Find out about Gellibrand’s Client House Meetings, an integral way we make sure we’re constantly improving the support we offer our clients.
Gellibrand has held Client House Meetings since its foundation in the 1970s. The meetings offer one of many ways that clients can discuss issues they may be experiencing in their houses, as well as letting us know what’s working for them.
Client House Meetings were originally held monthly and simultaneously at each of Gellibrand’s houses, until they became a single meeting at our Withers Street office. These days clients from all houses can choose to attend the bi-monthly meeting at our Mary Burbidge Hub. Along with the opportunity to share any concerns and complements, clients enjoy a meal together and take part in an education presentation aimed at supporting their daily living.
When I went to the November meeting, with warmer weather on its way, the education theme was ‘sun smart’. Clients ate snacks at tables with their support workers, ready to add their input during the presentation. Client Sally said she likes coming to meetings because of what she learns, while client Connie said she comes to the meetings “a lot”, especially because “it’s good to see everyone.”
Before the presentation, there’s a fun atmosphere in the room as clients and team members catch up for a chat and a laugh. By the time the presentation is ready to kick off, there are 12 clients in attendance, which team members say is about the average number who come, though there are sometimes more.
Team member and presenter Daniel Saad asked clients what they know about being sun smart and protecting themselves during hot summer days.
“It’s means wearing a hat and sunscreen,” said client Rachel, while client Bridgit added that we can “wear clothing” to protect our skin. Client Corey said an umbrella can help, while client Chantelle said seeking shade was a good idea.
Daniel asked many other questions in a presentation that had clients engaged from start to finish, including when they should put on sunscreen. Client Zenny said, “Before you go out,” and then everyone repeated the chorus that sunscreen shouldn’t just be worn in summer, but “every day.”
Straight after the sun smart presentation was wrapped, it was time for clients to have the opportunity to discuss the support they are receiving at their houses.
“This is a really important part of the Client House Meeting,” said Daniel. “We use a feedback form that helps us find out how clients are going and if they have any issues we need to address.”
To allow clients to speak freely, team members who don’t normally support them at their houses were on hand for support to fill out the form. It includes questions about how safe they feel, whether there are changes to their support that they need – even what has been the best thing they have done in the past month.
After the feedback session, clients and team members tuck into a healthy meal; tonight, chicken and sweet corn soup with fresh sandwiches. After that there was some chocolate on offer and a gift tube of sunscreen – but only if clients could answer this question correctly:
When should you apply sunscreen?
“Every day!” we all replied!
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