Updated 5 July , 2020
Due to restrictions currently in place across a number of Melbourne postcodes, Gateways Support Services has taken the decision to cancel the entire western Melbourne July Holiday recreation program, effective immediately.
We have also taken the precautionary measure of cancelling non-essential individual supports within western Melbourne for the four weeks specified by the Victorian Government.
Gateways Support Services has been working continuously with our staff, volunteers, our participants and families to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust our services to ensure we can continue to provide our essential supports in the best way that we can. As always, our teams have been thinking outside the square to come up with innovative changes across many of our service areas.
Please find following a summary of the way our services will run through June and July. More details follow below the table. Please note these details are subject to change depending on venue and prevailing restrictions. Speak with your nearest Gateways Support Services office or contact person for latest information.
The following table has not been updated for the current restrictions within western Melbourne. For information specific to western Melbourne, please see relevant section below the table, read our latest CEO update or contact the Footscray office ph 9396 1111 or email westernmelbourne@gateways.com.au
Preschool Inclusion Services
These services remain ON HOLD while preschools remain closed. This includes:
- Kindergarten Inclusion Support
- Preschool Field Officer Program
Coordination and Support
Support coordination
Support coordination services in Geelong, western Melbourne and Warrnambool are continuing, with coordinators connecting with families and NDIS planners via phone, Zoom and Skype. Please note some NDIA price changes related to this service as detailed in our recent COVID-19 pricing update.
Parent support program
Face-to-face parent support groups are currently ON HOLD. However, we recognise that parent support and connection is more important than ever during this time. We have set up a private Parent Support Facebook group which is inclusive of Gateways parents from all regions. The page will have links to information, provide a forum to chat with other parents and also provide links to weekly Zoom virtual video Parent Support groups facilitated by Carolyn and Linda, which will run every Tuesday at 10am. We are also looking for expressions of interest for a Wednesday Zoom group at 10am. Please contact linda.justin@gateways.com.au or call 0429 598 392 for more information.
If you would like further information or do not use Facebook but would like to participate in the Zoom parent support groups, feel free to email parent.support@gateways.com.au or telephone your local Gateways office. Individual parent support continues to be available via email, telephone or Zoom video meetings.
Plan management and financial administration
Plan management services are operating as usual for existing clients only.
Individual Support and Respite
Individual supports for children, teens and adults
While our group recreation programs are on hold, it is still business as usual for individual support and our team is here to help.
Commonwealth Home Supports Program
Our current CHSP service for people over 65 years is still operating. Carers can continue to do your shopping, pay your bills at the post office or pick up medication. If families would like a daily phone call to check on their loved one, we can do that too! Give Kate a call on 5292 9200 to organise any of these services.
Getaway House (Warrnambool)
Our respite program at Getaway House for children and teenagers is ON HOLD. Details and contact information here.
Boost 4 Kids(Geelong)
This out-of-home respite program program for children with complex medical needs is currently ON HOLD. Details and contact information here.
Interchange Host Buddy (Geelong and Western Melbourne)
This program, matching volunteers with children with a disability for one-to-one respite support is currently ON HOLD. Details and contact information here.
Recreation and Activities
The July holiday program has been cancelled for all of western Melbourne due to current restrictions. We are taking expressions of interest for our term 3 programs, which we hope to commence once restrictions are lifted. Browse our Western Melbourne Term 3 Programs.
Geelong recreation programs are continuing in line with social distancing and hygiene requirements.
The following recreation programs remain on hold:
Geelong and surrounds – face-to-face groups
- Social Connect ON HOLD
- Frail aged and dementia (Café Care Connect and Prime Movers) ON HOLD
Western Melbourne – face-to-face groups
- Frail aged and dementia (Prime Movers) ON HOLD
Accommodation
Our residential services remain essential and at the core of the support we will maintain. While we ask that no one visits houses, we are offering alternative ways for families to stay in touch with loved ones including phone calls and video link-ups through services including Skype, Zoom ands FaceTime. We have deployed extra staff to do the additional things required to comply with new regulations as well as daytime support, with tailored programs for each participant to minimise the impact of the loss of their usual day activities.
Positive Behaviour Support services
The Behaviour Support Team is continuing to assist participants, support workers and families via a range of online delivery channels including Skype and FaceTime. Find out more about the service and contact details here.
Gateways Gardening
The Gateways Gardening program is currently supporting one participant per day and maintaining social distancing. You can contact Gateways Gardening on 0418 719 802 or gatewaysgardening@gateways.com.au