It feels like the year has just begun, and yet here we are already at the end of February!
This month was another great one at GO -- with everyone settled back into their routines for the year, we began looking forward and setting our sights on what's to come. We've already seen Group Programs trialing new and exciting ways of getting our participants excited about building their skills and developing their independent capacity. A great example is the GO Literacy Program who have been getting super creative in the last few weeks.
One stand-out session was devoted to letter writing, where participants each penned a letter to a friend, family member or idol, then headed down to the Seymour Post office to learn how to send off their correspondence.
Most recently, the group participated in debate - breaking off into two teams to argue for and against using mobile phones in social settings. There were some fantastic points made through the day (and lots of fun and laughter too!) What a brilliant way to work on communication goals.
Also of note are the RAGZ and GO Green groups. RAGZ is back in full swing, with everyone helping out to fulfil orders for local businesses and organisations. And GO Green has set its eyes on events coming later in the year -- making bunting and preparing decorations for holidays and celebrations. As we head through the year, you'll see more and more of their work pop up!
February was also Quality Employment Month here at Goulburn Options. Quality Employment is one of the pillars of our Biggest Life Possible Quality Framework -- our organisation's guide for making sure we're always doing the best work for our participants.
Quality Employment is all about making sure our workforce is made up of happy, engaged, quality staff who are confident in their role and excited to come to work. We believe a well-supported workforce makes for well-supported participants, and that was our focus this month!
Right across social media, in posters throughout our buildings, and in our whole staff meeting at the end of the month, we've been recognising what makes a fantastic support worker, and what makes a great workplace.
We heard from our participants what they appreciate in a support worker:
"Exciting! That's a good support worker. They help you with so many different jobs." - Katie M
"A good support worker is patient...and has a lot of positivity." - Jeremy G
And we heard from our staff their favourite things about Goulburn Options:
"My favourite thing about working at Goulburn Options is of course the participants." - Charity L
"Definitely the people I work with, and the participants, for sure!" - Susie N
"I really enjoy all of the people, it's the workers and the participants." - Luci S
We then had the opportunity to come together as a group and discuss Quality Employment. Our end of month meeting was hugely positive, with staff recognising the team atmosphere of the organisation, and how supportive our workers are to each other. We also heard about ways our organisation can get even better at what we do. GO Leadership will be implementing a supervision framework in the coming months to make sure each staff member has dedicated times throughout the year to touch base with their team leaders, give feedback, and develop their skills.
Our staff all went away with a GO themed cupcake (yum!), our Biggest Life Possible Quality Framework, and a heartfelt message collected from our participants, filled with dozens of quotes about the amazing work our staff do each and every day.
This was such a fantastic month, filled with positivity and forward-thinking. Thank you to all of our dedicated staff for your ongoing support of our organisation -- whether it's Quality Employment month or not, your contribution is recognised and extremely valued.
Comentarios