Witmore programs have had to reinvent the way they deliver service to their participants during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In order to keep with the social distancing laws Witmore Enterprises have now changed majority of our programs to a 'virtual' style of delivery in order to still touch base with their clients.
Each week support staff prepare an interactive 'pack' for the clients which will include things such as find-a-words, trivia quizzes (tailored to their area of interest) mindfulness activities and many more.
Support staff then call clients via Facetime to have a chat with them and explain what is in their packs and go through what they need to do for the week and also just have a chat about how they have been feeling.
The packs are then recollected by the staff and we again Facetime the clients to go through their answers and chat about what they liked in terms of the activities, this is then repeated the following week.
"Although this may seem small to some people, it means a lot to our clients," said Manager Rachel Baigent.
"Some of our clients struggle to understand what is currently happening in the world at the moment, they feel isolated and anxious and they miss their normal routines and socialising with others.
"Our new way of service ticks a lot of these boxes and helps connect the clients to some sense of normality and familiarity," she added.
On Monday, Witmore delivered their first pack to a client and conducted their first virtual chat.
"The smile on the clients face was priceless."
Witmore enterprises isn't just a place for people with a disability to go, for some it's like their second home or their only source of companionship with the community, so it is vital we continue to be able to offer services to those who need it the most during this time.
"If anyone has not been able to access their disability service and would like to join this program we are more than happy to take on new clients," Rachel continued
People can call through to our main line office (02) 6572 2578.
"I would also like to extend a public thank you to all disability workers who continue to come to work each day to support people with a disability in the community, they are true frontline heroes and deserve recognition."