STEPS Program Newsletter

From the Manager, Happy New Year to you all. I trust you had an enjoyable festive season, filled with

some fun and frivolity, but also a chance for some quieter reflection on the year that was 2013. The STEPS Program certainly had a busy time last year. We now have 28 on‐ Princess Alexandra Hospital going Network Groups around , with over 300 people attending each month in their local communities. Read about what some of these groups have been up to on March 2014 pages 2‐5. This includes a wrap of the various Christmas parties at the end of last year. Issue 33 While nearly all our work to date at the STEPS Program has been to support groups of Special points of interest: people meeting face‐face, a small, important subgroup has been missing out. For peo‐ ple with acquired brain injury and their families who live in remote locations, we are ☺ Telehealth Research Project researching the delivery of the 6‐week STEPS Skills Program by in‐home computer‐based ☺ STEPS Program Leader videolink, similar to Skype. Ben Turner is leading this important research project‐ see Training details below. ☺ STEPS Program Leader Network We are looking forward to another invigorating year for the STEPS Program. Teleconference 2014 Schedule i Aret Inside this Issue: Message from the Manager 1 Telehealth Research Project 1 Telehealth Research Project STEPS Program Leader Training 2 In 2013, the STEPS Pro‐ They will also be involved in It is hoped that the re‐ gram was successful in an interview about their ex‐ search study will enhance STEPS Skills Program obtaining a research grant periences. Additionally, a access to the STEPS Pro‐ Group Reports 2 • to explore the use of Tele‐ research assistant will ob‐ gram for adults with brain • health within the program. serve and reflect on the ef‐ injury and their families in

The research study will fectiveness of the different rural and remote locations STEPS Program Network 3 Group Reports commence in April this delivery methods. of Queensland. Further‐ • year and will continue Phase two will examine the more, the study will throughout 2014. directly contribute to the •Fraser Coast effectiveness of Telehealth •Caboolture development of ongoing Phase one will examine to deliver a training module •Maroochydore training opportunities for the effectiveness of deliv‐ to peer and professional •Kingaroy & Yarraman leaders. ering the 6‐week STEPS STEPS Program leaders. • Central-Buranda Skills Program via video‐ Three groups of active STEPS The findings of the study •Redcliffe-Northgate • conference versus a con‐ Program leaders will com‐ will be made available to •Bundaberg trol group who complete plete a 1‐hour training mod‐ leaders throughout the •Nundah-Chermside the program via the usual ule using different training course of the study. face‐to‐face method. Each mediums (i.e., face‐to‐face, STEPS Program Leader Net- group will include 8‐10 teleconference, and video‐ work Teleconference 2014 Schedule participants and will be led conference formats). Pre‐ 6 Spotlight On…. Mackay 6 by a trained peer‐ and post‐ training question‐ Greater Brisbane STEPS Pro- professional leader part‐ naires and a focus group of gram Christmas Party 2013 7 STEPS Program email nership. Participants will leaders’ experiences will be addresses 8 complete several outcome used to evaluate the effec‐ Seeking Reader Contributions 8 measures both before and tiveness of the training ap‐ STEPS Skills Programs in QLD Map after program completion. proaches. 8 Page 2 STEPS program Newsletter

Townsville The Townsville STEPS group com‐ own unique story and ideas to share The group was made aware of Noel’s menced in September 2013, with with the rest of the group. The social group and were invited to at‐ each session held at Community Re‐ group was lead by Tanya a CRnQ So‐ tend upcoming get‐togethers. The habilitation nQ, a new rehab centre cial Worker and Kate a CRnQ OT. feedback from the program was for people with a neurological condi‐ The Cowboys leagues club was the positive, particularly the value from tion in northern QLD. unanimous venue for the week 6 learning from This program was the first STEPS social activity where the leaders, each other’s program held at Community Reha‐ participants and family members experiences was bilitation nQ. There were five partici‐ celebrated in true North Qld style. highlighted. pants involved, each having their Bundaberg Our 2013 Bundaberg STEPS Skills ing artistic talents and we were hon‐ spent some time at the small zoo started on Thursday, August 15. It oured to have been able to view visiting with the pups. The male pup was the first time we’d used an af‐ some of their paintings in week is called Kupali, which is Aboriginal ternoon time slot, would be the first 5. We’d asked if they would be will‐ for younger brother and the female time the group was going to run ing to share and they delighted us pup is Lowana, which is Aboriginal with only one facilitator, and the with a lovely portfolio. for girl. first time a support worker from It also turned out helpful to have an‐ Another exciting outcome from the another community agency would other community service provider group was the interest from one of be accompanying another atten‐ come along with one of the partici‐ the participants in becoming a dee. With all those firsts, it was pants, as other participants were able leader. He has since attended train‐ bound to be a great 6 weeks! And it to develop their networks and have ing and I look forward to co‐ was. been able to access services from this facilitating a 2014 group with him. With a great age range from 17 contact. All participants were invited into the (almost 18) through to 70, it wasn’t Planning for our break up activity networking group Brain Injury long before we found some com‐ went smoothly and a unanimous de‐ Friends and it was lovely to see some mon interests and conversation cision was made to have a sausage of them at the Christmas Party. started flowing. sizzle at Alexandra Park. This park A couple of our participants had recently become home to two Jennie Whitley (mother and son) had some amaz‐ dingo pups, and after our feast, we

STEPS Program Leader Training is leaders for growth as it is needed. The specific dates for upcoming up and running for 2014 and has However, we are also looking to STEPS Leader Training are listed already been held in branch into new communities in below: on 5/ 6 March. Ben conducted the 2014 – Areti will be holding the 2‐ ‐ training in Rocky – two new service day STEPS Leader Training course Wednesday 2/Thursday 3 April provider leaders from Red Cross in Gympie in April and in Emerald Brisbane‐ Rockhampton were trained along in June. This will be the first time Tuesday 29/Wednesday 30 April with two peer leaders. As the we have been able to offer the STEPS Leader pool has grown over STEPS Leader Training in these Emerald‐ time, we have found that our train‐ communities. Once we have Wednesday 11/Thursday 12 June ing is a lot more targeted – our pri‐ trained leaders, we can look to We are always open to your sug‐ ority is to work with the leaders offer the 6‐weeks STEPS Skills Pro‐ gestions, so please contact us if you who are already trained and then gram in Gympie and Emerald and are interested in STEPS Program look to specific partnerships with then look to develop ongoing Leader Training in your local com‐ services and/or potential peer STEPS Network Groups. munity. Issue 33 Page 3

Cairns Cairns STEPS Network Group spirit of the occasion with recon‐ met for a terrific Christmas lunch nection and new friendships at the Cairns RSL Club located on made. Happy 2014 everyone! the beautiful esplanade on the 4 Anne Kavanagh December 2013. We had 18 people at‐ tend who the cool air conditioned comfort enjoyed a of the club. Christmas crackers delicious se‐ were cracked, the jokes inside lection of hot were laughed at, and the paper roasts with all Christmas hats were donned… the trimmings in by some! Everyone got into the

Fraser Coast Our motley crew has been meet‐ to anyone for the length of the and has become a huge contribu‐ ing every month for the past 2 course. He also found it ex‐ tor to the group as well as the years (with different activities tremely difficult to come along to major joke teller. His confidence, and guest speakers), but we each session but was encouraged social skills and interest in others started off this year with our be‐ to get there each week by his have all improved substantially. lated Christmas party on the 14th supportive wife and a regional He and his wife have both agreed January! It was a great success. worker from another service. that this group has helped him Tales were told, gifts were (He said the “push” was really get back into life again. He will swapped and copious amounts of worth it). He also advised that always appreciate the accep‐ food were eaten. after about 5 months of attend‐ tance from the group members We have a regular group of 7 at‐ ing the support group, he began (each with their own battles), tendees and I just wanted to to communicate with other and their attitude of no judge‐ highlight one of our participant’s members as he learned by their ment. statements. He told us that genuine acceptance that he Thank you STEPS for this pro‐ when he was first attending the 6 could trust these people. gram of information and support. week program, he did not speak Now he rarely misses a meeting Karen Schwarzrock Caboolture

It was off to our well‐loved other year of fun and connec‐ ward to another great year in Woodford Hotel for our Christ‐ tions with each other. 2014. mas celebration in early Decem‐ Over the year, we had fished, ber. Although busy‐ steak special bowled, gone bushwalking, ven‐ night is always busy at the hotel‐ tured into central Brisbane for a we were all able to order and picnic and, of course, gone to have our meals served together. Wacky Wednesday at the local It was another chance to reflect sports club‐ another group fa‐ on another year together as a vourite! We are all looking for‐ group, as well as celebrate an‐ Page 4 STEPS Program Newsletter

Maroochydore We had 10 people attend the Xmas fortunately we were able to sort this BYO their morning tea/coffee or get together at Cotton Tree yester‐ out. Cotton Tree Park has proved to buy it! Angela day‐ Paul, Tony, Sue and Tara, Mal‐ be a favourite location for our group colm and Jenny, Liz, Gerard, and these past several months‐ lovely in Travis. There was even a ring‐in from the great outdoors, beautiful loca‐ the Network Group, Tony, tion on the esplanade near the wa‐ who dropped by towards the end ter, good shade so it is not too hot, ,which was nice. quiet enough so we can hear each We had one mishap with transport other, and close to a coffee shop so plans for one of our members, but members can choose whether to Kingaroy & Yarraman combined Thanks to Peter, Bobbie and John for would have expected and some of the troops from Kingaroy may even organising the combined Christmas do a low pass on us and come to Party for our groups in Yarraman Yarraman when we have our next and Kingaroy. They met halfway be‐ meeting. It was not a case of one tween the towns at the Nanango end of the table did not speak to RSL. the other, there was plenty of inter‐ A few words from Peter sums it up, action. Between both groups and “…a couple of pics from the adven‐ we agreed we would meet again tures of the Yarraman and Kingaroy next year, possibly during the year Groups. It went far better than I and definitely at Christmas.” Brisbane Central—Buranda In February 2014, the Brisbane Cen‐ just music appreciation, but includes very musically talented people in tral/Buranda STEPS Network Group using the rhythm and beat of music the group! learnt all about the benefits of music to help people with their recovery. therapy after brain injury. Cameron Music therapy can be effective in Haigh, who is a registered music helping people with movement diffi‐ therapist that works in the Brain In‐ culties, speech and language difficul‐ jury Rehabilitation Unit at the PA ties, and adjustment to life after a Hospital, gave a special presentation brain injury. The group had a great to the group. The group learnt that time making a bit of their own music music therapy is much more than and discovered that there are some

Redcliffe—North Lakes Late in 2013, the Redcliffe Network North Lakes STEPS Skills Program to activities for 2014. These include Group invited the members of the join with their ongoing Network enjoying outdoor areas and walks Group. The first combined gathering on the beautiful , was for a Christmas lunch at Mango sausage sizzles, picnics, cheap Hill Tavern in early December. The movie sessions sponsored by the aircon was very welcome on this local council and ideas about local very hot day. Since then, the group cafes. Next up is lunch together at has met to get to know each other Hogs Breath Café Redcliffe. in a quieter setting and has also come up with some great ideas for Issue 33 Page 5

Toowoomba Late spring in Toowoomba still has a been meeting fortnightly for several been a ton of fun. Secondly, the lion’s share of beautiful flowers in years now. Two recent develop‐ daughter of our coordinator Mary‐ bloom, as was the case when STEPS ments have been the expansion of Ann, Kate, has showcased her cake Program manager, Areti, joined the their tenpin bowling activities to decorating talents with some fun long‐running Toowoomba Network “STEPS” cupcakes. They were almost Group for a morning of information‐ too good to eat! sharing, socialising including, of Being one of the earliest Christmas course, conversations over some parties around the state in late No‐ delicious morning tea. Our vember, Toowoomba enjoyed lunch Toowoomba together at a local bistro in the mid‐ members dle of the city. As in previous years, value the they then proceeded to squeeze in company and just one more gathering before support of Christmas‐ one final round of bowl‐ each other, include a friendly rivalry with a local ing before Christmas itself! and have Blue Care bowling team, which has

Bundaberg It was a balmy, beautiful day in late Leanne, had Christmas goodies to the lunch and thanked Leanne and November when the Bundaberg hand out for everyone from a big Jennie for their continued commit‐ Brain Injury Friends group again met Santa sack‐ the chocolate teddy ment to the Bundaberg group. at Grunske’s By the River restaurant bears were a real treat! Areti (STEPS for their Christmas Party. People Program Manager) came along for came from near and far for the event. After a torrid start to the year with floods in the town in January 2013, the group once again valued their connections with each other that saw them through some bad times as well as good times through‐ out the year. Local coordinator,

Nundah—Chermside

As with many of our Network had passed, and talked about some STOP PRESS: At the group’s first Groups, the Nundah‐Chermside of our plans for the New Year 2014. meeting for 2014, we decided to members wanted to do something head to the outdoors for some different for Christmas, and so it petanque/bocce in a local park‐ defi‐ was we enjoyed dinner to‐ nitely something new for the group! gether on a steamy night in late We did have some debate about November at the Kedron‐Wavell whether petanque and bocce (and Services Club. Although we have boules for that matter) are the same often sat outside at the HQ Café thing, but did not come to a firm there, we certainly appreciated being inside in the airconditioning. conclusion. Will keep you posted on We reminisced on the year that our discussions about this. Page 6 STEPS program Newsletter

Teleconferences are held on the SECOND Thursday of every alternate month, from 10‐11am. See pro‐ posed schedule for 2014 below. We are looking forward to another year of stimulating information and discussions.

DATE MAJOR TOPICS FOR 2014 TELECONFERENCES 6 February Business Planning: STEPS program review—2013 activity, 2014 plans; 2014 Leader Network teleconference schedule planning

13 March Educational Topic: STEPS Program Telehealth research project—Ben Turner 8 May Meet the Leaders Strengths and Challenges of managing the STEPS Program (Skills Programs and Network Groups) in regional and rural Queensland

10 July Business Planning—To Be Advised 11 September Educational Topic—To Be Advised 13 November Meet the Leaders—To Be Advised

On the 1st weekend of May each locals as entertainers and audi‐ year, people from all over Aus‐ ence. Word has spread about the tralia make their way to the little‐ beautiful location, and family‐ known Camerons Pocket for an friendly atmosphere. Although the festival has grown quite large, it still seems a "small, cosy festi‐ val" at heart because it's always surrounded by friendly, helpful tarian food and everything in people, and families are a big part between. of the festival, so the kids are al‐ Camps rapidly appear on land ways well catered for. that was once an orchard and You can strains of guitars, fiddles, man‐ event celebrating some of Aus‐ stroll dolins and flutes can be heard tralia's talented musicians at the around the from spontaneous performances Wintermoon Festival. market around the site. The festival not only boasts some stalls which Camping is available with facili‐ of the best world music perform‐ sell mostly ties such as hot showers and ers from but also show‐ hand‐made plenty of toilets. Set in the foot‐ cases some of the local talent on items or hills of the north‐east boundary three stages strategically placed offering massage or holistic of the Eungella National Park, at various locations within the health services. this quiet rural setting beside the grounds. Nor will you go hungry either with beautiful St Helens Creek is the The Wintermoon Festival began a variety of fare from the familiar perfect spot to escape for a few in 1996 as a tiny local event with burgers to the Hare Krishna vege‐ days! Issue 33 Page 7

Check out the photos for a glimpse of the party at Roma Street Parklands on December 4. The weather turned on a beautiful sunny day as we shared good food, great company, laughter and well wishes for the year that was and the year ahead. Page 8 STEPS Program Newsletter

ALERT, ALERT—STEPS Program email ‘SEEKING READER CONTRIBUTIONS’ addresses have changed: The STEPS Program invites you to add your own items Areti Kennedy— to this newsletter. If you would like to put something [email protected] into the newsletter please email us at [email protected]. Ben Turner— You might write about an insightful discussion [email protected] amongst members, a spectacular day out that your STEPS Program— group had, an informative guest speaker or a new [email protected] community activity you discovered. This could be for a Please adjust your email address books if Skills you have our old email addresses saved. If Program or Network Group. you do not save our new email addresses, Also, as many of you have shared with us your enjoy‐ your email server may interpret our new ment of the Spotlight On… section, we are giving you a email address as ‘junk’/’trash’/’spam’ AND chance to write your own Spotlight On..! Submit your piece via email, or call Areti if you want to discuss it, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE EMAILS ph 1300 727 403 or 3406 2311.

2013 - Gold Coast (3), Browns Plains, Ipswich, Logan North, Brisbane Bayside (2), Caboolture, Cairns (2), Glad- stone, Buranda Young ABI (2), Coopers Plains, Atherton, Rockhampton, Mackay, Toowoomba, Centenary / Middle Park, Bundaberg, Chermside, Townsville, Sunshine Coast (2), North Lakes, Beenleigh.

2012 - Bundaberg, Cairns (2), Gladstone (2), Gold Coast, STEPS Skills Program Ipswich, Kingaroy, Maroochydore, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Toowoomba (2), Brisbane (10) 2011 - Biloela, Bundaberg, Yeppoon, Rockhampton (2), Southport, Townsville (2), Cairns (2), Noosaville, Ma- roochydore, Maryborough, Brisbane (12) 2010 - Mt Isa, Warwick, Rockhampton, Cairns (2), Mackay, Townsville, Kingaroy, Yarraman, Gold Coast (2), Beaude- sert, Toowoomba (2), Brisbane (13) 2009 - Townsville, Warwick, Cairns, Rockhampton, Mac- kay, Gordonvale, Ipswich, Redcliffe, Brisbane (11) 2008 - Rockhampton, Warwick, Maroochydore, Far South West Qld, Cunnamulla, Mt Isa, Brisbane (5)

THE STEPS PROGRAM

Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service (ABIOS) PO Box 6053, Buranda 4102 Ph: (07) 3406 2311 Fax: (07) 3406 2399 Email: [email protected]