Search Results

BCR Communities has kicked off its 35th anniversary celebrations the way it started 35 years ago – by putting volunteers first. Staff, volunteers and special guests gathered recently for our Volunteer Celebration Dinner, the first event to mark 35 years of BCR's work across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. There was good food, lots of laughter, a fun trivia competition, prizes and awards, but the real focus of the night was recognising the volunteers whose everyday generosity keeps BCR's programs running. It was the perfect way to open our anniversary celebrations. Volunteers have been essential to BCR Communities since the very beginning, and our growth over 35 years owes so much to a long line of dedicated, selfless people who really wanted change for their community. Making a difference in so many ways BCR's volunteers turn up in more places than most people realise. Some of the ways they get involved include: Aged Care Social Support – helping out with group activities and outings, driving our buses, and simple companionship for older people. Respite– supporting our staff to ensure our clients living with dementia have a welcoming, enjoyable experience, while their carers get a chance to rest and recharge. Ls to Ps Driver Mentors – sitting alongside learner drivers as they clock up the supervised hours they need for their licence. Bay & Basin Community Radio (92.7FM) – presenters, producers, and the behind-the-scenes crew who keep our local radio on air. Activities Hub – supporting the community through our woodworking shed, our enrichment gardens and even our BCR chicken coop. The Pirates Band - providing entertainment across our community with their repertoire of classic songs. Community services support – lending a hand with the Pocket Pantry, the BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop, Christmas Hampers and many other community initiatives. More than anything, the dinner was a chance to pause and take stock of just how many volunteer hours have gone into BCR over the past three and a half decades. To everyone who has given their time, past or present, BCR says thank you. Interested in becoming a volunteer with BCR Communities? Whether you're drawn to supporting older people, mentoring a learner driver, getting involved with community radio, or simply lending a hand at events – we'd love to hear from you.

Held at the BCR Youth & Community Centre, the fashion parade brought together participants from our Social Connect groups in Albion Park and the Bay & Basin for an afternoon celebrating confidence, creativity and the joy of pre-loved fashion. From sophisticated business wear and fabulous formal outfits to a 70s-inspired tennis look and a funky retro jumpsuit, the runway was full of colourful second-hand finds proving that style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. The highlight of the day was seeing three members of our Social Connect groups step up and join in the fun themselves, proudly strutting their stuff down the catwalk in outfits they had chosen from the BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop. There were plenty of smiles, laughs and cheers from the crowd, with everyone embracing the playful and supportive atmosphere. Events like this are a wonderful reminder that sustainable fashion can be fun, affordable and accessible for everyone. Shopping pre-loved not only helps reduce waste and support the environment, but also gives clothing a second life while helping local people and families access affordable fashion close to home. The BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop is more than just an op shop. Located within the BCR Youth & Community Centre in Sanctuary Point, it also creates valuable hands-on retail and customer service experience for local young people, helping them build confidence, develop practical skills and connect with their community in a supportive environment. A huge thank you to the BCR Community Services team, our fantastic models and everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success. Judging by the laughter and excitement in the room, we think this might just need to become a regular event.

International Nurses Day is a special opportunity to celebrate the incredible nurses who care for and support our community every day, and at BCR Communities, we are so grateful for the skill, professionalism, dedication and kindness of our amazing nurses. As part of our aged care and Support at Home services, our nurses help older people stay safe, healthy and independent while continuing to live comfortably in their own homes. For many clients, they become trusted and familiar faces, someone who not only provides clinical care, but also takes the time to listen, reassure and genuinely get to know the person behind the care plan. From helping someone recover after a hospital stay to supporting medication management, wound care, chronic health conditions and general wellbeing, our nurses provide important in-home nursing support to local people and families throughout the Shoalhaven and Illawarra. No two days are ever the same. One visit might involve a clinical assessment or health check, while another could simply be spending time with a client who needs encouragement, reassurance or a friendly chat. Our nurses also work closely with families, carers and other health professionals to make sure each person receives the support that’s right for them. Last week, our wonderful nurses hosted a Biggest Morning Tea in support of Cancer Council Australia. With games, treats, giveaways and lots of laughter, the event brought staff together while raising close to $400 for a cause that touches so many people in our community. It was such a lovely reflection of the warmth, generosity and community spirit our nurses bring to BCR Communities every day. Thank you to our amazing Clinical Team for everything you do. Your care and support make a real difference in the lives of so many people across our community, and we are incredibly lucky to have you as part of BCR.

While caring for a loved one is rewarding, it can also sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating. It is important to look after your own wellbeing and also be informed about what help is available to you as a carer. BCR Communities holds monthly carer support meetings, and day and overnight respite. ARIIA GRANT HISTORY The Regional Provider Blueprint for Developing a Values-Based Culture and Values-Driven Care Plans through Engagement, Empowerment and Technology BCR Communities, along with our partners ExSitu, University of Wollongong (UOW) and CarersNSW, secured an ARIIA grant to generate a regional provider blueprint for developing a values-based culture and values-driven care plans through engagement, empowerment and technology. . The Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) grant was created to support the aged care sector by providing funding that can be used to build increased workforce capability and capacity. They are especially focussed on funding projects that address areas like dementia care, mental health and wellbeing, and social isolation. BCR Communities uses values-based care plans which put the client firmly at the centre of their own decision-making and wellbeing. Using technology developed by ExSitu, our clients are provided with a simple tool that can be used to create their individualised hierarchy of values. Clients use online card sorting to identify their most important values and goals, with the information transferable into documents like support plans and Advance Care Directives. BELOW IS THE PROJECT'S BLUEPRINT SUMMARY Blueprint Summary BCR Communities was awarded a grant through the Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) program to deliver a Regional Provider Blueprint based on our values-based care program. The aim of the Blueprint is to share the learnings from our ARIIA project, so that as a sector, we can lead the change towards a values-based model of care. The aim of the ARIIA project was to test our assumptions that, with positive values-driven culture, and a commitment to empowerment and simple, efficient technologies, we could operationalise care processes to support human rights so those we care for can make their own decisions in alignment with their individual values. The results we were hoping to achieve through the research findings, and implementation of new processes and technology, was to increase meaningful social connection and reduce social isolation through the development and delivery of services which were aligned to an understanding of each person’s values and wishes. The key challenge explored was the balance we needed to strike as an aged care provider to: Support a person’s right to dignity of risk in the context of their right to self determination Uphold our responsibilities in relation to duty of care. Create a clear transparent process to navigate the potential conflict between dignity of risk and duty of care and align that to each person’s individual values. Methods used in this research project included the review of previously developed BCR in-home care client personas, client surveys, focus groups, regular project review meetings, and individual and group consultation sessions with key stakeholders including BCR Executive and Care Managers, Care Staff, BCR Clients and research partner representative from Carers NSW, University of Wollongong, Autonomy First Lawyers and technology partner ExSitu. Using a participatory research, research-to-action approach (Cornwall, 1995) the project team progressively consulted and communicated with key BCR stakeholders on challenges, opportunities, findings, and actions through regular meetings, and also communicated the outcomes of internal changes and key findings through client and staff newsletters. As a result of this project, our key findings include that: •social connections can be improved within communities through simplified and efficient engagement, training and referral processes values-based technologies can be used effectively to address our three key challenges working collaboratively with values-driven organisations creates opportunities to positively impact older people by focussing on supported decision-making practices. This project identifies opportunities to further this research and create sector wide change by professionalising key roles and improving supported decision-making practice. By progressing this research, we aim to improve models of care and the experience of older people by expanding providers understanding and delivery of rights-based decision making practice. Click here for the full report ARIIA Blueprint

BCR JOB BOARD Can’t find what you’re looking for today? FILL IN THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM BELOW AND WE WILL INFORM YOU OF FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES! First name Last name Phone Email Preferred general location What type of work are you looking for? Message Submit

It is harder to keep socially connected as we age, friends and family move away or health problems make it more difficult to get out of the house. BCR Communities Social Groups makes regularly meeting up with friends simple and fun, with transport available to pick you up and drop you home. AGEING WELL HISTORY BCR Communities Social Groups SPEND THE DAY WITH FRIENDS It’s time to get out of the house, have fun and spend time with your friends. The activities change every week – we might stay indoors for games, trivia or an art session or get in the bus and explore our stunning coastline or try a new café. While the activities may differ from week to week, what doesn’t change is the companionship, the conversation and something delicious for lunch! Click the buttons below to see the latest Social Group Activity Calendars. We have a calendar for south Shoalhaven including the Bay and Basin, one for Nowra and Culburra, and a social calendar for the Illawarra. August Calendar (South) August Calendar (North) August Calendar (Nowra) Contact BCR today to find out more about joining our social groups First name Last name Email Phone Suburb Message Submit Weekly Social Groups BCR Communities has a varied calendar of social activities throughout the week including day trips, lunches out, special events, walking groups, trivia, games, art, music and more. Making friends the easy way It is harder to keep socially connected as we age, friends and family move away or health problems make it more difficult to get out of the house. BCR Communities Social Groups makes regularly meeting up with friends simple and fun, with transport available to pick you up and drop you home.