CHS Community Grants, Community Connections, Country Home Services
Why learning technology is so important for older people.
As technology advances, more and more services and information are moving to an online platform, which makes it essential for older people to learn new ways to interact with this technology. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, many older people soon discover that there are so many benefits for older people in using technology such as:
- Staying socially connected by keeping in touch with family and friends.
- E-health and wellness apps enable older persons to manage their health and maintain independence.
- Using brain activity games to keep their brains active.
- Can provide a learning environment with so many ways to access information about topics they love.
- Ensure their safety from personal alarms to notifications of emergency events such as Bushfires.
- They can listen to the radio and find their favourite music on their devices.
To help with the learning process, organisations such as the SYP Community Hub in Yorketown, provide a range of services to the community including assistance with using digital technology such as phones, computers and tablets.
This includes a weekly computer class for older people that range in age from 50-93 years old, plus drop-in sessions are also available during normal business hours as well.
To support this further, Country Home Services is pleased to support the SYP Community Hub with a grant of $2,500.00 toward upgrading computers used to provide these services at the Hub.
In fact, in order to support other country areas we have also introduced our own sessions called Coffee, Tea and IT Sessions.
Coffee, Tea and IT Monthly Sessions
Knowing the importance of assisting older people with technology, Country Home Services have introduced Coffee, Tea and IT Monthly Sessions. These sessions are held at our offices in Clare, Kadina and Nuriootpa each month.
So you are invited to come along for a cuppa and ask any questions you might have about the internet or if you are needing help with your phone, laptop or tablet, then bring them along.
To find out when these sessions are available or if you have any questions then call Kalie on 0448 557 973 or email marketing@countryhomeservices.org.au
*Image above is from the SYP Community Hub Facebook Page.
CHS Community Grants, Community Connections, Country Home Services
How a community can achieve their vision when they come together
After experiencing the devastating fires of 2019, the Yorke Peninsula community rallied together. The Response Trailer (known as the Boot,) emerged as a positive, practical idea to support the community during future emergencies.
Through funding from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) – Strengthening Rural Communities, generous donations of time and skills by local volunteers, and in-kind support from local businesses, this community-owned project took off.
The community vision for the Boot is that it provides an additional resource to support emergency services or communities during any incidents on the Yorke Peninsula.
As such, it is powered by a 3.4 Kva generator and a solar panel with battery, equipped with a 2.4m roll out awning, 2 x 70L portable fridge/freezers, First Aid kits, eye wash stations, defibrillator, UHF radio, chairs and tables, blankets and pillows, urn and kettle and other consumables, along with an 84L water tank with a 12v pump. Country Home Services were happy we could contribute with a grant to purchase communications equipment and a water tank.
Volunteers are trained to set the trailer up and distribute prepared food, water, and basic first aid. As well as providing a valuable resource during an emergency, the Boot can be hired by local community groups for market days, sporting events, or community festivals.
The boot can be hired by contacting SYP Community Hub on 8852 1820 or Karen Warren on 0428324508
Are you part of a community group that could do with some extra support? Our small grants program is designed to support community groups to do what they do best – provide a safe and social place for older people to connect and contribute.
If you’re interested in learning more, we would love to chat with you.
CHS Community Grants
Connection and Community in the Snowtown Bowling Club
Sports clubs are often the heart of our country towns.
If you happened to drop in to the Snowtown Bowling Club after the season opening, you’d see people of all ages sitting around trestle tables, eating lunch. You’d hear animated conversations and laughter. You’d catch the sense of connection.
It isn’t just about the bowls. It’s about the bag of oranges picked from someone’s backyard and left on the table for all to share. It’s about the talk of how they had each other’s back during Covid-19. It’s about creating space for their community.
The Snowtown Bowling Club saw a need to fix a few things in their space. They received a grant from Country Home Services which enabled them to replace their blinds. “We used to hold up the old blinds with pegs,” laughed Venita Rowan. Lynette Welke, the club’s Secretary, said the grant has helped block out the sun’s heat and helped make the room more welcoming, “It’s made such a difference.”
“The club is here for the whole town,” Lynette and Venita agreed, “Small communities like ours need to work together.”
Snowtown Bowling Club might be in a small community, but it’s a club and a community with a big heart.
