3Bridges Community services are continuing to keep people connected during lockdown with adjustments in delivery to meet NSW Government health advice.
Food parcel delivery, zoom meetings, video games and online exercises are all part of Bridges' operations during lockdown.
"All of 3Bridges staff and support workers are issued PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including masks, gloves, sanitiser etc. to wear as per government guidelines and 3Bridges Covid plan, ensuring the safety of our team members and clients," 3Bridges' chief executive officer, Raj Nair said.
These include:
Aged Care Services
One-on-one support is provided for essential services such as medical appointments, personal care, domestic assistance, unaccompanied grocery shopping and exercise, particularly for vulnerable older people without family support.
Frozen meal deliveries are continuing.
"Social groups have been placed on hold but participants are called weekly, there are Zoom sessions for four to six clients at a time and we are also sending care packs with fruit, puzzles and a little treat," Mr Nair said.
"This week we have started recording a DVD with group activities including theme days, trivia, exercise, sing-a-longs and Olympic updates. The DVD also comes with activities to do throughout the week and is delivered to clients.
"These activities all maintain social connection are still in place and connects people to the friends they see in their regular groups, who they now consider to be family."
Allied Health
Essential visits are being prioritised in consultation with the clients. This includes 3Bridges' Occupational Therapy and Exercise Physiology. These services are both available either one on one or online.
Arrowsmith
"Our Arrowsmith Program is continuing via online learning. This evidence based cognitive enhancement program for all ages, focuses on the areas of the brain that are not functioning to full capacity, improving cognitive ability and transforming lives," Mr Nair said.
Early Years Support Service
Volunteer home visits are on hold for now but 3Bridges' volunteers and coordinators are still providing emotional support via phone calls/text messages.
The EYSS office team can arrange for essential items such as nappies, formula, etc to be delivered to the home where needed.
Education and Training
3Bridges are offering a range of accredited and non-accredited training courses.
Home Modification and Maintenance
3Bridges Home Modification and Maintenance continues as normal. Ranging from minor adjustments to major modifications, the team work to keep clients lliving safely and independently in your own home.
NDIS
"Our one-on-one support, both in home and out in the community, is continuing as per normal," Mr Nair said.
"Participants in Aged Care facilities, Group Homes and Supported Independent Living are still being supported in line with individual facility guidelines. If there is no face-to-face option available to these participants 3Bridges support staff are checking in either via phone or video call to maintain social connection and check on emotional and physical wellbeing.
"3Bridges Support Coordinators are also checking in on participants.
Outside School Hours Care
"Our before and after school program is continuing. We encourage families to contact our team who are happy to assist with any enquiries. 1300 327 434," he said.
Youth Zone
Drop-in continues to be on hold but essential services are still available.
These include case management, one-on-one support, daily online activities for young people such as interactive games, wellbeing activities and an opportunity to check in.
Food parcels are also being delivered to targeted young people in need.
3Bridges Youth and Community team are also making regular phone and online check-ins.
Young people who are struggling and in need of support can reach out through Instagram (3bridges_youthzone), Facebook (3Bridges Youth Zone) or call the team on 1300 327 434.
