We aim to produce projects that strengthen local communities and are inclusive of all people.
Our work in disability support has led to innovative services and programs which ensure people with a disability are able to live the life they choose. We work closely with providers, local councils and community groups to design engagement programs and community hubs which foster connectedness and empower people to fully participate in their community. We also work closely with providers to submit competitive funding and grant applications.
We are well versed in the policy and funding implications of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), including the Local Area Coordination (LAC) services currently being rolled out across Australia.
Community Hubs
Verso has worked with a range of organisations including local councils, aged care and disability providers to develop community hubs which create opportunities for community connection, integrated health and care services and spaces that enable everybody to feel “at home”. Community hubs locate services together for easy access and optimum usage and allow innovative and flexible solutions to development and provision of services. They allow for a network of neighbourhoods to have a focus on community activity.
We work with clients to ensure solution design for the hubs is localised, meeting the needs and preferences of the community. We identify an appropriate service mix which responds to existing needs and service gaps and develop a hub model concept which is the best fit for the services, available and planned infrastructure and the community.
In 2015-16, Verso worked with an established Melbourne-based provider to redevelop one of their disability services sites into an integrated community hub. Evidence gathering activities included a document review, demographic analysis of the centre’s catchment and a desktop review and research.
Consultations were carefully planned and included:
- Group discussions with service users, families and local government representatives
- A hard copy survey distributed to residents, service partners and local businesses
- A social media survey
- Targeted consultations held at the local town hall
In all, over 100 people provided their input.
The resulting development has successfully engaged community members and key stakeholders. The provider’s hub concept encourages particular participation and engagement from:
- Adults with a disability and their families
- Young people leaving school as well as those with a disability
- Children and teenagers with autism
- Older people requiring care and support to remain living at home