Dandelion House

🚶Bec turns her daily walks into a money-making mission!💰

Bec’s been collecting cans for Return and Earn whilst out on her daily exercise strolls. Recently, Bec decided to cash them in on this neighbourhood walk with Dandelion House Support, Ella, this time racking up an impressive $11 💲💲

Every step brings Bec closer to her goals – it's great to see that staying active can also be a wallet filler! 👛

Way to go, Bec! 🌟

To find out more about care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

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⛵ Claire sails away with a trophy! 🏆

Sailability Belmont - NSW is a not-for-profit volunteer-based branch of Sailability NSW and embraces recreational, therapeutic, and competitive activities. Sailing is one of very few sports in which able-bodied and disabled sailors participate on equal terms – and Claire’s recently won trophy is testament to her high-level skills.

Sailability Belmont operates out of Belmont 16s Sailing Club and their fleet of uniquely designed one and two-seater yachts are safe, stable, and easy to sail craft that can be used by people of all ages and ability.

Their recreational programs enable all to develop skills and experience the independence and exhilaration of sailing – with Dandelion House, participants develop friendships and build self-confidence and pride through their achievements in a safe and secure environment.

Claire attends regularly via her Community access - but the highlight of the year is her trophy and medal! 🥇

Kylie's clean sweep🧹 makes space for more life, not more stuff! ✨

Marking a massive milestone, Kylie confronted her hoarding habits head on. Enlisting the help of Woody from A Good Sort, she finally sorted through the boxes that had almost completely taken over the garage, discarding many items she was hoarding from childhood.

After it was all done, Kylie commented on how mentally cleansing this was – she felt so amazing that she was talking about it with all the staff for days.

Kylie, you're a great example for self-improving quality of life and living! 🙌

Loving 💕 these "Great Hair Day" shots from a recent Dandelion House 💇Hairdressing Day!

Twice a year, one of our wonderful House Managers Shelley, volunteers her time to organise hair pampering sessions for our clients.

Connor had his manbun cut off, Luke requested his a more “spicy” hair cut, while Bec and Kylie had their long locks cut to shoulder length. Ayden got a long beard tidy, while Shana and Sam dyed their hair bright red, with Jodie, Maggie and Penny keeping things more conservative.

Fun times 🎣 fishing! Aidan, joined by his Support Shane, chose on our fabulous to try his luck with the fishing rod. Do you know what kind of fish he has caught? Put your guess in the comments!

To find out more about how we encourage and support and at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Recently, Bec took pretty kitty 🐈 Millie for a neighbourhood walk, with House Manager Ella. Bec stopped to admire a beautiful house with brightly blooming sunflowers 🌻.

Bec’s goal is to walk every afternoon as far as possible, to help with her weight loss – and is loving discovering things like this amazing tiger 🐅 artwork as she wanders. Bec’s smashing her goals – and learning a lot about her local community along the way!

To find out more about person-centred care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Alpacas are very social animals and tend to keep company in groups of 3 or more. Jodie, Shana and Annette love to do the same!

Their Dandelion House Support, Evonne, chose the perfect spot for a day out, at a recent Gumnut Valley Alpacas “Open Day” at their farm.

As well as learning more about these gorgeous animals, Shana and Annette enjoyed browsing through the cutest-ever merchandise and purchasing souvenirs for the day.

Jodie thoroughly enjoyed being hands on and feeding the goats and alpacas – and couldn’t resist having a cuddle with an oh-so-adorable baby goat!

Putting smiles on our lovely participants' faces is easy with the help of amazing, accessible places like Gumnut Valley Alpacas.

To find out more about person-centred care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Spotlight on at Dandelion House

Nat and Aidan both live at one of our beautiful placement homes, and they have formed a fast friendship over their time together as housemates. They frequently enjoy each other’s company on outings and recently decided to spend Father’s Day together, as both their fathers live away from Newcastle.

Together with their Support, Joanne, they chose to enjoy a fish-and-chips lunch and relax in the sun. As Dixon Park is right in the middle of the popular Bar to Merewether stretch of beach, it was a great choice for watching walkers, swimmers and surfers.

It's wonderful to have someone to share outings with around our beautiful City of Newcastle!

To find out more about how we encourage and support and at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Some are more special than others - and Nadean's 50th birthday was truly spectacular!

Nadean recently mentioned to housemates and Supports in her Dandelion House placement home that she would like to celebrate her 50th birthday. And they all went to work to make it happen, with Nadean spending a very special day with Sharna, Kylie, Annette, Ricky and Michael - all enjoying the good food and company at this fabulous tea party.

There were so many beautiful photos, it was hard to choose just a few of this day that Nadean says she will never forget. And that warms our hearts!

To find out more about at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Jodie and Jessie are inseparable and are a daily duo for walks around Newcastle and Jodie’s neighbourhood.

There were some wonderful winter days throughout August and Jodie’s passion for getting out and about was contagious!

Annette joined Jodie and Jessie for a stroll up Wolfe Street towards the Obelisk – how amazing is that view back to Newcastle CBD and out over the ocean?!

On another stunning blue-sky day, Jodie explored the beautiful views surrounding Merewether Beach and later in the week, her Support joined the happy walkers for some exercise on a neighbourhood walk around Jodie’s placement home. Love those daisies, ladies!

To find out more about person-centred care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

There's nothing like a fab hair day to put a smile on your face! While the amazing team at Sage Jade Hair in Hamilton worked their magic, Natalie enjoyed a glass of champagne and a happy chat.

It's clear Natalie enjoyed the pampering - and her beautiful new cut and colour. What a transformation!

To find out more about everyday life at Dandelion House, visit our website at
https://dandelionhouse.com.au/.

Family visits at a Dandelion House placement home almost always bring out the inner chef in our participants.

Ricky was eager for the opportunity to show off his developing cooking skills and is pictured here baking a cake for a recent visit from relatives. Ricky’s Support, Cassie, was super impressed at how delicious it looked and tasted. It got rave reviews from family, too.

If there is a person in your family who needs person-centred, quality care and supported independent living, please contact us, we would love to talk to you.

To find out more about Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

On what we all hope was one of the last super-chilly winter mornings, participants, from Dandelion House placement homes gathered with House Managers and Supports for a brekkie.

The boys enjoyed warming up with a game of basketball, followed by some bacon and egg rolls and swapping stories at .

To find out more about person-centred, quality care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Garry is making great progress at Newcastle Shong Mo Wing Chun Kuen. Pictured here practicing hand speed and co-ordination under the watchful eye of his Monday night trainer, Garry has vastly improved balance and strength over time.

Not only is Garry improving his physical wellbeing, but making huge strides towards in a safe and supported environment.

To find out more about person-centred care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

The NRL Game Changer, sponsored by nib health, is a free program with participants working on building confidence, developing social skills, making new friends and so much more.

In Newcastle, thanks to Millie Elliott and Adam Elliott, 6 Dandelion House participants had the opportunity to train for and play in an all-abilities footy game during the half time of NRL Newcastle Knights men’s game on the 11th of August.

Millie plays with the Sydney Roosters NRL Women’s Premiership team and Adam plays for the Newcastle Knights men’s NRL team. Both helped our clients through weeks of football training drills, teaching them new skills on how to pass the ball, where to run and game rules.

The match against participating clients from Port Macquarie took place right on the field at McDonald Jones Stadium in front of a cheering crowd of an estimated 80,000 people.

Encouraging and supporting clients in sports participation is an important step to “Living Your Best Life” - and the pictures tell the story!

To find out more about the NRL Game Changer program, visit the Knights website at https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2024/08/15/nib-game-changer-program-takes-to-mcdonald-jones-stadium/

To find out more about Dandelion House care services, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

When it comes to , there’s always something fun going on in our Dandelion House placement homes!

Recently, Steven and Michael were treated to birthday meals and pressies from their housemates. Steven and his housemates are pictured getting ready to party – while Michael is pictured with the celebrations well underway!

If there is a person in your family who needs person-centred, quality care, please contact us, we would love to talk to you.

To find out more about Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Meg recently made a decision to adopt a budgie - and has made a lovely home for this cutie, who she has named Buddy. Megs is pictured here showing her Support, Linda, how she has trained him to be comfortable and happy both in and out of the cage.

Megs is very vigilant with ensuring Buddy has clean water and food, and a clean cage. The atmosphere in Megs' Dandelion House placement home is pretty jolly, with both Meg and Buddy whistling the day away.

To find out more about person-centred care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Claire loves her sport - and recently participated in a promotional video shoot for "Count Us In", while out with her Dandelion House Support at her day program.

This years festival involves partnering with sporting groups/clubs, and disability organisations to recognise the important role of sports and recreation activities in our lives.

Claire enjoyed showing her prowess with the bat - and is a great example of the difference accessible sport can make to everyday quality of life.

See Claire live in action on the video and learn more about this wonderful initiative by the City of Newcastle here: https://youtu.be/DjlgofPdFm0

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To find out more about person-centred care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Bec is making amazing progress in her goal to improve her health and physical wellbeing through daily walks.

Bec’s recent walks included one with her House Manager, Ella – and Bec’s cat, Millie. Taking care to keep Millie secure and comfy on the walk around her neighbourhood in the lovely winter weather was easy in a cute stroller!

On another stunning blue-sky day, Bec is pictured at the at with her Support, Kristy, both stopping at the halfway mark to admire the beautiful view.

We'd love you to like or share our posts of everyday life at Dandelion House, as it helps raise – an important step towards …

To find out more about person-centred care atDandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Taking advantage of some sunshine on a chilly winters day, Dandelion House participant, Sam, took to the Warners Bay Foreshore Reserve for a walk and to find a spot for lunch.

Keenly watched by the local seagulls, Sam enjoyed fish and chips from The Swordfish Co and a magic blue-sky view across the water from the Reserve. This is a truly stunning part of the Lake Macquarie City Council region.

We'd love you to like or share our posts of everyday life at Dandelion House, as it helps raise – an important step towards …

To find out more about person-centred care at Dandelion House, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Garry recently accomplished his goal of paid employment!

Garry is working a regular roster of two days per week for Delando Corporation, a company in which provides a range of disability services, including supported employment.

It’s amazing how goal-setting can help create a pathway to “Living Your Best Life” - congratulations, Garry!

We'd love you to like or share our posts of everyday life at Dandelion House, as it helps raise – an important step towards …

To find out more about our person-centred care, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

According to Nadean, you are never too old to start a new hobby, and was inspired by the idea of a “Flip or Flop Sunday”.

Jodie, Nadeans Dandelion House placement home Manager, took these photos as Nadean chose to flip!! In this case, updating her bedside table instead of throwing it out.

Excited by the result, Nadean is ready to experiment with stencils and designs. What do you think of Nadean’s first project?

We'd love you to like or share our posts of everyday life at Dandelion House, as it helps raise – an important step towards …

To find out more about our person-centred care, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/

Daniel recently set a goal to explore the City of Newcastle and the many lovely sights surrounding this beautiful city.

Making the most of some amazing winter weather, Daniel, together with Dandelion House House Manager Michael, enjoyed a walk along the Breakwall at Nobby’s Beach Newcastle, and a ride on the Stockton Ferry for lunch and a shop.

Having heard that Dandelion House founder, Daniel Hill, was having a birthday, Daniel broke into song and recorded a special Happy Birthday message to send him. We just love it when a social outing turns into a great example of Living Your Best Life!!

We'd love you to like or share our posts of everyday life at Dandelion House, as it helps raise – an important step towards …

To find out more about our person-centred care, visit our website at https://dandelionhouse.com.au/