South Port Day Links Inc.
Programs
Our programs are designed to encourage participation in individual and social activities, both inside and outside the home by frail aged people, people with a disability, and those that care for them. Our goal is to enhance our client's independence, autonomy and community connectedness. SPDL volunteers provide the links, assisting in the following range of community programs:
DayLinks Community Transport
Inability to 'get there' has been identified as one of the biggest barriers to people participating in their community. SPDL Inc. recognises that transport is a vital link in supporting the health, well-being and independence of people living in the community and in particular older people and people with disabilities. SPDL Inc. provides a Community Transport program that provides co-operative, safe, flexible, door-to-door affordable transport solutions, complementing existing transport systems.
Download the Daylinks Brochure (PDF ~800kb)
GardenMates
Links people who enjoy gardening and have some free time with people who cannot maintain their gardens because of frailty or disability, and chats and cups of coffee become part of the gardening regime.
Download the GardenMates Brochure (PDF ~65kb)
WalkMates
WalkMates is our newest program, launched in 1999, and builds on the Day Links tradition of forging friendships in tandem with providing a service to meet individuals' needs. WalkMate is suitable for those who have been encouraged to take exercise as part of their rehabilitation after surgery, stroke or heart problems, and also to those who may have lost confidence in walking on their own either following a fall or because of reduced mobility or isolation.
Download the WalkMates Brochure (PDF ~70kb)
InfoLink
The InfoLink stall is held at South Melbourne Market every Friday and distributes information about the local services and activities relevant to older people. Knowledge empowers the receiver, enabling them to make informed choices about lifestyle hence strengthening their independence, confidence and quality of life.
PetLinks Program
Pets are the most important companion in some people's lives, but illness or frailty can make pet care too hard to manage alone. PetLinks is an innovative program which helps frail aged people and people with disabilities care for their animal companions at home. PetLinks volunteers support people at home with their pets. The health values of owning a companion animal have long been established, however frailty or ill-health can make owning a pet difficult. PetLinks volunteers walk dogs, clean out budgie cages, take sick animals to the vet and fosters animals whilst their owner is unwell... whatever needs to be done to maintain quality of life for the animal and the owner. The PetLinks program assists residents of Port Phillip with the following services:
- Dog Walking - to remain happy and healthy, a dog needs regular exercise. If illness, injury or some other constraint prevents owners from walking their dogs, a PetLinks volunteer can be assigned to assist.
- Pet Grooming - loss of strength and mobility in older age can often make general pet care tasks such as feeding, grooming and washing difficult. Volunteers can assist in the day-to-day care of pets.
- Pet Transport - volunteers can assist owners by transporting pets to the vet, grooming parlours and other destinations when necessary.
- Foster Care - in the event that a PetLinks client is hospitalised, or away from home for an extended period due to illness, an emergency foster care home will be found for the pet. Where possible this will be with the regular volunteer who will also, where allowed by the hospital, bring the pet in for short visits.
Download the PetLinks Dog Walker PD (PDF ~94kb)