasing the understanding of issues and challenges for someone experiencing a mental health problem, such as the challenges for them to do some things that they used to do without thought or care and the level of disability they experience, and the impact stigma has on their life. Loss and Grief Armadale - 1st May 6.30-8.30pm Carlisle - 1st May 12.30-2.30pm Aimed at increasing the understanding of the loss and grieving process in relation to being in the role of 'carer' and to increase your knowledge of ways of coping within the context of loss and grief. For more information on these and other Mental Health Workshops, run by Brain Ambulance and organised by CLAN WA's Indigo project, please contact Indigo on 9498 2829 or email indigo@clanwa.com.au FREE English Classes 9.00 – 12.45 Saturdays, 23 Feb – 17 May International English Centre, Reception area, Building 19 ECU Churchlands Campus, Cromarty Rd, Churchlands Bus routes, 99, 98, 401, 92, 91, 95 Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends! Phone 9442 1412 for more information or CELTA@pibt.wa.edu.au
		RESOURCES Introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury This training kit is to assist staff working with people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It includes eight self-study modules for staff working with people with TBI. The self-study modules can be competed on-line. The kit also includes downloadable presenter notes, handouts and worksheets for use by workshop presenters who are presenting face to face workshop sessions for staff working with people with TBI. Use of the kit is free. Please visit http://www.tbistafftraining.info/ for more information.
		CONTACT Phone: 9228 4488 Freecall: 1800 195 575 (country callers only) Fax: 9228 4490 Email: info@connectgroups.org.au Website: www.connectgroups.org.au Address: 335-337 Pier Street PERTH 6000 Postal: PO Box 8140 Perth Business Centre WA 6849

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