CEO UPDATE
A message from RMHC Northern NSW CEO, Ross Bingham.
Employee & VOlunteer Assistance Program
Feeling anxious, concerned or worried, please don't hesitate to contact your Volunteer Coordinator and remember that you can access the Drake Workwise Employee Assistance Program available to all staff and volunteers at any time on
1800-084-525. View the EAP flyer here.
Houses
Our Houses continue to operate with increased precautions in place, monitoring those entering, limiting access to communal areas and limiting visitors.
Family Retreat
The Family Retreat will temporarily cease operations as of 30 March, 2020.
Family ROoms
Our Gosford Family Room and J1 Family Room at JHCH have temporarily ceased operations. Our NICU Family Room at JHCH is under the management of the ward and unsupported by RMHC NNSW Volunteers.
LEARNING PROGRAM
The Learning Program has temporarily ceased face to face tutoring and are reviewing options for alternative tutoring.
Protecting Volunteers
We are committed to providing a safe environment for all, and where needed, increasing protection measures already in place.
Volunteering for those who are over 65 years of age has temporarily been suspended due to their increased risk if they were to get sick with COVID-19.
Staff and volunteers who may have underlying health conditions that put them at greater personal risk from COVID-19 are encouraged to have a discussion with their manager or volunteer coordinator.
According to the World Health Organisation, those at higher risk include:
People over 65 years of age. The risk increases significantly thereafter and escalates with age, with persons over age 80 in the highest risk category.
People, regardless of age, with underlying health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are also considered to be at higher risk as they have higher rates of chronic illness.
We are asking all volunteers to advise their current ‘at risk’ status by completing a secure form.
Fundraising and COmmunity Engagement
Events
The health and well-being of the communities we rely on to help fund our programs is also important to us and in line with our RMHC national stance, we will be postponing scheduled events up to 31 July. At this stage, the following events have been postponed and we will let you know when we have new dates scheduled.
Central Coast Ball supporting the Gosford Family Room
Northern NSW Raise Love Charity Ball
All third party events have been cancelled and the Community Engagement Coordinators are reaching out to organisations, schools and community groups who had community fundraising events planned, ensuring compliance with the Australian Government advice.
Donations
Cash donations would be very welcome. Sadly, COVID-19 has meant we have to do things differently to ensure the safety of our families. A this time we are unable to accept any in-kind donations. Cash Donations can be made at www.rmhnnsw.org.au/donate
Corporate Volunteering & Program Visits
In line with minimising non-essential people at our Programs, all Corporate Volunteering, tours and donor visits to our Houses, Family Rooms and the Family Retreat up to 31 July have been cancelled.
MORE INFO
Additional information on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) can be found at:
NSW Health - https://www.health.gov.au
World Health Organisation - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Federal Government - https://www.australia.gov.au/
NSW State Government - https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19