Question 1

What does Connect do?

Accepted Answer

Connect delivers a range of free online programs and in-person support groups. The Wellbeing Program is fully online and includes workshops, events and weekly series about health, wellbeing and community connection facilitated by experts. We are also a provider of the state-wide Strengthening Parent Support Program . We provide online workshops and events, in-person support groups, and personalised support for parents and carers of children with a disability or developmental delay.

Question 2

Who is Connect for?

Accepted Answer

The online Wellbeing Program is available for people under 65 years of age (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under 50 years of age) living with a chronic health or mental health condition. The Strengthening Parent Support Program is available for parents and carers of children with a disability or developmental delay (0-18 years of age) living in the Southern-Metropolitan region of Melbourne. A formal diagnosis is not required to receive support. If you don’t live in this region but are a parent and carer you can find your local coordinator here . If you would like to register and do not meet the program requirements, please Get in Touch with the Connect team.

Question 3

Is there a cost to join an event, program or support group?

Accepted Answer

Connect programs are free to attend!

Question 4

How can I access Connect programs?

Accepted Answer

Register for an online event or workshop. Check out the Connect Hub for On Demand content and resources. Register for a support group . Sign up to Connect to receive updates about what’s on. Listen to our podcast Connect Talks .

Question 5

I’m not receiving Connect emails.

Accepted Answer

We’d hate for you to be missing out on what’s happening at Connect! Step one, make sure to check your junk or spam folder in case emails have been filtered there. Step two, add us to your safe sender list: Gmail accounts Open one of our emails. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Click “Add [sender] to Contacts” and then click “Save”. Outlook accounts Right-click on one of our emails in your inbox. Click “Junk” and then click “Never block sender”. Yahoo accounts Click the gear icon in the top right corner. Select “More Settings”. Click “Filters” and then click “Add new filters”. Enter a filter name and our email address. Under “Then move the message to this folder”, select “Inbox”. Click “Save”.

Question 6

Creating a safe online environment for everyone.

Accepted Answer

We want our Connect Community to be a safe space for everyone. Here are some tips to help you feel comfortable and safe in our online programs: You can choose to keep your video on or off depending on what you’re comfortable with. We’d love to see you but we understand if you want to stay incognito! Feel free to use only your first name, initials, or even a nickname if you’d prefer. We encourage everyone to get involved. You can share as much or as little as you’d like. Feel free to use the chat box available at the bottom of the screen for any questions. You can even private message the host. We often record our sessions but we won’t include your image or name in the recording. We’re an open and judgement free zone. If you have questions or concerns about participating online, you can contact us at any time.

Question 7

How do I access online Connect programs?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you’re subscribed to Connect or have registered for the event you wish to attend. We use Zoom for our online programs and events, download and learn how to use Zoom here . You will receive a unique Zoom link for each event which will be emailed to you in a confirmation email when you register and the morning of the event.

Question 8

I didn’t receive the Zoom link.

Accepted Answer

Once registered for an event, you can find the Zoom link in the confirmation email or the add to calendar invitation. You will also receive an email on the morning of the event with a direct link to join. Make sure to check your junk or spam folder in case it has been filtered there. Still no luck? Get in touch with the Connect team and we’ll help you out.

Question 9

I didn’t receive the wrap up email with the event recording.

Accepted Answer

We usually record most of our events so you can watch them anytime. After an event you will receive an email with the recording link and any additional resources. Make sure to check your junk or spam folder in case it has been filtered there. Still no luck? Get in touch with the Connect team and we’ll help you out.

Question 10

I can’t attend the event live, can I still receive the recording?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We understand that you might have other things on or sometimes things pop up at the last minute. If you can’t make it to an event and the event will be recorded, still register as usual. Once registered, you will receive a wrap up email with the recording after the event finishes. You can find previous events and on-demand content at the Connect Hub .

Question 11

Can I still register for a series after it has already started?

Accepted Answer

You sure can! Registrations are open until the final session in a series so jump in at any time, we’d love to have you along whenever you can join us. We usually put together a playlist to include all the sessions, so if you miss one, you can still access them to catch up!

Question 12

Am I eligible to join a Support Group?

Accepted Answer

If you're a parent or carer of a child aged between 0-18 years with a disability or developmental delay living in the Southern Metropolitan Melbourne region , you're eligible to join. Each group is different and some groups may suit you more than others, explore our support groups and find the right one for you here .

Question 13

How do I join a Support Group?

Accepted Answer

Register for your preferred support group(s) here and we will be in touch shortly to welcome you along to the group’s next catch up.

Question 14

Do I have to attend every group catch up?

Accepted Answer

Attendance at groups is completely optional. We understand that life gets busy and you have other commitments, so you don’t have to come along every month. You can still stay connected and feel supported even if you’re not a regular and we would love to see you when you can make it. You can also join our Facebook Carer Groups to keep in touch: MOIRA Carer Community Frankston Autism and Additional Needs Support Group Bayside Autism Carer Support Group

Question 15

Do you have any other ways to connect with parents and carers?

Accepted Answer

You can join one of our Facebook groups to keep in touch and connect with other carers and events happening. MOIRA Carer Community Frankston Autism and Additional Needs Support Group Bayside Autism Carer Support Group

Question 16

I’m looking for information and support services.

Accepted Answer

Our Connect team are here to help provide you with information, support and links to services. You can get in touch with us by emailing connect@alemacorp.org.au or calling (03) 8552 2222. A health or community service professional can also send us a referral here .

FAQs

General FAQs

Event FAQs

Strengthening Parenting Support Program and Support Group FAQs

FAQs

General FAQs

Event FAQs

Strengthening Parenting Support Program and Support Group FAQs