Our biggest concern at ECHO is ensuring the safety of our clients, staff and volunteers. Since January, ECHO has exceeded government guidelines, to proactively prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Until further notice we have taken the following actions to reduce group gatherings and minimise risk: Our Day Centre is closed All group social outings and …
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COVID-19 lessons from the UK
With all the sad news circulating at the moment, we thought it would be a good time to share some better news about one organisation’s success in combating COVID-19. We’ve all seen and been concerned about reports from other countries and other parts of Australia about the impact of COVID-19 on the elderly. In particular, …
Read morePlease intall the COVIDsafe app
Have you and your family and friends downloaded the COVIDsafe app yet? The Australian Department of Health has released the app as a free download for all users of smartphones. You can find more information about the COVIDsafe app at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app If you have a smartphone and you would like help installing the COVIDsafe app, …
Read moreNew video from LASA and OPAN
Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA) and the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) have collaborated to release a new short video, highlighting some things older people can do to protect themselves during the coronavirus pandemic. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5jP3tACjEE As always, if you need advice on how to protect yourself from COVID-19, you need …
Read moreCOVID-19 supplement for home care packages
On 20 March 2020 the Prime Minister announced temporary increases in additional funding for home care providers due to the impacts from COVID-19. The extra funding is equivalent to 1.2% of the daily subsidy rate and will apply to each home care package for the period from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2020. ECHO …
Read moreCOVID-19 support line for older people
A new Older Person’s COVID-19 Support Line has been set up to provide information, support and check on older Australians during the period of social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COTA Australia, National Seniors, Dementia Australia and the Older Person’s Advocacy Network have banded together to deliver this service with support from …
Read moreUpdate: power restored, 10.52am, Thursday, 2 April
Power is now back on and phones are working again. Normal service is restored. Thanks for bearing with us.
Read morePower and phones out at head office, 10am, Thursday, 2 April
ECHO’s head office in Bayswater has been hit by a power outage. Our main phone number has been diverted to our emergency phone, but all our internal office phones are temporarily out of action. This means you can still reach us on 9271 7011, but it might take a bit longer than usual to get …
Read moreImmediate services for over 65s
If you know any elderly people north of the river who need support, ECHO can now provide immediate support for up to 6 weeks, without the need for the normal approvals and referrals. So, if you know anyone over 65 who needs help with things like shopping, or transport to medical appointments, or cleaning, or …
Read moreECHO CEO to speak at NFP People Conference
ECHO CEO, Jonathan Smith, will be speaking at this year’s Not-For-Profit People Conference in February. The conference explores the best way to attract, manage and retain people in the community sector. Jonathan will be speaking about the way ECHO has worked to improve alignment with ECHO’s purpose and values by using the ‘skill-will’ matrix. The …
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