ADVERTISING FEATURE
Three trusted Shire businesses have joined forces to become the "Wellness Champions" and provide a suite of services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Sutherland Food Services (SFS), Activus Transport and Home Modification Solutions (HMS) - who have a combined service record of more than 100 years - offer a range of support options designed to enhance independence and well-being to the residents of Sutherland Shire.
Sutherland Food Services general manager Susan Green said the Wellness Champions "are all about living life to the fullest".
"We offer a variety of services and supports which includes meals, transport and home modifications and maintenance," she said.
"Working primarily in the aged care space we have the expertise and experience to work with the whole Shire community.
"We cross-promote Wellness Champions through brochures, menus, flyers and newsletters.
"We also attend expos, speaking engagements and collaborate on social media platforms, websites and electronic mail.
"Our priority is to get our message to as many people as possible and to let them know that we are here to assist them to live the life they choose.
"Each organisation works independently but maximises opportunities for cross promotion and sharing resources. The managers of each of the three services have an excellent working relationship and a combined vision of improving the lives of our customers."
Being boutique style community-based organisations it made sense to collaborate and share resources for the benefit of all.
A "typical" Wellness Champions customer would generally be someone over 65 - or someone who has a disability - and who requires assistance to remain independent in their own home.
"However, our philosophy is that each customer is very much an individual with different needs and goals," Ms Green said. "We have those who come directly to us for help or receive referrals from My Aged Care and all our services are open to any Shire resident."
All three organisations are funded by the Department of Health with Activus receiving additional funds through Transport for NSW.
Eligible customers can receive subsidised services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program which helps seniors access entry-level support in order to enable them to live independently and safely at home.
"Each of the services came about as a result of a need identified by what was originally known as the Home and Community Care Program and is now the Commonwealth Home Support Program," Ms Green said.
In the 1970s Food Services commenced operations from the Sutherland Hospital with a group of volunteers who could see the need for such services within the community.
It has seen tremendous growth and change since its inception. SFS rebranded in 2018 and introduced an entire range of flexible, healthy meal options to suit consumers.
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In 1979 transport options for the elderly and people with a disability were non-existent and concerns about the lack of services in the Sutherland Shire were raised.
A meeting was called between Disabilities Unlimited, local hospital representatives and Sutherland Shire Information Services.Less than six months later Rotary presented a new Holden station wagon to Disabilities Unlimited, signifying the start of community transport services.
In 2016 Sutherland Shire Community Transport became Activus Transport. This has now grown into a truly on-demand transport option with choice and flexibility for all residents of the Sutherland Shire.
As the name suggests it's all about keeping customers active and engaged in their community by getting them out and about.
In 1985 Home Modification Solutions commenced its operations with one part-time co-ordinator and two part-time field staff.
In 1991 they were housed in the Office Tower within Westfield Shoppingtown Miranda and became an incorporated, not-for-profit.
As business started growing - and with the addition of many maintenance services - field staff worked out of Taren Point. By 2009 HMS moved to its current location in Taren Point and now offers a variety of maintenance solutions, as well as home modifications.
Geoff Houldsworth of Home Modification Solutions said support services for the community had changed a great deal over the years and were no longer a "one size fits all" solution.
"Working with Activus Transport, Home Modification Solutions and Sutherland Food Services is an engaging and professional experience," he said.
"Each business sees you as an individual, considering your health, your identity, your safety and security and your goals and aspirations.
"Each of our businesses grew out of consumer needs and that is one thing that hasn't really changed. Our customers are informed and can articulate and identify what professional support services they need."
Greg Stanger of Activus Transport said the Wellness Champions see each and every customer as unique. "For this reason we have been able to remain successful and grow our respective businesses. It's our priority of putting you, our customer, first," he said.
"We offer a combined staff of 40 and a volunteer base of 150 community members who all love working in and around the Shire and engaging with our customers and stakeholders."
- Activus Transport is at 1160 Old Princes Highway, Engadine - details phone 8555 0000. Home Modification Solutions is at Unit 32/65-75 Captain Cook Drive, Caringbah - details 9524 1100. Sutherland Food Services is at Sutherland Hospital, 430 Kingsway, Caringbah - details 9540 7365.