CEO Update 20 September

Victorian Roadmap

No doubt all of us were relieved yesterday as Premier Andrews announced the Victorian Roadmap out of Lockdown.  Whilst there will continue to be differing views around detail, order and timeframe the path forward is positive and provides us all with some hope of a life with fewer restrictions whilst remaining safe.  Yesterday’s announcement was light on detail for the disability sector and we anticipate that we will have further information this week which we will share with you once the implications for Bayley House are clear. 

Roadmap to one side, we strive to continue delivering a wide range of activities and support services, all of them in a ‘COVID safe’ environment.  We understand that risk is something which everyone rates differently and that the trust you place in us to do all we can to minimise risk is paramount.  We provide all our services consistent with Government directions and we are working strategically to be able to offer further activities which go beyond that. 

Programs of Support

The NDIS Programs of Support (PoS) model has now been rolled out across Bayley House.  All Accommodation and Day Programs are now being delivered consistent with the PoS guidelines and requirements.  This important and welcome change is finally an acknowledgement from the NDIA that the services we offer are not reasonably charged ‘by the hour’ as the model originally provided and that quality outcomes can only be achieved through appropriate long term investment and planning.  We have endeavoured to communicate with families about this change but I know we have fallen short in a number of instances and I apologise for that.  Thank you to those who have let us know that we could have done better.  Your feedback is very much appreciated as we constantly try to do better  

Arts Hub

In very positive news the Bayley House Arts Hub now has a home!  We have leased a property at 1 Avoca St Highett.  Arts Hub Director Tessa Hens is busily engaged with designers, architects and builders to ensure that this long anticipated Bayley House dream is something worthy of our talented artists.  Timetabling for next year has already begun and we anticipate the Arts Hub will be a key part of our activities in 2022 

Hireup

Last year Bayley House entered a partnership with Hireup to provide additional support for families when Bayley House is unable to meet the demand.  Part of the Bayley House Strategic Plan is to expand our services in this area and we will be talking to families about this in coming weeks; in the meantime if you need support attending one of our online sessions Hireup can help. Hireup provides support workers who can come to your home and support you to access Bayley House programs. You can get started on Hireup here or email the team if you have questions at [email protected] 

Going Digital

In an effort to reduce unnecessary print and postage costs and to reduce our environmental  footprint, Bayley House have been moving from paper-based communications to digital over the past few years. With the recent introduction of our new website, we have developed a News section where we host all the CEO updates and Coronavirus information. Stories about client and staff achievements previously featured in the quarterly printed and posted Bulletin but the news is old by the time it gets to your letterbox. As a result we will be ceasing our quarterly Bulletin and posting stories as they happen to the News section of our website this Spring (insert attached pic). We appreciate that some people prefer to read the news on paper so please contact us here if you would still like to receive a print out of the website news posts 

Supporting you

As always, I hope that you and your family are managing well.  If you need additional support please reach out to any Bayley House staff member and we will do all we can to assist you.  These are difficult time and they truly test us every day.  What we do know is that, to use a well worn phrase, we are stronger together so please do not struggle alone or in silence. 

Take care and stay safe…