Welcome to the YPINH National Alliance eNews!
The YPINH issue is really the more visible tip of a much larger problem that is the malaise infecting disability systems nationwide. Victims of endemic under funding and unable to respond effectively to growing demands for lifetime care and support, it’s clear that solutions for YPINH are also the solutions that will lead to improvements for all people with disability.
With information and comment on what is happening nationally with young people in nursing homes, initiatives the Alliance is pursuing and other areas of interest to stakeholders concerned about the plight of young Australians with high and complex support needs, the Alliance enews is your link to what’s happening and where it’s taking place.
Since the Alliance began its campaign to raise awareness of this issue and urge governments to act, many YPINH and their families have been involved in helping the wider community understand why action is so urgently needed. We hope to feature some of their stories in forthcoming issues and invite you to share yours too.
We also invite your comments and suggestions on things the newsletter should address and what it should contain. Click here to contact us or send your comments.
Upcoming Conference: Shaping the Future Today
Shaping the Future Today working conference to review the national COAG initiative on Young People In Nursing Homes, Melbourne, Moonee Valley Racing Club Convention Centre.
Check the website for more information and register
On 10 February 2006, the Council Of Australian Governments (COAG) announced a limited 5 year program to begin addressing the Young People In Nursing Homes (YPINH) issue.
Now being implemented in every State and Territory of the Commonwealth, this landmark initiative is halfway through its life.
This midpoint offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on what has been achieved; and consider what remains to be done if the initiative’s potential to deliver systemic and policy change for all, is to be achieved.
Held over 2 days in Melbourne on 19 and 20th August 2008, Shaping the Future Today is a specialist conference that will offer stakeholders a once in a lifetime opportunity to describe a way forward that crosses borders and jurisdictions and does so in a spirit of collaboration and partnership.
Inspiring Stories…Alliance advocate, Anj Barker
Almost six years after a former boyfriend's assault left her with a severe brain injury and unable to move or speak, Alliance advocate, Angela Barker, travelled to New York to participate in a special session of the United Nations General Assembly on children.
One of only 15 young women from around the world at the meeting, Anj and her colleagues examined issues of women's health and learnt how to pursue policy change at a four-day conference at the UN.
Anj Barker and Victorian Minister for Community Services, Hon Lisa Neville
Maurice Blackburn, proud and passionate supporter of YPINH
Well known and respected legal firm, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, have thrown their support behind the National Alliance and the YPINH campaign through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm.
Community involvement has always been part of the firm's heritage and to give structure and focus to their commitment in this area, Maurice Blackburn developed their corporate social responsibility program. This unique program offers staff opportunities to volunteer, undertake pro bono work, participate in community and fundraising events, and become involved in corporate giving programs.
In support of the Alliance’s work, Maurice Blackburn staff will host a series of lunches with corporate clients and contacts that will offer participants the opportunity to hear first hand about the YPINH issue and meet some of the young people and their family members who have lived in nursing homes or risked placement there.
Sydney staff intend to host the first of a series of "Pamper Picnics", social events designed to give family carers a break and the chance to meet others with similar concerns and share information and experiences.
The Sydney event will launch the first Pamper Picnic on 22 October during Carers Week (19-25 October) where family members and other carers will enjoy a gourmet picnic, relax with free massages and take home a ‘show bag’ of goodies generously donated by local businesses and supporters. (Further details of the event will be made available via www.ypinh.com.au and in the next YPINH September newsletter issue.)
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