The CHSP Sector Support & Development Officer (SSDO) offers support to Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services primarily in Eastern Sydney. This includes the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverley, Randwick, and Bayside (former Botany Council area only). Additionally, the SSDO collaborates with other services to assist CHSP providers throughout New South Wales.
The SSDO provides support in the following ways:
- Promoting and advocating for the CHSP and government’s aged care reforms.
- Supporting CHSP services through the aged care reform process.
- Assisting CHSP services in collaboration and exploring best practices.
- Informing and assisting services in the region to implement program and aged care-related initiatives.
- Assisting with the identification and coordination of relevant service training.
- Reporting important issues to funding bodies.
- Producing promotional material about CHSP-funded services.
These issues are collectively discussed by CHSP services through the Eastern Sydney Home Support Forum.
Furthermore, the SSDO has collaborated with regional SSDOs to organise national CHSP conferences, namely “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet!” (2020) and “Let It Shine!” (2021).
The SSDO also sends regular email updates on home support and aged care reform-related issues. To subscribe, please fill in the form below:
CHSP services
CHSP services support older individuals in maintaining independence and well-being within their own homes. These services encompass a range of supports, including domestic assistance, personal care, meals, transportation, social support, nursing, and allied health. Various organisations, such as community-based organisations, councils, government agencies, charities, churches, or private companies, provide these services, each with specialised knowledge, expertise, and skills. To find a CHSP service in Eastern Sydney, download our Eastern Sydney Home Support Brochure.
Eastern Sydney Home Support Forum
The Eastern Sydney Home Support Forum serves as a gathering place for CHSP-funded and related services that aid older people in the region. In Eastern Sydney, there are robust networks among CHSP services, with staff members often working alongside each other for many years. These networks are crucial for ensuring coordinated and high-quality services in the region. Adopting a community-based approach to service provision taps into a supportive community, benefiting frail aged individuals while making their families and caregivers feel valued and cared for.
The Terms of Reference outline the goals and key activities of the Eastern Sydney Home Support Forum. The Forum aims to:
- Support the development and delivery of quality services to the CHSP target group based on identified needs.
- Facilitate effective information flow among stakeholders.
- Provide a platform for joint advocacy on CHSP-related issues.
- Support the well-being and effective functioning of member agencies.
These objectives are achieved through regular meetings, working parties, and cooperative action. Face-to-face meetings were traditionally held at Waverley Library, generously supported by Waverley Council. During the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings have been conducted online.
Cooperative action
The Sector Support & Development Project oversees two local collaborative groups: the City of Sydney and Eastern Sydney Abuse of Older People Collaborative, and the Eastern Sydney Digital Inclusion Working Group.
City of Sydney and Eastern Sydney Abuse of Older People Collaborative
The City of Sydney and Eastern Sydney Abuse of Older People Collaborative is a group of local services working to raise awareness of abuse of older people, and to improve the way abuse is dealt with in Eastern Sydney.
Eastern Sydney Digital Inclusion Working Group
The Eastern Sydney Digital Inclusion Working Group consists of local services striving to enhance the digital capabilities of vulnerable individuals, enabling them to access and utilize online resources effectively. The group focuses on three key areas:
- Access to digital infrastructure, such as Wi-Fi and cable access.
- Provision of devices and data to individuals.
- Training and support to help individuals access and navigate online platforms.
The Working Group has compiled the Eastern Sydney Ageing and Disability Digital Inclusion Directory which lists services in the area that assist people with these digital inclusion issues.
The Inner Sydney Voice quarterly publication covers Sector Support & Development Issues alongside wider issues. You can find the magazine articles here.
For further information about the Eastern Sydney Sector Support & Development Project please contact Tim Horton, Sector Support & Development Officer, on ssdo@innersydneyvoice.org.au or 02 9698 7784.
The Eastern Sydney Sector Support & Development Project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, as part of the CHSP.
