Client representatives from Queensland and NSW enjoying the opportunity to meet face to face.
Client representatives from Victoria having lunch with staff from the Kooyong office.
The Vision Australia Enfield and Kooyong offices were buzzing this month with lively conversation and activity as Regional Client Representatives from all points of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria met to participate in Regional Client Committee meetings and professional development workshops.
Our Client Representatives came together for two days to participate in face to face meetings, discussing issues concerning their Local Client Groups and regional areas. The Representatives enjoyed meeting with the Vision Australia State Managers and found the networking experience of the face to face discussions very useful in their roles as Client Representatives.
The Client Representatives also participated in a "Standing up for your rights - A guide to self advocacy" workshop and a discussion relating to "Setting up, selling and sustaining Local Client Groups". The Enfield training day was facilitated by Vision Australia staff members Susan Thompson, Advocacy Officer, and Kirsten McCombie, Client Consultation Projects and Coordination Consultant. In Kooyong, Renee Williamson, National Advocacy Manager, Vision Australia, and Kirsten facilitated the day.
In the morning sessions, Renee and Susan engaged the Client Representatives with their in depth knowledge and experience in the area of self advocacy. The workshops focused on determining the difference between a "me" issue and a "we" issue within Local Client Groups and Regional Client Committees and how to proceed once the issue has been identified. This included understanding a client representative's role in assisting people and learning skills required for effective advocacy, both in their representative roles and in the broader community.
During the afternoon, the Client Representatives and Kirsten discussed how to grow and maintain Local Client Groups based on the individual strengths and ambitions of each group. People shared ideas and experiences from their own groups and participants were amazed at the diversity and activity of our Local Client Groups.
The Representatives enjoyed the style of the workshops and felt that their connection to staff members of Vision Australia's Advocacy, Client Consultation and Independent Living Services sections had been strengthened. This connection was further re-enforced as ILS and ISR staff mingled with clients over a shared lunch.
One of the highlights of the two day gatherings were dinners attended by Client Representatives, the CRC Secretariat team and VA staff. Everyone enjoyed getting together to share ideas and life stories.
Some of the great comments offered by client representatives in relation to the workshops included:
"The self advocacy workshop reminded me to be a good listener, understand the conflict at hand and to deal with the conflict in an amicable manner."
"This workshop enabled me to be better able to advocate with and on behalf of our clients."
"The local client group discussion increased my knowledge in the resources available to my group within Vision Australia."
"The day was a morale tonic and full of practical learning."
"Nothing beats the opportunity to meet face to face with staff and other client representatives. It reinforces our roles as client reps."
Vision Australia encourages clients to have their say, and make a difference, through involvement in the Client Consultation Program. To find out more see the Client Consultation page under "About Us" on the Vision Australia website or call the Client Consultation office on 1300 847 466.