THE MORELAND RUSSIAN SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP

Northern Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre Inc.
175 Glenroy Rd Glenroy VIC 3046
Phone: 9306 5611
Fax: 9306 5644

WHAT IS THE MORELAND RUSSIAN SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP?
The Russian Social Support Group is designed to meet the Social support needs of isolated older people of Russian English speaking background (NESB).

FUNDING
Funding is provided by the Department of Human Services under the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE GROUP?
* Reduce loneliness and isolation
* Encourage social contacts or re*establish contacts in the community
* Increase the older person's social network
* Improve the older person's quality of life
* Address the social recreational/educational needs of group members
* Provide activities and outings structured to group members needs and interests.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE GROUP
* People over 55 years from a Russian speaking background living in the Moreland Municipality
* Lonely, socially isolated people living at home and who wish to remain in their home
* Frail aged people and younger people with age*related disabilities, eg. Stroke
* Assessed as suitable for the group

GROUP MEETING TIME
The group meets on a weekly basis each Tuesday between 1.30pm * 3.30pm.
Meeting are held according to the school term
Term 1: 31 January to 06 Apni 2001
Term 2: 23 April to 29 June 2001
Term 3: 16 July to 21 September 2001
Term 4: 08 October to 21 December 2001

GROUP SIZE
There will be up to 20 participants in the group

REFERAL PROCEDURE
Group participants can be referred by:
* Self
* Family member/Relative
* Friend or neighbor
* Community based service providers. Eg council workers, ACAT
* Hospital/Health workers
* General practitioners

CONTACT
The Northern Metropolitan Migrant Resources Centre
Social Support Worker
Antonina Kocyan or Peter Malcolm
On 93065611

TRANSPORT
A community bus service will be available for group participants unable to make their way to the Migrant Resource Centre. Participants can be picked up and returned home each meeting.

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to be involved as club assistants or drivers. They will be appropriately trained. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. Need to be over the age of 25 years. Will need to speak Russian and English. Will receive ongoing support from the Coordinator. Volunteers are valued people who make an important contribution to the community.