To date this year we have had some great opportunities to share the story of Anam Cara and learn from other organisations. Networking and sharing knowledge always brings great benefits and the ongoing relationships are a terrific support to all involved.

On 14th March 2019 six nurses and one volunteer set off to the Gold Coast to represent Anam Cara at the 1st National Hospice Symposium. After arrival our first official event was to attend the 25th Birthday celebrations at Hopewell Hospice. We had the opportunity to hear the stories of the beginnings of Hopewell, through the 25 years to the thriving place it is today and plans for the future. The staff were all very welcoming and happy to take us on a tour through the hospice and explain in more detail how they operate. It was a great inspiration to all of us and gave us lots of ideas for the future. There were 12 hospices represented at the forum. Most were from Queensland where hospice care is well established. Victoria is rapidly catching up and grateful for the lessons we could learn from our Queensland friends. The most striking aspect of the symposium was the level of commitment of all involved, and the feeling of being part of a group that really gets what we do at Anam Cara. Comments from our staff about the hospice centred around the feeling of being “with our own people”. It was very satisfying to share a day with 80 other people who understand exactly what we do and why we do it, and who share the passion and love for their work that we feel.

Our involvement in the End of Life Ancillary Services Programme through DHHS and membership of the Victorian Compassionate Communities Network also provide us with an ever growing group of like-minded organisations.

Open Days and events at Anam Cara are opportunities to share what we do within our community and also build a strong local support network. 20th to 26th May this

year marked both National Palliative Care Week and National Volunteer Week and we welcomed 40 people to our Open Day. We celebrated the contribution of our great team of dedicated and hard -working volunteers with a morning tea. Without volunteers we would not be able to provide the care we do. They are involved in all aspects of Anam Cara including fundraising, governance, maintenance and gardening as well as the core activity of supporting guest care and day to day operations. We always welcome new volunteers to our team so if you are interested in learning more please contact us on 52338203.

2019 – Community AppealOur Community Appeal is off to a fantastic start! Our Appeal Gold Sponsor, Mortimer Petroleum has once again contributed $10,000 to our fundraising campaign. We kindly thank David and Kristine Mortimer for their continual support.

To date we have raised over $24,000 and are well on the way to achieving our goal.

It’s not too late to make a donation! Donations can be made via cash, cheque, eftpos, credit card, direct deposit or online at:https://www.givenow.com.au/anamcarahousecolac. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

a place like homeSoul FriendJune 2019

Contact Us50 Forans Road, Barongarook West, 3249PO BOX 508 Colac, VIC 3250p. (03) 5233 8203e. manager@anamcarahousecolac.org.auw. www.anamcarahousecolac.org.au

Our Mission is to provide the South West community with excellence in respite and end of life care within a home-like environment; embracing respect and com-passion for all people.

Other Events

Parkinson’s Support Group MeetingsLast Friday of each month- 1.30pm

Bereavement Support Group MeetingColac Neighbourhood House17 June 2019 - 2.00pm

Dying to Know DayTo be held in AugustMore information to follow

Thank you for your Support

QIC Accredited Organisation Member of Palliative Care Victoria Inc. (PCV)Member International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC)

aplacelike

home

A word from …Karen Eccles, Hospice Manager

Pictured: Julie & John

Soul Friend

Find UsVisit the Website – to find everything you need to know about Anam Cara House Colac,visit us at www.anamcarahousecolac.org.au

On Facebook -“Like” Us on Facebook to keep up with the happenings at the hospice at facebook.com/AnamCaraHouseColac

Donate -Donations can be made by mail, phone, in person or via our website or Facebook page.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Contact us today, to make your donation.

aplacelike

home

Palliative Care Week Open Day and Volunteers Week

We had our annual open day on the 21st of May. We celebrated Volunteers Week with a morning tea for our present and past volunteers. Our Hospice Manager, Karen Eccles, thanked all those present and those that could not make it for their wonderful contribution to the quality of care we provide as a team at Anam Cara Colac. Without the special contribution of Volunteers we would not have built our reputation for excellence of compassionate care in the Colac and District region. Our theme for Open Day was “Compassionate Communities”. So what is a Compassionate Community?

The Compassionate Communities Network aims to promote and integrate social approaches to dying, death and bereavement in the everyday life of individuals and communities. Anam Cara House Colac is a founding member of the Victorian Compassionate Communities Network which is a group of non-for-profit organisations whose services are based on this model.

We do this by:• identifying and promoting leading practices• leading and advocating for practices to be embedded

in policy• encouraging, strengthening and establishing

partnerships that support community capacity building and resilience

• creating healthy end of life settings and environments

Libby Moloney is an inspiring and strong advocate for this approach. The organisation she founded called ‘It Takes a Village Macedon Ranges’ demonstrates the potential of all community members to make a difference when it comes to caring for those with a chronic life limiting illness. Her personal and professional journey is inspirational and shows the power of a community.

We were also entertained by local students from Trinity College in the afternoon along with the Choir of the Heart and Soul. It was wonderful to have the students and local singers participate in the day. The guests were greatly entertained and enjoyed the local talents that are in our community.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

• We extend our gratitude to Simon and John from Colac Motor Group for allowing us to use this beautiful Nissan Qashqai to transport our guests to and from the Hospice. This vehicle is easily accessible and comfortably fits our guests and their support equipment!

• The team at Coragulac Quarries have once again graded and tidied up our driveway ready for the onslaught of winter weather. We sincerely appreciate the work you do and thank you for this generous donation!

• Riches Electrical Contractors have been terrific supporters of Anam Cara since the very beginning. Once again they have provided their expertise to the Hospice by repairing our outside lighting – we thank you for your ongoing support!

• May has been our Maintenance Month. So many people give their time so generously to keep the Hospice and grounds in such fantastic shape. We thank Phil Harris, Andrew Wright, Mark Rosevear, Paul & Jane Davis, Ted Codling & Martin Roche for their continual, unwavering support. We are truly fortunate to have so many people who give their time so freely.

We were very pleased to receive funding from the GWA Griffiths Trust. This funding significantly contributes to our nursing salaries for two years. We sincerely thank the Trustees for their welcome support.

GWA Griffiths Trust

Pictured: Naomi & Libby