The CISS Older Adult Service offers a range of social activities for frail elderly and isolated people, those with dementia and people with a disability still living at home or in a supported residential service accommodation.

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All these program activities offer a respite opportunity for carers, whilst providing opportunities for companionship, community connections and friendship for carer recipients. The service stream includes a small number of specific carer focussed initiatives: the State-wide Family Relationships Service for Carers (FRSC); The National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP), Shiralee House; and the Whistle Stop Café.

In addition to this Older Adult Services encompass social support groups such as the Wednesday Activity Group and Ben’s Shed, plus Planned Activity Groups (PAG’s) coordinated by Killara House and Golden Wattle House.

Shiralee House – National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP)

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Shiralee House is situated in Yarra Junction, the service offers support for carers in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne and for the people they care for through:

Provision of time out, drop-in and social activities for carers

Planned activities for care recipients, such as art, community volunteer activities, out and about groups, during the week and some evenings.

Shiralee House also offers occasional weekend respite and summer holiday activities for people with disabilities in partnership with other respite services in the eastern metropolitan region. Clients have considerable input into planning trips and activities. These activities provide respite for carers while their relatives or friends are involved in activities.

For further information contact the Program Coordinator on (03) 5967 2876, or visit the Shiralee House page.

The Whistle Stop Café

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The Whistle Stop Café is a community cafe at the Yarra Sport and Recreational Centre. It is a friendly and welcoming meeting place - a place to enjoy a good cup of tea or coffee, a place to have a healthy snack, a place to stop and have a chat, a place to get some exercise (e.g. swim, ride a bike or just play board games).

The Café is solely run by a team of committed volunteers, who look forward to catering to the needs of patrons and spending time with those who are isolated and /or are experiencing memory loss or have other health concerns. This community meeting space also provides a welcoming environment for carers to bring their loved ones who have dementia and also receive the support of peers and other community members. Yarra Junction Primary School students visit the Cafe on Tuesday mornings as part of an intergeneration program, sharing stories with the older patrons. Plus patrons have an opportunity to socialize with those utilizing the sport and recreational facilities at any given time.

For further information contact the Project Officer on (03) 5967 2648 or visit the Whistle Stop Café page.

Family Relationship Services for Carers

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The Family Relationship Service for Carers (FRSC) has been operating for just over 3 years. This is a state wide service based at Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) in Ringwood. The Regional Coordinators service across metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria providing support to carers with a family member with a disability.

The disability eligibility criteria includes:

• Intellectual
• Physical / Sensory
• Neurological
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Acquired Brian Injury
• Mental Illness

The provision of counselling for families is one of the main focuses of the program. Counsellors have been selected because they have experience or expertise in the area of disability.

For further information contact the Regional Coordinators on 1300 303 346 or visit the Family Relationship Services for Carers page.

Opportunities for our volunteers

Our work at CISS encompasses a very broad range of services that gives volunteers an opportunity to learn and practice many of the skills required throughout life. Volunteering provides a chance to explore the community services sector and make a real and positive contribution to the lives of people, while developing your skills and enhancing your work experience.

Our services operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so we require people who are flexible and looking to volunteer some of their time.

Support is provided to volunteers by trained staff.

For further information, download our CISS Pathways brochure, or visit the Volunteer at EACH page.