Two programs funded by COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN to support vulnerable community members have been listed as finalists in the 2023 Community Service Awards* organised by the Community Industry Group.

Prue Buist, CEO of COORDINARE, said she is delighted the digital health literacy program to support people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been selected as a finalist in the Business Partnership award category, while the care finders Collective is a finalist in the ‘Above and Beyond’ category.

“The digital health literacy program is an innovative pilot partnership between Living Connected and COORDINARE which aims to build confidence and improve online and digital skills for people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),” said Ms Buist.

“The program is run by volunteers at local libraries, community centres and some aged care facilities in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Goulburn areas and we have received positive feedback on how it has assisted people to feel more confident in using their smart phone, iPad or laptop to help them to manage their health.”

Meanwhile, the South East NSW care finders Collective (the Collective) has been selected as a finalist with its work showcasing how the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

“Our care finders Collective really does go ‘above and beyond’ by putting client’s unique needs at the heart and working to improve the journey for vulnerable older people with complex issues,” said Ms Buist.

“Often organisations operate in isolation or develop their own approaches and processes. However, we are so proud of the collaboration efforts of our Care finders providers; MCCI, Age Matters, Meridian and Hammond Care.

“This Collective is a perfect example of four separate organisations working as a team to ensure a coordinated regional service that can better meet the needs of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged older people in our region.

“Each organisation brings their own areas of expertise in supporting people who are homeless, LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse and/or have a dementia diagnosis. They are all using adaptive approaches that build trust which is so important in assisting people with communication difficulties, people who are homeless and people with a history of institutional distrust,” said Ms Buist

The 2023 Community Service Awards winners will be announced on 22 September.

*Community Industry Group is the peak body for community services in the Illawarra & Southern NSW.

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