Our direct support services are aimed at providing welfare assistance, mental and physical health care, and support to our clients, administered through a series of programs. These programs are designed with an emphasis on those who are disadvantaged due to language or communication barriers, age, immobility, disability, isolation and a limited access to social and welfare support.
Jump to a section:
- Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme – ACVVS
- Wellbeing Services
- Adult Literacy Services
- Social Support and Community Links Programs
Our programs
Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS)
We manage the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme – ACVVS program funded by the Australian Government, to provide an engaging one-on-one home visiting program.
The aim of the program is to provide companionship for older people at risk of social isolation. The anticipated quality of life improvements include increased self-esteem and independence, diminished feelings of depression and anxiety, and a greater connection to the wider community.
We are currently looking for volunteers to be Community Home Visitors. These volunteers will visit Spanish-speaking residents in their home, and provide older people with companionship and friendship to reduce the effects of social isolation. We will match volunteer home visitors with an older person based on location and similar interests.
If you would like to make a positive difference to an older person’s life and you are able to commit to one visit per week for a minimum of 12 months, then please consider contacting us to volunteer. View more about volunteering.
Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme: an Australian Government Initiative
Wellbeing Services
Our members enjoying Tai Chi in Ultimo Community Centre gardens.
Day Centre Service
SCCA offers a weekly social recreation group get-together at Abraham Mott Hall Community Centre every Tuesday. Our clients engage in activities such as Zumba, health and wellbeing information sessions, bingo and group activities including art, crafts and cards groups. A morning tea is available each week. We also host special theme days such as Easter Hat Parade, Mothers Day, Christmas in July, Melbourne Cup Day, Spanish National Day. Please refer to our Events Page for more information on times, dates etc.
Excursions
SCCA hosts a variety of excursions throughout the year to various locations such as:
Wollongong, Gosford, Londonderry, Mt Tomah, Lane Cove National Park, La Perouse, Sydney Music Conservatorium, Captain Cook’s Landing, Royal National Park and Shark Island.
Yearly Christmas Party
SCCA hosts a Christmas party every year to celebrate the festive season with all of our clients, friends and supporters of our association.
Visit our Facebook or Instagram pages to view photos from our previous events.
Adult Literacy Program
SCCA provides workshops and weekly IT lessons for those who would like to improve their technical skills. These include;
•Phone classes
• Computer classes
• Social media education
• Spanish books
• Spanish videos
• Spanish magazines
Our volunteers teach our clients in both Spanish and English.
Social Support and Community Links Programs
Advocacy
We advocate on behalf of our clients regarding issues such as housing, Centrelink, immigration, nursing home care, health including mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues, domestic violence, elder abuse, bankruptcy, guardianship and trustee matters.
Information Sharing
We provide information in Spanish to our clients, such as free dental services, energy rebates, how to vote, digital TV changeover, legal aid, tax returns, LGA services including transportation and the Spanish Film Festival.
Collaboration
Through referrals, SCCA collaborates with other services and service providers to ensure our clients needs are met.
Translation
We assist with translations concerning letter writing and filling out forms. We work in collaboration with the Department of Immigration TIS (Translator and Interpreter Service) to assist our clients with legal and medical translations. We also assist in booking Centrelink appointments with a Spanish speaking interpreter.