Collaborating for strength
Every quarter, the lifestyle coordinators assemble with a common purpose: collaboration, learning, and idea sharing.
Under the guidance of Director of Lifestyle Services Sharon Levey, these meetings occur regularly, with Victorian Lifestyle Coordinators gathering at Wesley Place and their Tasmanian counterparts alternating between Launceston and Hobart.
These gatherings are packed with valuable agenda items: training sessions, workshops, updates on new initiatives, and opportunities for networking. It is also an important forum for various areas of the organisation to engage with and support the frontline Lifestyle team.
In the most recent sessions:
Residential Business Manager Sue Wood presented on roster management, including the "shift bidding" system for shift allocation
A pilot Trauma Informed Care Workshop was introduced, highlighting the crucial role that church-based organizations, including the Uniting Church, play in recognising and addressing trauma
Director of Marketing and Communications Natalie Dillon and Marketing Production Coordinator Fiona Veitch introduced the Vident platform, a user-friendly tool for compiling templated newsletters to be sent to residents' families and friends.
Sharon cherishes these gatherings, particularly the "show and tell" session held last December, where Lifestyle Coordinators shared their innovative ideas and resources. From simple cooking classes to laughter therapy sessions, the exchange of ideas is constant, with coordinators often reaching out to one another for inspiration.
One of the fun ideas to come out of these sessions was a recent meet-up – lifestyle coordinators and residents from across Tasmanian sites “met in the middle” and enjoyed a pub lunch at Ross, fostering camaraderie and community spirit.
Sharon actively promotes collaboration and shared activities such as monthly lawn bowls competitions and combined art exhibitions, recognising the value of pooling knowledge and experiences for the benefit of residents.
Reflecting on the past five years of these aptly named Lifestyle Collaborations, Sharon acknowledges the significant progress made in breaking down silos and fostering a culture of collegiate teamwork. She emphasises the importance of shared resources and ideas, recognising that the ultimate beneficiaries are always the residents.
© 2021