Events

Chatter Paws: Staying Connected

For many clients staying connected with others is extremely important for maintaining good mental health, and this is particularly the case during COVID-19. That is why we have introduced, as part of our Connection Services, a free option for ‘Client Connection’ to help keep up conversations during these times.

Chatter Paws invites Guide Dogs NSW/ACT clients to dial into a group ‘chat’ of around six people. Discussions may be focussed on particular areas of client interest or have no set topic of discussion. Each chat session is facilitated by a client volunteer.

These group chat sessions run for an hour using Zoom. Some groups run on a weekly basis, others fortnightly. Clients will be sent reminder notices the day before each session and the Zoom link or dial in options through which to join the group chat. Clients can also ask to be dialled into the chat if they are unable to connect independently.

The sessions are not part of any My Goal Plans and should not be confused with the delivery of tele-practices by Guide Dogs specialists.

The current groups times available for Chatter Paws sessions are:

• Tuesday 9am (weekly): Suitable for Guide Dog Handlers of mixed ages.
• Tuesday 2pm (fortnightly): Suitable for Guide Dog Handlers of mixed ages.
• Tuesday 7pm (weekly): Suitable for Guide Dog Handlers of mixed ages.
• Wednesday at 2pm (weekly): Suitable for over 60’s.
• Thursday at 11am (weekly): Mixed ages and interests.
• Thursday at 7pm (fortnightly): Mixed ages and interests.
• Friday at 4pm (weekly): Mixed ages and interests.

Please note: Availability changes frequently within the groups, enquiries are necessary to finalise group placement.

Guide Dogs Client Engagement and Connections Coordinators Katie Butler and Bowie Ng are coordinating the initiative.

Upcoming guest speakers in the Chatter Paws program:

Jo Webber from Blind Citizens Australia, speaking about the work of BCA and the new Skills Exchange Program

Thursday 4^th Feb 2021 7pm Chatter Paws group

Hear all about the The BCA Skills Exchange program – an exciting and empowering six month mentoring program from Blind Citizens Australia. Applications are now open.

Grace Moore, Client Liaison Practice Lead, speaking about My Aged Care funding

Wednesday 17^th Feb 2021 2pm Chatter Paws group

Join for an introduction of My Aged Care funding and available services. If you are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged 50 and above, or 65 and above, you may be entitled to My Aged Care. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.

If you have any questions about Chatter Paws including how to join a group chat session, please contact our team directly via: connections@guidedogs.com.au or call 02 9195 6104.