Transition Gateway Program

Sandybeach Centre is excited to announce an innovative new program designed for people with a disability –our Transition Gateway Program.

The objective of the Transition Gateway Program is to assist
participants in their transition into education,training and employment;or
community access and social inclusion.

Sandybeach Centre has provided programs for people with disabilities
since its inception 30 years ago,and we are a well-respected provider of
disability services in the local area. We are well known as a friendly,
supportive Learn Local Centre which provides innovative programs. We have been
recognised by local,state and national awards as an exceptional provider of
community based education and support services.

The Transition Gateway Program is an individualised,supported program
which will help you define and achieve your goals. The program is
collaborative,and places the learner at the heart of what we do. All classes
are wheelchair friendly.

The key components of the Transition Gateway Program are:

  • An extensive interview and assessment process
  • A personalised plan which will focus on realising your potential
  • Participation in developing your individualised program
  • Activities adapted to suit each individual’s abilities
  • Creative,engaging and interesting programs
  • Flexible and inclusive learning options
  • A wide range of learning opportunities and experiences
  • Delivered in the classroom and in a range of community settings
  • One-on-one support and enhanced group support in small classes
  • Ongoing support and review to ensure you are achieving your goals
  • Emphasis on building self-esteem,motivation and independence

The Transition Gateway Program helps participants develop social,living,recreational and vocational skills. Examples of the programs we offer are on the following pages.

The Gateway Program is fully funded for students who have been assessed by the Department of Human Services for support through the Futures for Young Adults Program,Transition to Employment or similar Individual Support Packages.

For all enquiries,and to make an appointment for a pre-enrolment interview,please contact Leanne Fink,the Transition Gateway Co-ordinator on 9598 2155,or email us.

Horticulture

Join an exciting,fun,new program which focuses on supporting the group to develop gardening skills whether you are a novice,green thumb or experienced.  Operating from the garden studio the team will develop a number of different types of gardens:vegetable,herbal and “water wise.” This is a practical and fun course.

Literacy and Computer Life Skills

This course focuses on the development of everyday life skills including reading,writing,spelling,grammar and computer skills in a friendly and supportive environment. The course includes a range of interesting activities and local excursions.

Everyday Cooking

Learn how to follow simple recipes and be inspired to cook different meals at home. This course covers all aspects of food preparation including safe food handling,correct measurement reading and table setting. Participants will also assist with catering for selected functions within the Centre.

Café Cooking

Participants plan their menus,shop for ingredients at the local supermarket,and prepare a three course meal in the newly renovated commercial kitchen each week. They then eat the meal together. Once a month staff and students are invited to dine in at the ‘Social Enterprise Café’ where participants are given the chance to practise their hospitality skills.

Art Action

In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere students will explore a variety of themes,ideas,techniques and materials as they learn to be confident creatively. There is an emphasis on individual expression as well as some group projects. Students are actively involved in professionally curated exhibitions of their artwork which is also included in the widely circulated Sandybeach
Centre Course and Event Guide.

Fitness and Health

Have a good time,be part of a group while improving your health and
well-being. This course is suitable for students at any fitness level. 

Money Management and Everyday Maths

This class focuses on the real-life money and numeracy skills that are
needed by all people either in everyday situations or when in transition to the
workplace. Classes are structured to meet individual needs within a relaxed,
supportive setting. Some of the many topics covered include time management,
basic measurement of weights and distance,using menus,and understanding
graphs and tables. All of the skills work towards meeting both social needs and
employer expectations.

Well-being and Personal Development

This course promotes the development of  healthy lifestyles and a positive outlook and effective communication with others.  The classes seek to engage students in a friendly and supportive environment that encourages them to discuss issues that are central to their needs as members of the broader commumity. Self esteem and mutual respect are considered in relation to community issues such as meeting people,safe travelling and using local facilities. Health and hygiene and aspects of nutrition are also included.  Etiquette is seen not only as a social need but as a way to extend personal contact.  Conversation skills include the standard body language and eye- and also the investigation,wherever possible,of the need to appreciate the view of others,as well as personal expression.  The students are strongly encouraged to take the class ideas home and use them in their daily lives.  The best outcome intended for this course is its practical application in their lives.

Living in the Community - Travel and Discovery (Emma Raverty)

Come together to explore opportunities in your local area and learn how to get involved. Develop
your interpersonal and life skills by visiting organisations and places of interest using public transport and travel training. You will also have a chance to give back to the community in selected fundraising appeals

Drama Arts Social Group

Let your confidence and personality shine as your captivating and qualified tutor challenges and supports you through a range of fun,self-expressive activities. These include dance and movement,improvisation,singing,script development and an annual mini stage production.

Partnerships and Projects

Sandybeach Centre,in partnership with a variety of organisations,offers a number of exciting projects.  These projects further expand the opportunities and networks for students,both within Sandybeach Centre and the wider community. The projects involve recreational,social,further learning and vocational opportunities and pathways and can lead to work options.

Organisations partnering with Sandybeach Centre’s Transition Gateway Programs include:

  • Department of Human Services
  • Adult Community and Further Education
  • Bayside City Council –Metro Access
  • BGK Local Learning and Employment Network
  • JCAAA –Joint Councils Access for All Abilities
  •  Camcare- Community Welfare Organisation
  • All Souls Church
  • Central Bayside Adult Community Options
  • Bayley House

Examples of Projects

Social Enterprise Café –Students ill be involved in the organising and catering of the monthly café at Sandybeach Centre.

Sandybeach Newsletter –The newsletter is a student initiative and provides a central focus for the
communication of information within the program and also Sandybeach Centre and
into the wider community.

Garden Open Day –Students in the Horticultural
course will host an annual Open Day to showcase their gardens and sell plants.
People attending will be able to enjoy tasty snacks and relax in the garden.

Work Experience- Students will have the opportunity to be involved in work experience activities in a variety of settings. They will develop work-related skills and gain confidence in the workplace. There will be ongoing support provided and students can work as part of a team or in an individual work experience activity.