About Gateway Programs

GATEWAY’s Community Well-being Programs and Friendly Visitor Program have been designed to encourage inclusiveness and promote social participation with a focus on health, nutrition and exercise.  The program also provides valued and flexible respite to the carers and/or families.

Our programs provide the opportunity to;

  • Meet and get to know some new people,
  • Join in health and learning programs,
  • Go on outings,
  • Indoor activities
  • Be entertained by visiting performers and local groups,
Eligibility

Gateway programs are funded to support clients with low support needs.
 (Physically independent and cognitively aware)

To be eligible for our programs clients need to be 

  • In receipt of or eligible for other HACC services
  • Living independently at home or with a carer
  • Live in areas of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Brimbank

 

Referral Process

Referrals to Gateway will be accepted through local council HACC services and other healthcare/community services.

 

Assessment process

Following your assessment, the Assessing Officer will let you know of your eligibility for the service and place you on a wait list if necessary.

You will be contacted to discuss which program may best support your needs, program schedules, transport arrangements and/or any special needs you may have.

 

Absent or unable make it to a program

Please let us know as soon as possible if you are not able attend your program for any reason, this will ensure our bus won’t arrive to collect you and the program coordinator is aware of your absence.

If you don’t attend for three months or more you will need to be reassessed before returning to a Gateway program.

 

Fees

Fees are based on income and will be explained to you by the Assessing Officer.  Each program has a small fee to subside either the cost of transport, food and/or activity costs.  You can pay on the day of the program or other payment options are available.
If you are experiencing significant financial hardship, you (or your advocate) may request a review of your fees by contacting the Intake Officer on 9399 3511.

 

Dietary needs

Meals and refreshments are offered during some programs.  If you have special dietary needs, these can be catered for.

 

Feedback

Gateway programs conduct annual questionnaires asking all clients for feedback on the service. If during the year you wish to share a concern or positive comment about the service please contact the Planned Activity Group (GATEWAY PROGRAMS) coordinator. All concerns/complaints will be dealt with quickly, in a confidential manner and without bias. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, within the agreed timelines, the Manager can assist you.

 

Advocates

When you have any discussions with Gateway about services, you may find it helpful to have someone else with you to speak on your behalf. This person is called an advocate. An advocate can be anyone that you choose such as a family member, friend, Case Manager, etc but there are also professional advocates available to assist you.

For more information about advocates, please contact the following:

Office of the Public Advocate
Ph                   9603 9500

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner
Enquiries       1300 369 711
Complaints   1300 656 419

 

Community Well-Being Program schedule & costs

Cost Table

Note: these times do not include the provision of transport to and from the venue. Client pick up times may vary.

.

Friendly Visitor Program

There are no set fees for the Friendly Visitor Program, however, when on a community outing with a GATEWAY volunteer the participants are expected to cover their own expenses.