WISH E-News Exchange


Dear Subscriber,

Welcome to the 8th edition of the WISH E-news for 2007. Please note that we have successfully rebranded the organisation to ConnectGroups - Support Groups Association of WA, and you may want to record this new email address to prevent new mail being regarded as as SPAM.

There will no longer be a print version of the WISH News Exchange and as such, the e-news will be the primary contact with members. It was decided not to continue with the News Exchange but instead produce more frequent and timely information via the e-news. The e-news will be circulated monthly and 2008 will bring a revamped e-news along with the new logo.

Having trouble reading this in your email program? You can always read this newsletter on the web. Just visit here.

  
News

 

LATEST NEWS

Networking Morning Teas
ConnectGroups hosted three Networking Morning Teas in November. One in Perth on November 6th and one each in Busselton and Bunbury on November 13th and 14th respectively.

Attendees included support groups and service providers and valuable information and contacts were shared. Guest speakers from GP down south in Busselton and Morrissey in Bunbury spoke about their service provision in the south west. Zoe Warwick from Concepts4Change led a laughter yoga workshop in Perth.

Brainstorming sessions indicated a need for training in working with the media, sourcing funding, group development and running effective meetings.

ConnectGroups is looking at holding quarterly Networking Teas. If you are interested in attending, or if you have ideas for training/workshops for 2008,
Please contact Christine on 9228 4488 or email cdo@connectgroups.org.au.

Sewing Machines Wanted for Community Project
Mental Illness Fellowship of WA member George Roe has been engaged by Senses foundation to run a community sewing class for people with a disability. Senses have given George space and other facilities but she needs four (4) sewing machines to run the group and offer the classes.

If you have an old sewing machine you are no longer using and would like to see it put to good use on this worthwhile and valuable project,
Please contact George on 9258 3218 or the Mental Illness Fellowship of WA on 9228 0200 

 
Grants

 

GRANTS

Harmony Week Grants
The Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI) through the Community Grants Program (CGP) is offering grants of up to $5000 to support community projects or events during Harmony Week 2008. Harmony Week, 15-21 March 2008 focuses on the concept of ‘connecting’.
The overall goal of Harmony Week 2008 is to encourage all Western Australians to work together to build a society where everyone is able to participate fully and enjoy all aspects of society, while taking a stand against racism and discrimination in all its forms.
Nominations Close 5:00pm, Friday 7 December 2007, for more information visit www.omi.wa.gov.au/omi_hwgrants_2008.asp

AIM Scholarships
The Australian Institute of Management WA is pleased to once again invite applications from eligible organisations for a number of scholarships for management development in 2008. Scholarships are awarded to eligible civic and voluntary groups, charitable and welfare groups, church groups and other not for profit organisations.
Applications close Friday 14th December 2007, For more information visit www.aimwa.com/trainingscholarships.cfm

 
New Groups

 

NEW GROUPS

We have had interest shown in starting new groups for the following issues.  If you are interested in one or more of these, please contact Christine at WISH on 9228 4488 or email christine@connectgroups.org.au

Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature.

Hearing Impaired Social Group
This group is a social group for hearing impaired individuals.

Parents Raising Young Selective Eaters (PRYSE)
Selective Eating Disorder (SED) (also known as picky or fussy eating, or preservative eating disorder) is an eating disorder that prevents the consumption of certain foods. It is often viewed as a phase of childhood that is generally overcome with age. However, victims of SED range in age from infancy to the elderly. This group of parents will provide support and encouragement to each other.

Pre-Eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure, swelling that happens suddenly and is perhaps accompanied by rapid weight gain in the second half of pregnancy, and protein in the urine.

Self Harming Support Group
Self-harm is when people deliberately inflict physical harm on themselves. This group provides support and information to people who have self harmed or who are self harming. The group assists members to overcome fear, set achievable goals and take control of their lives with the aim of gaining strength, wholeness and confidence.

Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder, which most often begins between the ages of 2 and 21, and lasts throughout life. TS is NOT degenerative and people with TS can expect to live a normal life span. TS is characterised by rapid, repetitive and involuntary muscle movements and vocalisations called "tics", and often involves behavioural difficulties.

Women’s Circle
The purpose of this group is to provide women in Yanchep, Two Rocks and surrounding areas with both a support and social network.

 
Coming Events

 

COMING EVENTS

Free Carers Movie Morning
Do you care for someone at home with an illness or disability? If yes, then Carers WA would like to invite you and a friend to take a break, sit back and enjoy a free movie “Fred Claus” and morning tea. 

The movie will be shown at Ace Cinemas, Midland Gate Shopping Centre on Thursday the 6th of December. Free morning tea at 9.30am, movie starts at 10.30am.
If you are a family carer and you and a friend would like to come, please call 1800 242 636. Please quote movie morning or email angela.purslowe@carerswa.asn.au
Please RSVP before 28/11/07, Seats are limited so please book early.

All Together- Live Better Community Event
On Sunday the 25th of November, The Midland Womens Health Care Place is holding a free event promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. A variety of workshops, bands and entertainment, information stalls, free children’s activities and a free sausage sizzle will be availiable. It is being held at Midland Square, Midland (Next to Farmers Market) from 10am to 3pm.
For more information please contact Pasty Molloy on
9250 2221 or Kat Pinder on 0408 958 485.

White Ribbon Day - White Ribbon Foundation (Australia)
Wearing a white ribbon on the 25th of November is a personal pledge not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and children.
For more information email admin@whiteribbonday.org.au or check the website at http://www.whiteribbonday.org.au/

Human Rights and Disability Discrimination, Knowing & Exercising Your Rights
On Saturday the 1st of December 2007, Special Guests Playback Theatre will present a Free Workshop for people with disabilities, their family and friends, support agencies and service providers. Learn about disability discrimination, improve your advocacy skills, learn how to take action when disability discrimination happens, provide feedback about the discrimination you face. Lets work together to make things better and share with others.
9am - 2pm at Belmont Council Function Centre, 215 Wright Street Cloverdale (wheelchair accessible). Free lunch from 1-2pm. 
For catering purposes and any special needs please contact Carmel Lissaman on 92777519 by the 23rd of November 2007.

World AIDS Day - WA AIDS Council
On the 1st of December come and join the WA AIDS Council at their annual street appeal in Perth City, 664 Murray Street, West Perth, for World AIDS Day awards and other activities.
Phone 9482 0000 or visit www.waaids.com for more information

Australian Giving Week
www.ourcommunity.com.au with the support of Westpac Bank. present The Australian Giving Week (3rd - 9th December) . It is designed to inspire individuals, families, groups and workplaces looking for ways to make a difference in the community in the lead-up to Christmas.
Find out how you can buy, volunteer, attend, join, donate and support in a way that helps to build your local community, Phone 03 9320 6800 or visit www.givingweek.com.au for more details.

Christmas Lunch in the Park
Join Mission Australia in celebrarting Christmas Lunch in the park. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. You will receive a traditional Christmas lunch, a visit from Santa delivering your Christmas gift, entertainment and great company.
Join us at Wellington Square, East Perth on the 25th of December 2007(Christmas Day) from 11.30-2.30pm. No RSVP needed just come along on the day.

 
Resources

 

RESOURCES

Holding a Meeting or Training Session?
A fully equipped, airconditioned/heated meeting room is available for hire at the ConnectGroups office.
Contact ConnectGroups for further information on 
9228 4488 or email info@connectgroups.org.au

Having an Open Day or promoting your group or organisation?
Portable, easy-to-erect Display Boards are also available for hire.
Contact ConnectGroups for further information on
9228 4488 or email info@connectgroups.org.au

Free to Member Support Groups
Publications: Self Help Group Starter Kit, How to Promote Your Group and Meeting Venues Directory.  These must be collected from the ConnectGroups Office during office hours of 9am-4pm, Monday to Thursday. 
Contact ConnectGroups on 9228 4488 or email info@connectgroups.org.au

Resource Manual - Violence Against Women With Disabilities
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA), the national peak organization for women with disabilities, has recently published a Resource Manual on Violence Against Women With Disabilities.
This Manual is made up of four booklets:
A Life Like Mine! - Narratives from women with disabilities who experience violence (52 pages).
Forgotten Sisters - A global review of violence against women with disabilities (112 pages).
It's Not Ok It's Violence - Information about domestic violence and women with disabilities (76 pages).
More Than Just A Ramp - A guide for women's refuges to develop disability discrimination act action plan (92 pages).
Audio, e-text & Large Print PDF versions of the Booklets are included on a CD-ROM which accompanies the Manual.
The cost of the Manual is $22 which covers postage and handling costs.
For more information please contact Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
Ph: 03 62448288
Email: wwda@wwda.org.au
Web: www.wwda.org.au

Free English Classes
2.30 – 4.45 pm, 2 – 31 January (except Wed 9, 16, 23 Jan) International English Centre, Reception area, Building 19
ECU Churchlands Campus, Pearson St, Bus routes, 99, 98, 401, 92, 91, 95
Everyone is welcome, no RSVP required just turn up on the 2nd of January at 2.15.
Phone 9442 1412 for more information or CELTA@pibt.wa.edu.au.
 

 
Contact

 

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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