Annual Report 2012 - Lifeline Darling Downs

Social Inclusion
Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland Ltd 2012 Annual Report
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by Cath Leask, Social Inclusion Worker
The purpose of the Social Inclusion program is to work with community stakeholders and
agency programs to identify priorities, design, develop, implement, maintain and evaluate
innovative responses to local issues of concern, through social inclusion/community
development, community education, service and agency development, and advocacy. This
program is funded by the Department of Communities and Lifeline Darling Downs (LLDD)
however next year will be funded by Lifeline Darling Downs only.
The Team
Cath Leask is the Social Inclusion Worker.
Anne Lee is Senior Practitioner.
Kate Greener is the Manager.
Achievements
Training
In the first half of the financial year, Cath was still involved in organizing Living Works
(Suicide Training) and other training including: 1) ASIST workshop; and 2) SafeTALK
presentations; 3) Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses; and 4) Accidental Counselling
workshops.
Reconciliation
During the year, Cath facilitated the finalisation and public launch of the LLDD Reconciliation
Action Plan, talking with staff about their responsibilities within the plan.
Involvement in planning and facilitating events for LLDD staff, other community organisations
and individuals including: the Anniversary of Apology to Stolen Generations in February,
Close the Gap Day in March and Reconciliation Week in May.
Facilitation
Cath has been engaged in facilitation within LLDD including: Team Planning days for the
PaCE
Camp and a session at the first whole of organisation meeting in March. Cath facilitated a
series of three workshops around the transition of staff from Mill St, Hill St, Taylor St and
Isabel St to the new building in Russell St. Facilitation work external to the agency has
included a planning session with the St Johns Parish Social Justice Group and sessions at
Social Procurement Project
This program in conjunction with Clubhouse, Personnel West, Metro Café and others with
the input of Disability Employment Services and other programs funded under Skilling
Queenslanders for Work have created a brochure for employers on support available when
employing people who may otherwise be excluded from the open employment market.
Challenges
Uncertainty about continuation of funding was a challenge for future planning and
commitment to collaborative projects.
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