Community Access Program
The Community Access branch of Step Out assists its service users
in leading fulfilling lives similar to those of their fellow Katherinites.
This includes
completing daily tasks, attending social events, and enjoying a variety of
outings and pastimes.
One of the
routine tasks that the Community Access service users complete is shopping.
This involves accessing local shops and being assisted with decision-making and
cash transactions, if required. With these purchases, service users may then
develop their basic cooking skills as they prepare a meal with guidance from
the support workers.
Further
interaction with the greater Katherine community is achieved through the attendance
of the Community Access Program at social events such as the Katherine Show,
the opening of the railway, Melbourne Cup Day and other, local, sporting
events.
The Community
Access Program allows its service users to take advantage of the Katherine
region, with trips to the Katherine Gorge at Nitmiluk National Park and the
local museum, as well as picnics, fishing and swimming. A convivial meal at a
local restaurant is also on the menu. The opportunity to develop their creative
side with arts and crafts has been another pleasurable experience, and with
stunning results.
The low support-worker to service-user ratio
allows for a person-centred approach, where one-on-one attention is provided
and decisions about the service may be made by those using it. The Community
Access Program is a positive and cheerful experience for all those involved, as
the contagious enjoyment of its service users spreads to the other members of
the Katherine Community.
