What’s involved?
If the plight of young people in nursing homes is an issue that concerns you and makes you want to take action, one of the best ways to get involved is through an organisation or group that is already active on this issue. By working with/through these organizations, you will be able to benefit from their experience and their community ties.
*THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN NURSING HOMES*
This National Alliance is a national project that is working to find alternatives to nursing homes for young people who have been, or are at risk of being, placed in nursing homes following some type of injury such as a car accident or as a result of a degenerative condition such as Multiple Scelerosis. You can visit their website at;
http://www.ypinh.org.au/
*Lobbying Parliament*
While the COAG initiative is a great start, it will only help an estimated 700 of the 6,500 young Australians currently living in Nursing Homes. Much more needs to be done to ensure all YPINH get the support they need. You can take action by letting Australian leaders know that this landmark initiative must be continued and expanded so that all young Australians with complex support needs can have the ‘lives worth’ living they want and deserve. The National Alliance has put together a great kit - filled with tips and tools on how to lobby a politician and win their support on the issue. You can access this at (link coming soon)
*Keep in Touch*
Sign up to receive regular emails and updates from the national campaigns office. Just send your details to Bronwyn Morkham (National campaigns officer) at bronzina@netspace.net.au
*Make a donation*
Make a personal donation or organize a fundraiser to raise some dollars for this national alliance. All money donated goes toward the current projects for these young Australians.
*Engine Rooms*
This National Alliance has “engine rooms” in every State and Territory that work to;
? Raise community awareness of young people in nursing homes issue
? Develop accommodation and support alternatives for these young Australians
? Advocate for change that will bring about a lasting solution
Contact, or join your local ‘engine room’ to find out about their current campaigns, their up and coming fundraising events and for more information about how you can get involved.
*VIC*
Bronwyn Morkham,
Ph: 0437 178 078
*ACT*
Jeannette Budak, NBIF
Ph: (02) 6282 2880
*NT*
Gary Halliday, NT Carers Assoc.
Ph: (08) 8947 3877
*QLD*
Zoran Kobelev, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland
PH: (07) 07 3840 0830
*SA*
Phillip Bedall, Disability Action
Ph: (08) 8223 4146
*TAS*
Sue Hodgson, HOPES
Ph: (03) 6224 9444
*WA*
Carol Franklin, Developmental Disability Council of WA
Ph: (08) 9420 7205
*WALKING FOR THE CAUSE*
A young woman called Amy Banson is currently walking the 1,463 kilometres from Brisbane to Canberra. Her 8 week trek began on Thursday, 1 June in Brisbane and will continue next to Dalveen, Stanthorpe, Ballandean, Wallangarra and Tenterfield, before heading further south. By completing the walk, she hopes to raise awareness about Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI), and to raise money to fund respite care for people with ABI and their families. To make a donation or for more information, go to www.walkwitharose.com.au.
*YOUNGCARE*
Youngcare is a not-for-profit organization that was formed with the aim of building nursing homes specifically for young people requiring care, in order to provide a dignified and relevant lifestyle for these Australians. Visit their website at http://www.youngcare.com.au/yc/default.asp
*Youngcare benefit concert*
The Youngcare benefit concert starring Bernard Fanning (from Powderfinger) and Kasey Chambers, will be held on Friday June 23rd at Brisbane City Hall. Proceeds from the ticket sales go toward supporting Youngcare projects. Tickets are available from May 17th. Check it out at http://www.youngcare.com.au/yc/fundraisers.asp#concert
*Feeling Good Campaign (FGC)*
Youngcare is working in partnership with the “Feeling Good Campaign,” which aims to encourage and support young women to quit smoking. ”Designer dog tags” are at the centre of the FGC campaign. These are funky designer pieces of jewelry that symbolise freedom from smoking to all who wear it. Dog tags cost $15 each – and all proceeds of the sale go to Youngcare. You can purchase a dog tag on line at http://www.feelinggood.com.au/
*Donations*
All the money that is donated to Youngcare goes toward the funding of Youngcares current project to build an 18 bed specialized home to house young Australians with complex care needs. This home is the first of its kind and will be located in Jindalee Brisbane, on a block of land that has been donated by the Wesley Mission. Find out more about making a donation at: http://www.youngcare.com.au/yc/donations.asp
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