Community engagement delivers winter health program

Leading credit union Community CPS Australia has partnered up with the Royal District Nursing Service SA Ltd (RDNS SA) to deliver a Winter Wellness Program to boost the health of older western suburbs residents, an outcome of the credit union’s community engagement program, the Community Advisory Board.

The Community Advisory Board was created in 2011 with the aim of identifying particular needs within the local community that the credit union might be able to assist with through its charitable arm, the Community CPS Foundation.

The Board is comprised of eight members – selected for their community standing within the West Lakes area - and is collectively seeking to improve the local community through health and wellbeing, financial literacy and environmental initiatives.

Within this Board the need was identified to provide the community’s elderly members with advice and support on how to stay healthy this winter, which led to the creation of the Winter Wellness Program, including free flu vaccines and health advice from a health professional.

Brenton Parsons, SA State Manager at Community CPS and Chair of the West Lakes Community Advisory Board, said the credit union and the Board want to understand the concerns and priorities of the local community.

“During one of our Board sessions it was discussed that the colder season was often a reason for concern for elderly members of the community, so we partnered up with RDNS SA to deliver a program that can provide support,” said Mr Parsons.

“As part of the program RDNS SA is holding four sessions in the West Lakes area to offer free flu shots to those aged 65 and over as well as information and tips on how to stay healthy during winter.”

RDNS SA spokesperson, Professor Debbie Kralik, said the program was a great initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of elderly members of the community.

“Winter can be a challenging time for older people, and often they feel a little isolated because they don’t want to leave the house in the cold and wet weather in fear of falling ill. The program is a holistic approach to managing health in winter, including advice on how to best treat the flu or a cold, how to avoid trips and falls on wet surfaces, and information on balanced nutrition and exercise to support the immune system,” said Prof Kralik.

“A free flu shot is also included at the session, making it easier for attendees to receive their annual vaccine. RDNS is committed to the health and wellbeing of the community and is always to looking for new ways to provide access to the range of services we provide.”

“Community CPS has been a supporter of RDNS for many years, and we’re thrilled to work with them again on this very worthwhile project,” said Mr Parsons

The Winter Wellness Program is the first to be implemented as a direct result of the Community Advisory Board sessions and Community CPS has provided the funds to bring the program to life.

Sessions will be held at the Cheltenham Community Centre (16 May), the Croatian Community Club (17 May) and the West Lakes Community Centre (18 May). Those interested in attending should call the Community CPS Member Contact Centre on 13 28 85 to book their spot.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CPS AUSTRALIA GROUP
The Community CPS Australia Group is one of the largest customer owned financial institutions in Australia, with assets under management approaching $4 billion. The credit union employs 585 staff across 48 branches, servicing more than 180,000 members. Community CPS is located in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, and operates as Wagga Mutual Credit Union in Wagga Wagga, Companion Credit Union in the Hunter Valley and United Community in Western Australia.
The Group comprises activities in banking, the community (through the Community CPS Foundation) and professional services (wealth management, tax and accounting services via Eastwoods). For more information visit www.communitycps.com.au