Client Services - Centre Programs

Mary Mackillop Outreach, located in Lewisham is a place where people with a disability are the Centre of attention.

Activities include:

Creative Arts: Clients work independently or in a group on art projects utilsing a diverse range of art forms and mediums. Projects include Painting, Drawing, Scultpure and Craft such as weaving and clay work. Activities are designed and/or adapted to meet the goals, abilities and capabilities of each client..

Cooking: Clients, mentored by staff and volunteers learn basic cooking skills in food preparation, cooking methds, care and use of cooking equipment, and food safety daily. The Cookery program introduces clients to the fundamentals of nutrition and exposes them to different international cuisines and ingredients. Improvements in cooking skills can generate interest, knowledge and improve dietary behaviours in clients.

Beauty Program: MMO's Beauty program is designed to teach clients basic beauty skills in Makeup, Hair and Nails. This program teaches clients about hygiene, cosmetic and nail application and involves access to a hairdresser who volunteers her time and expertise. The Beauty Program fosters self-esteem, confidence and exploration of a positive body image.

Health Education: Raising awareness of health helps our clients to change their lifestyle and move toward a state of optimal health. Health education can help break down barriers, reduce stigma, improve health and encourage interest in education.

Progression to Public Places: Many people living with a mental illness and/or a disability find it hard to venture out of their homes to new and exciting places within the community. At MMO we have a program designed to assist these people with accessing new facilities in a client's local area and overcoming anxiety associated with public places.

Recreational Therapy Activities: MMO has introduced several innovative games over the last 2 years and continue to develop new ways of engaging our clients. Activities are designed to be fun and entertaining, but also target cognitive functions, motor skills and social skills, for example memory, attention span and group work. Games include music bingo and variations of popular TV games shows such as minute to win it or its a knockout where clients are the participants and can win prizes.

Walking and Sports Program: We offer a walking and sports program. We have access to Petersham Oval and have a large courtyard where we can play small ball games and activities. MMO also has a Basketball ring and a lot of sports equipment to cater for all interests.

Computer Skills and Office Program: MMO offers clients a computer skills program where they learn the basics of the computer. For example, how to email and use the Internet, how to type letters and how to use databases. The program also extends to include basic office skills like faxing, photocopying and laminating, as well as answering phones and taking messages.

Special Events: At the outreach we celebrate a number of events throughout the year such as Senior's Week, Anzac day, Mental Health Week and International Day of People with a Disability to name a few.

MMO has a billiards table, table tennis facilities and computers with internet access for the clients to use. We also have a quiet room with a television and a large selection of movies both old and new to watch as well as a near full size replica of a "Wheel of Fortune" game for all to enjoy. Our enthusiastic staff are always looking for and creating new forms of entertainment to provide challenging and fun activities for our clients. Clients help to choose and vote for their favourite new games and entertainment.