"Lunch with the Bunch" is a social support program that allows frail aged people and people with a disability who are socially isolated to meet over a meal. Participants meet on a regular basis at various venues in Wyndham. The program also runs day trips to venues within and outside Wyndham each month. Transport and support is provided through Council volunteers.
Ph: 9742 0874.
Wyndham City Council is committed to assisting older adults to participate in social activities that encourage independence and reduce isolation. Social Support Services provide necessary support to isolated residents in our community. It is a part of the Home and Community Care (HACC) Services available for eligible residents. An assessment to determine eligibility can be easily arranged. Social Support enables our residents to remain living within their own homes and maintain their independence. Lunch With the Bunch is aimed to maximise resident’s enjoyment of life opportunities, and developing friendships and new experiences.
Program Times
The program runs Monday to Friday for lunch at various venues within our municipality.
Cost of service and payment
This service is income assessed according to the Home and Community Care (HACC) fees policy.
Prior to commencing this service you will be required to complete a ‘self declaration’ of income form. The information provided on this form will be used to allocate you a fee for service. This information will be updated at each review. If your situation changes at anytime please contact an Assessment Officer.
Transport to and from the venue is provided free of charge, however clients are asked to pay for their own lunch.
Volunteers
Volunteers play a vital role at the program. We have a number of registered volunteers who have been provided with relevant training. They assist with transport and developing important friendships with clients.
Day Trips
One of the highlights of the program is the regular day trips to various destinations throughout Melbourne. Invitations are sent out to clients to advise them of the upcoming trips, and bookings are made on a ‘first in first served basis,’ however all attempts are made to give all clients and opportunity to attend day trips.
Monitoring Schedule
Our team of volunteers will monitor your situation on a regular basis and will provide feedback to the Program Leader. This in turn may be referred to our Assessment Officer for further action. Your consent will be obtained prior to any referrals being made.
Review
All clients receiving service will be subject to a review – the frequency of which will depend on individual situations and feedback from either volunteer staff, program workers, home care workers or other agencies such as hospitals, Aged Care Assessment Services.
A review will look at:
- whether the service being delivered is meeting your needs,
- to discuss how you feel about the service provided,
- note any changes to your situation,
- review your situation in terms of continued eligibility and need for service, and
- discuss other needs that you may have and look at any other services or agencies that may be able to assist.
The Assessment Officer will be available to review your Care Plan at other times when your circumstances may have changed by request from you.
Cancellation or suspension of service
Please notify the Social Support Program Leader on 9742 0827 as soon as possible if you are unable to attend for any reason. If you are receiving more than one of our services eg delivered meals or Corner House, please let us know and we can arrange the suspension of these as well. Suspension of more than one service due to holidays, hospitalisation or respite needs to be identified to your assessment officer. An assessment will be made as to whether or not your needs have changed and if a review is necessary prior to recommencement of services.
Medication
Volunteers are not permitted to give medications to clients during the program. Clients need to be able to take their own medication but may be prompted or reminded by program workers.
Discontinuing service
If you no longer wish to use this service or any other service you can cancel at anytime by telephoning us on 9742 0874. Our assessment officers would appreciate discussing the matter with you as there may be other ways in which we can help. You are welcome to ring back at anytime if you feel your circumstances change and you require assistance again. Any future referrals will not be affected by previous outcomes.