My life, my way - ADHC - NSW Government

My life, my way Choosing the Self Managed Model for your day program

Family & Community Services

Ageing, Disability & Home Care

Acknowledgements

This booklet has been created by Ageing, Disability and Home Care, which is part of the NSW Government. We would like to thank the people who contributed their ideas and thoughts about the information in this booklet. And we would like to thank the people who shared their personal stories: Martine, Mel, Karim, Brenton, Kenneth, Anthony, Tanya and their families and support people. Editing and design by the Information Access Group. Photography by Fiora Sacco.

Where can I get more information?

If you need more information, please visit our website at www.adhc.nsw.gov.au. You can also call your local Ageing, Disability and Home Care office. A list of these offices starts on page 35. To download a PDF version of this document, please visit: http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/publications/ documents. For TTW (telephone typewriter) please call (02) 8270 2167. If you need an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and then ask them to telephone Ageing, Disability and Home Care on 1800 761 030.

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What’s in this booklet? page What is this booklet about?

01

What is individualised funding?

02

What is a day program?

03

What is a model?

04

Making the right choice for you

05

Choosing the Self Managed Model

06

Is the Self Managed Model right for me?

07

What will it be like if I choose the Self Managed Model?

09

Getting started with the Self Managed Model

11

What paper work will I have to do?

13

Managing my money

15

Does the money come directly to me?

15

What can I use the money for?

16

What is it like to manage my own money?

17

What does the service provider do?

19

Can I get help to use the Self Managed Model?

21

Where do I go to do my activities?

23

Can I choose the people who work with me?

25

Can I have my family or friends work with me?

27

What if something in my life changes?

29

Can I take a holiday?

31

What if I decide that the Self Managed Model isn’t right for me?

32

Can I change service provider?

33

Can I use an interpreter while I’m on the Self Managed Model?

34


35

What is this booklet about?

This booklet is about the Self Managed Model. The Self Managed Model is one of the ways you can manage the money from the government for your day program. This booklet can help you decide if the Self Managed Model is right for you. We explain: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

individualised funding day programs the different models that are available what it will be like to choose and use the Self Managed Model where to get more information.

1 n My life, my way — September 2011

What is individualised funding?

Individualised funding is money for your support needs. It is just for you. It is in your name. The money is not paid for a group of people. Individualised funding allows you flexibility and choice. The money is paid to a service provider. These are organisations that specialise in offering services and support to people with a disability. They are not part of the government. If you use individualised funding, you can move from one service provider to another without making a difference to the amount of money you receive. You can find a list of service providers on the Ageing, Disability and Home Care website at the following address: www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/support/learning_new_skills

My life, my way — September 2011 n 2

What is a day program?

A day program is a series of activities, services and supports for people with a disability. They are run by service providers. The government pays for day programs. We support people to: ■ ■ ■

develop skills do things that they enjoy doing gain work experience or volunteer.

In NSW, there are three types of day programs that use individualised funding. These programs are for adults with a disability. They are:

Community Participation

Life Choices

Active Ageing

Adults up to 25 years

Age 25 — 54

Age 55 — 64


What is a model?

A model is the way that we deliver day programs. There are currently three different models. All of these models use individualised funding.

Centre Based with Community Access

Individual Community Based Options

Self Managed Model

Your service provider helps you plan the things you want to do.



You go to a centre where you take part in activities with other people. Together, you go out to do things in the community.

You might do things in a centre, with small groups and in the community.

Most of your activities will be in the community but you can also do some things at a centre if you want to.

The service provider manages the money.

The service provider manages the money.

You manage the money with the help of the service provider. You also manage more things yourself, such as the people who work with you and your budget.


Making the right choice for you

The diagram below shows how your day program can be used with your choice of model.

Community Participation

Life Choices

Active Ageing

Adults up to 25 years

Age 25 — 54

Age 55 — 64

Centre Based Model

Individual Community Based Options

Self Managed Model

Your choice of model This booklet explains what happens if you choose the Self Managed Model. There is more information about the Centre Based Model and Individual Community Based Options in the booklet called Choosing a Service Provider. If you would like a copy of this booklet, please contact Ageing, Disability and Home Care. The booklet is available on our website at www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/support/learning_ new_skills You can phone us on 1800 761 030 and we will send a booklet to you. 5 n My life, my way — September 2011

Choosing the Self Managed Model

If you choose the Self Managed Model you will find that it is a little different to the other models. You will have more control over: ■ ■ ■

the way that money is spent on the things you do the people who support you the way you spend your time.

If you choose the Self Managed Model, you will need to manage your own program. For example, you will need to: ■

find out about the things you want to do, where to do them and how much they cost ■ manage the people who work with you ■ manage your budget. You may find that this is challenging at first. But most people find that it becomes easier once they get used to it.

You’re not on your own! The service provider can help with all of these things. There is more information about the things the service provider does on page 19.


Is the Self Managed Model right for me?

Some people choose the Self Managed Model because it helps them to be more independent. Others choose it because it suits them best. For example, some people use the Self Managed Model because: ■

■

■

they live in a rural or regional area and find it difficult to travel to a centre they have health problems that require more flexibility in the way they manage their program they need more choices due to cultural and other reasons.

One thing that is the same for everyone who uses the Self Managed Model is that you need to have time to manage your own program. If you are new to the Self Managed Model, it will probably take up more time than the way you plan your program now. You will find a step-by-step guide to the things you need to do to manage your own program on page 11. You might have family or friends or another person that you trust who can help you make some of the decisions and do some of the paper work.


Mel is mastering challenges and meeting her goals Mel has been using the Self Managed Model for about two years. Previously, she was in the Centre Based Model. Mel says: “I felt that centre based support was not the best option for me because I am fully capable of and have always been encouraged to direct my own life. I simply need physical assistance to action my own choices.” She explains how she knew when the change of models was right for her. “Knowing when to swap models was all about timing. I had done some overseas travel with a family friend. After this experience I had a new sense of confidence that I would be able to master the challenges of self management. I also felt that it was time for a change and time for me to be more in control of my own life.” Now Mel volunteers for the Red Cross every Tuesday. She works from a call centre and is part of team. As a volunteer, Mel provides a daily phone call to people who are elderly and house-bound or isolated from the community. Mel says: “The highlight for me is that I know that I am providing every person I speak to with at least one person to talk to in their day. It is my goal in life to use my skills, wherever I can, to make a positive difference for others.”


What will it be like if I choose the Self Managed Model? The Self Managed Model can be very rewarding if it is right for you. You control the things you do each day. You can tailor the things you do to your goals, interests and needs. You can also choose the people who work with you. You can choose people who you already know such as family, friends and neighbours. And you can use specialist disability support when you need it, such as speech pathology, physiotherapy and other services. The Self Managed Model can help you develop new interests or skills. Planning your own support, managing staff and balancing a budget are all skills that you will develop when you use the Self Managed Model. In the Self Managed Model, you can meet new people and try new things. You can do lots of different things throughout the week and at the time of day that suits you.

Some things you could do ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

attend a TAFE course do some work experience join a computer class start volunteering join a group like a Men’s Shed or book club attend art classes start a new fitness program take music lessons join a drama group visit friends or catch up for a coffee go out to trivia nights develop a hobby like fishing, bush walking or bird watching.

It’s important to note that you can also do these things when you use the other models too. What’s different about the Self Managed Model is that you have more involvement in managing your program. 9 n My life, my way — September 2011

Martine loves to sing Martine lives in an isolated part of the state, which means that she has to travel long distances to do the things that she enjoys. But because she is using the Self Managed Model she can choose to do things that are closer to home. Martine goes to Tai Chi and also visits a local musician’s recording studio where she works on her singing skills. Recently, she has had a couple of gigs in local cafes and pubs. In 2010, she launched a CD of her music.


Getting started with the Self Managed Model There are several steps to take when you start to use the Self Managed Model.

Step 1 − Think about the life you want To begin, ask yourself some important questions, such as: ■

What kind of life would I like to be living? ■ What are the things that are important to me? ■ What do I want to achieve? The answers to these questions will help you make choices as you start using the Self Managed Model.

Step 2 − Talk to the service provider If your current service provider offers the Self Managed Model, you may want to stay with them. Or, you can choose a new service provider. Talk to them about the things you want to do, the kind of life you want to lead and the things you want to achieve. The service provider will explain how the Self Managed Model works and what you need to do.

Step 3 − Work with your service provider to develop a plan Together, you will create an Individual Plan. This is a document that explains what you want to do, what you will be doing and what support you need. If you haven’t made a plan before, you can get help with this. And you can always change your plan if you need to.

Step 4 − Fill in some forms Your service provider will give you the forms you need to complete.


Step 5 − Choose the people who support you In the Self Managed Model, you get to choose the people who support you. This is explained in more detail on page 25.

Step 6 − Pay for things and manage the paper work In the Self Managed Model, there are some jobs that need to be done regularly, such as managing money and managing the people who work with you. Managing the money is explained in detail on page 15. Managing the people who work with you is explained on page 25.

Step 7 − Check to make sure everything is going well There will be regular meetings with your service provider to make sure that you’re happy with the way things are going.


What paper work will I have to do?

Some people told us that they thought there would be a lot of paper work with the Self Managed Model. But, once they got started, they said there wasn’t as much paper work as they had expected. The aims of the paper work are: ■

to keep a record of things such as your program goals ■ to show how you are spending your money. The things you will need to do include: ■

■ ■ ■

■

Filling in forms with the service provider, such as: a consent form a registration form an agreement document that explains how things will work and who will do what. Writing down the costs and hours of all the things you do. Giving your service provider invoices or receipts for the money you have spent or need to spend. Checking the monthly statements that your service provider will send to you. These show you how much money you have spent each month. Managing your money is explained in more detail on page 15. Keeping weekly timesheets for the hours that your support people work. You give these to your service provider so that your staff can be paid. This is explained in more detail on page 25.


Karim and his family are managing well When Karim’s family first heard about the Self Managed Model they thought there would be a lot of paper work. Karim’s mum explains: “I imagined that it would be a huge amount of work for the family to organise. After all, we are ‘managing’ our son’s Community Participation money for the year. Actually, it hasn’t taken as much time as I thought. I haven’t had to take time off from my full time work to help manage Karim’s program.” Being in the Self Managed Model means Karim’s Community Participation program can fit around Karim’s way of life. His mum says: “What has the Self Managed Model meant for Karim? He is happy! He has a say in what he does every day. He has greater control over his life. If he enjoys it, we continue with the activities, if he doesn’t, we will make changes. He is trying new things and gaining confidence in learning from these experiences. He is communicating more as he is happy about his choices. His program starts each day when he is ready, as we are not running to someone else’s timetable. He is more relaxed. And so are we.”


Managing my money

Does the money come directly to me? The money won’t come directly to you. The service provider looks after the money but you decide how it is spent. Your service provider receives some money from your funding to do the financial and legal tasks for you. This amount varies from person to person. Your service provider will discuss this with you. The rest of the money is spent on helping you do the things you want to do and paying the staff that you choose. You need to talk to and agree with your service provider about how your activities are going to be paid for. For example, you can pay for activities yourself and then the service provider pays you back. Or, the service provider can pay for things directly. Let’s say that you want to go to a computer class at the local community college. There are two ways to pay.

You pay Step 1 — Pay for the class yourself Step 2 — Get a receipt Step 3 — Send the receipt to your service provider Step 4 — They give the money back to you.

The service provider pays Step 1 — Give the enrolment form to your service provider Step 2 — The service provider pays the money to the

college directly.


What can I use the money for?

The money is spent on the things that you want to do. When you create your Individual Plan, you will work out what you want to do and the support you need. You can only spend the money on the things that are agreed on in your Individual Plan. Some things you may spend the money on include: ■ ■ ■ ■

the people who work with you and support you membership fees for clubs or associations courses, lessons or classes purchasing any necessary and relevant equipment.

You can talk to your service provider if you are not sure what you can spend your funding on. You will need to send timesheets, receipts and invoices to the service provider. You will also need to make sure that you don’t spend more than what is available. If you don’t have enough money to do all the things you want to do, you will need to: ■ ■ ■

reduce your spending, or change your Individual Plan, or pay for things from your own money.

You and your family can contribute money if you want to. You may also need to have extra money built into your budget to cover for any unexpected costs. For example, if you have a permanent paid worker who is sick, you will have to decide if you can afford to replace them with another worker in addition to paying sick leave. The money you receive through the Self Managed Model is not for respite, rent, medication or income support. These are different payments that come from other sources, such as Centrelink.


What is it like to manage my own money? Managing your own money is an important part of the Self Managed Model. While your service provider will help you to manage the money, most of the decisions will be made by you. Some people find that managing money is challenging. Others find that it’s not as difficult as they thought it would be. Many people say that it gets easier over time. Your service provider will give you a budget template. This is a document that allows you to plan how the money will be spent. If you pay for your own activities, you will need to collect all the receipts. You will then need to send these to the service provider so that they can pay you back. This is explained in detail on page 15.


Kenneth enjoys managing his finances Kenneth uses the Self Managed Model with the Life Choices program. He has a keen interest in the postal system and managing his own finances. Kenneth says he ‘loves getting cheques’. Together, he and his paid workers collect the receipts from the various activities they take part in each week and they then send them off to the service provider. The service provider sends a cheque to Kenneth for the amount spent on activities which should be the same as all the receipts added up.


What does the service provider do?

Your service provider is there to provide you with information and support. The service provider can help with: ■

■ ■

■ ■

■

Designing, planning and reviewing the support you receive, and to think creatively about the options that are available. Organising and managing the things you do from day to day. Giving you tools to manage your program, including a budget template and other paper work. Choosing and training staff. Paying your staff and managing things like superannuation and insurance. Linking you with other people who also use the Self Managed Model so that you can share experiences with each other.

Your service provider may help you a little or a lot. When you first start with the Self Managed Model, you may need a lot of support. But once you are up and running you might not need as much help from the service provider.

You may already have a service provider. Or, you may need to find one. There is a complete list of service providers on our website at www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/support/ learning_new_skills.


Can I get help to use the Self Managed Model? Although it is called the Self Managed Model, you are not on your own. Your service provider is there to provide you with information and support and help you with any problems you might have. Your service provider may also be able to connect you with other people who have chosen the Self Managed Model. They can share their experiences with you and offer advice. Or, you might like to contact an information service. They can provide: ■ books ■ resources ■ information

about events that are coming up.

These things might help as you start using the Self Managed Model. Advocacy groups might be helpful too. They can support you, help you speak up for your rights and also offer information and advice. Your family and friends or other people you trust can also help you. If you need more information about the Self Managed Model, you can also contact Ageing, Disability and Home Care. See page 35 for our contact details. You will find advice on contacting advocacy and information groups on page 38.


Brenton knows that support is not far away Brenton is in the Community Participation program. His mum, Lisa, explains what it was like when he started out on the Self Managed Model two years ago. “Initially there was a lot to learn – timesheets, cheque requisitions, monthly statements, setting goals, the weekly plan, rostering staff and budgeting for 12 months in advance. It took a little while to get my head around it but fortunately our service provider gave us a folder containing all the paper work and examples of completed forms. They were there each step of the way, directing and supporting us. The most challenging thing was setting the budget – how do you know how much to spend in each area? After discussing Brenton’s goals and plans with our consultant, it was not that difficult after all. After a short time, everything started to fall into place and the paper work only takes me about half an hour a month now. If there are ever issues, our service provider is only a phone call or email away.”


Where do I go to do my activities?

Where you will go each day will depend on what is in your Individual Plan and what you choose to do. You can choose to do things on the day of the week and at the time of day that suits you. You can decide where you want to go and what you want to do. You can attend a centre or you can go to other places in the community. Here’s an example of the kind of things you could do. My Week Monday

Morning

Tuesday

Wednesday

TAFE

TAFE

Thursday

Friday

Facebook

session d with Da

Saturday

Sunday

Basketball

Lessons on

managing

money with Matt

Lunch

Afternoon

Evening

Shopping with

Volunteer at anim shelter al

Sarah Cooking with

ll

Basketba

family


Coffee with friends

Karim loves martial arts, drumming and the gym Karim attends his martial arts class in Newtown which gives him confidence, friendship and a sense of belonging as well as fulfilling his desire to learn a martial art. He has discovered new and creative interests such as drumming and movement classes which he does at home. He goes to the local gym once a week to work on his fitness. Karim is planning to engage a personal trainer to work with his physiotherapist to make sure he does his gym workout safely. On Fridays, Karim goes to prayers at the mosque with the other adult Muslim men. He is happy doing the sorts of things other young people do as they grow into adulthood. His family and friends are enjoying seeing him expand his interests with such a busy and fulfilling life.


Can I choose the people who work with me? In the Self Managed Model you can choose the people who support you. This means you manage your own paid staff. However, you are not on your own. The service provider helps you with this.

Managing staff – what you will do ■

■

■

■

Choose the people who will be working with you. You might need to advertise to find people. Carry out an induction process. This is a way of helping the person get to know you and learn about their job. Teach people how to work with you, including Occupational Health and Safety training. Your service provider can help you with this. Check and sign the person’s time sheets.

Managing staff – what the service provider will do ■ ■

■ ■

■

■

Support you with the whole process if you need them to. Help you to write job ads – your service provider will have templates and examples that you can use. Help you to interview people. Take care of the legal requirements of being an employer, such as insurance, tax and superannuation. Train the person, especially in relation to Occupational Health and Safety. Pay the person based on the timesheets you have signed off.

When you are choosing people, there are a few steps involved. For example, you might already know someone you want to work for you, or you might need to advertise to find someone. You’ll need to teach people about the work you want them to do. Your service provider will help you hire and train the people who work with you. It is ok for you to have friends or family work with you. Working with a friend or family member is explained in more detail on page 27. Remember – your service provider can give you information and support. They will have useful check lists and sample position descriptions, job ads and interview questions for you to use. They can also tell you how other people using the Self Managed Model have done things in the past and share helpful hints with you. 25 n My life, my way — September 2011

Brenton and his mum found the right staff When Brenton moved into the Self Managed Model, he and his mum, Lisa, set about finding the right staff. Brenton explains: “Choosing my staff was fun. I got to meet a lot of new people. Mum and I went to TAFE and the university looking for our staff. We also found people we knew for a long time wanted to work with me too, like my old swimming coach and my mate from AFL. We are all around the same age and we like to do the same things. If I didn’t find anyone, my consultant had examples of how to place an ad in the paper.” Brenton and Lisa have purposefully chosen people the same age as Brenton so that he has people he can share his interests with. But one of the challenges they have faced is that a lot of their staff have been students who have worked on a casual basis who often move on to other jobs. However, they have overcome this by using social connections between the students to find new staff members.

If there are any problems between you and your paid staff, talk to your service provider immediately to get advice on how to handle the situation. You do not have to tell the paid staff that you have contacted your service provider. My life, my way — September 2011 n 26

Can I have a family member or friend work with me? Yes. If you decide to that you would like a family member or friend to work with you, they will need to be treated like any other type of paid staff. Before you decide to have family members or friends working with you, there are some things you should think about: ■

Your family member or friend should be paid at least the minimum wage that they are entitled to. Your service provider can explain the different amounts that people can earn. For example, someone who has experience and qualifications in working with people with disability might earn higher wages. ■ Develop a job description or a list that clearly outlines the tasks and responsibilities for supporting you. ■ Family members and friends should also have the same occupational health and safety training that other paid staff would be expected to take. They will also need to have the necessary employment checks. You can talk to your service provider about this. ■ Having a friend or family member work with you might change your relationship with them. It could change the way you feel about them and it could change the way they feel about you. If any conflict arises it could make things difficult in your relationship. It is important that you both think this through before you employ them.


Tanya is supported by her friend Michelle Tanya has been friends with Michelle for about 20 years. They met at church. Michelle now works with Tanya as part of the Self Managed Model. Tanya likes the fact Michelle can support her and be paid for it. No one else understands her like Michelle. They are the same age, have church as a connection and can talk about anything. Michelle sees her as an equal. They can have fun together. Michelle supports Tanya when she goes to church and other outings such as choir practice, ladies’ nights once a month and Sunday services. Tanya has other people working with her as well. Sometimes when they can’t work, her mother or aunty can fill in and be paid for their time.


What if something in my life changes?

You can change your Individual Plan at any time if you want to. The change might be temporary or permanent. For example, you may get sick and find that you can’t do all the things you wanted to do. Or, you may find a new activity that you’d like to do such as classes at the local community centre. You should talk to your service provider about any changes you want to make as soon as possible. You will need to think about how a change to your Individual Plan might impact your support staff, your budget and your goals. If you want to make any big changes to your Individual Plan, you need to talk to your service provider first. Any significant and permanent changes to your plan still need to be in line with your goals. Once you have informed the service provider about the changes you wish to make, a new plan will be created with you.


Anthony has been unwell recently Anthony has some health conditions that affect his ability to engage in daily activities. He can have periods when he is in reasonable physical health and others when he has to stay in bed due to the pain he is experiencing. When he is well he goes out for coffee and walks with his support worker. When he is not well he stays at home with a worker of his choice. Anthony’s mum, Jeannette, feels that the Self Managed Model has been flexible to accommodate his physical condition. For example, when Anthony had major surgery earlier this year, he was unwell in the period leading up to and after the operation. He was unable to go out so his support worker has been visiting him at home. Anthony is looking forward to being well again and to getting outdoors and going for walks. He also wants to start playing billiards, something he enjoyed in the past. His aim is also to have two holidays per year.


Can I take a holiday?

In all three models, you can take a holiday. If you want to take a holiday, please talk to your service provider about whether a holiday can form part of your Individual Plan. You can use your funding to pay for a holiday if: ■ ■

the things you plan to do on your holiday meet your goals the costs are within your budget.

For example, you might get someone to help you go to a friend’s wedding in another part of Australia or you could travel to volunteer at a music festival. There are some restrictions. The funding cannot be used to pay for transport to your holiday. You can’t stop your program and bank funding to save up for an expensive holiday. You need to be working on the goals in your Individual Plan for at least 48 weeks a year.


What if I decide that the Self Managed Model is not right for me? You don’t have to stay in the Self Managed Model if it is not right for you. You can change to a different model and this won’t affect your funding – you will still get the same amount of money. If you feel that the Self Managed Model isn’t right for you, please talk to your service provider. They may be able to offer you more support to make it work. There are two other models that you can choose: Individual Community Based Options and Centre Based with Community Access. There is more information about this on page 4. If you decide to change to a different model, you can also return to the Self Managed Model at a later time if you want to.


Can I change my service provider?

Yes. You can choose the service provider that is right for you. There are many reasons why you might change service provider, including: ■ ■ ■

you might move to a new area you might not be happy with the service you are receiving you might change your mind about the things you want to do.

If you move to a new service provider, your funding moves with you. If you do decide to change service providers, you will need to tell your current provider and also the local Ageing, Disability and Home Care regional office. The contact details are listed from page 35. Your current service provider can help you choose your new service provider and organise, with your local Ageing, Disability and Home Care regional office, a start date and transfer to the new provider. If you find that you have problems or it is hard to move service providers, you might like to contact an advocacy group. These groups can support you, help you to speak up for your rights and also offer information and advice. There is information about how to contact advocacy groups on page 38.


Can I use an interpreter while I’m in the Self Managed Model? In all three models, you can use an interpreter. If you need an interpreter in sign language or a language other than English, then ask your service provider to arrange one for you. Your service provider will pay for this service.



Service providers You can get more information about the Self Managed Model from a service provider. To find out where your nearest Self Managed Model service provider is, contact your local Ageing, Disability and Home Care office from the list below.

Metro South Local Government Areas: Ashfield, Canterbury, Strathfield, Botany Bay, Randwick, Sydney, Bankstown, Fairfield, Wollondilly, Burwood, Leichhardt, Hurstville, Rockdale, Waverly, Camden, Liverpool, Canada Bay, Marrickville, Kogarah, Sutherland, Woollahra, Campbelltown, Wingecarribee. Telephone: 02 9334 3700 [email protected]

Metro North Local Government Areas: Auburn, Holroyd, Blue Mountains, Hornsby, Lane Cove, North Sydney, Warringah, Baulkham Hills, Parramatta, Hawkesbury, Hunters Hill, Manly, Pittwater, Willoughby, Blacktown, Penrith, Ku-ring-gai, Mosman, Ryde. Telephone: 02 9841 9350 [email protected]


Hunter Local Government Areas: Gosford, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens, Wyong, Dungog, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Upper Hunter Shire. Toll Free: 1300 205 268 Telephone: 02 4978 6222 [email protected]

Northern Local Government Areas: Ballina, Kyogle, Tweed, Bellingen, Great Lakes, Kempsey, Armidale, Dumaresq, Guyra, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth, Walcha, Byron, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Greater Taree, Nambucca, Glen Innes Severn, Gwydir, Moree Plains, Tenterfield, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Gloucester, Hastings, Lord Howe Island, Gunnedah, Inverell, Narrabri, Uralla. Toll Free: 1300 364 563 Telephone: 02 6621 1400 [email protected]


Southern Local Government Areas: Kiama, Wollongong, Bega Valley, Cooma-Monaro, Harden, Snowy River, Young, Shellharbour, Bombala, Eurobodalla, Palerang, Upper Lachlan, Shoalhaven, Boorowa, Goulburn Mulwaree, Queanbeyan, Yass Valley. Toll Free: 1300 841 566 Telephone: 02 6128 9200 [email protected]

Western Local Government Areas: Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Weddin, Balranald, Brewarrina, Bogan, Bourke, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle Shire, Wellington, Wentworth, Albury, Berrigan, Bland, Carrathool, Conargo, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Corowa Shire, Deniliquin, Greater Hume Shire, Griffith, Gundagai, Hay, Jerilderie, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Temora, Tumbarumba, Tumut Shire, Urana, Wagga Wagga, Wakool. Toll Free: 1300 134 450 Telephone: 02 6841 1594 [email protected]


Advocacy and information Ageing, Disability and Home Care supports advocacy and information groups to provide free services to people with a disability, their families and carers. Advocacy groups help people to stand up for their rights. If you have a problem, they will work with you to find out what you want, what your rights are, what your choices are and how you want to solve the problem. Advocacy groups can support you as you speak up for yourself. Or, if you do not want to speak up on your own, they can do this with you or for you. You will find a list of advocacy and information groups on the Ageing, Disability and Home Care website at http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/ individuals/support/directing_my_own_life/ advocacy_and_information_services. Toll Free: 1800 761 030


Ageing, Disability and Home Care Department of Family and Community Services NSW Level 5, 83 Clarence Street Sydney NSW 2000 Phone 02 8270 2000 TTY 02 8270 2167 www.adhc.nsw.gov.au © September 2011