What is the Ozanam Learning Centre?
The Ozanam Learning Centre (OLC) is an early intervention centre that supports people who are at imminent risk of homelessness or those who require social inclusion options to prevent them from falling into cycles of disadvantage and marginalisation. We are focused on producing sustainable pathways that provide people with skills, confidence, and opportunities. With an innovative approach, the OLC works with the community and our corporate partners to empower individuals and promote independent living.
The OLC aims to break the cycle of homelessness by supporting people to achieve their personal goals. We achieve this support through using a person-centred and strength based approach. We form trusting and professional relationships; facilitate referrals to case management and other comprehensive supports as needs are presented; provide access to accredited onsite education; offer recreational activities, and provide a holistic living skills program. The OLC shares an individual’s journey and helps to develop and grow the potential inside people.
Who can access this service?
All the OLC classes and activities are free to men and women 18 years and older who feel they require support. The classes include TAFE accredited courses, therapeutic and recovery based programs, living skills, tenancy focused training and professional services. The OLC runs over 40 activities per week, with approximately 120 people accessing the service daily.
Where is the service located?
The Ozanam Learning Centre is located at level 3, 99 Forbes Street, adjoined to the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo, NSW. The Centre is open between 8.30am and 4pm from Monday to Friday, except on Public Holidays.
Who benefits from the Ozanam Learning Centre?
Anyone interested in education and learning opportunities but who may not be able to pay for training can benefit. Our programs particularly aim to prevent homelessness, sustain tenancies and help to stay or become connected with the community.
Can I volunteer for this service?
Yes! Click this link and find out how you can assist http://www.vinnies.org.au/how-to-volunteer-for-matthew-talbot-hostel-nsw
How can I find out more?
For more information, please contact our centre reception on (02) 9358 8170
Ozanam Learning Centre weekly program of activities
Please find attached the Ozanam Learning Centre’s programme for the week 23 to 27 April 2018 inclusive.
Please note that the Ozanam Learning Centre will be closed on Wednesday 25 April, Anzac Day, a Public Holiday.
What’s new …
Job Support returning: Job support is back on from the 23rd of April at the new time of 11am-1pm on Mondays. It is a drop in class to provide more flexibility and now has three facilitators available instead of one.
Partners-in-Recovery Information Desk on Tuesday 24 April, 1-3pm
Eastern Sydney Partners In Recovery (ESPIR) work together with people experiencing severe and persistent mental illness to access the services they need to support their recovery. If you or someone you know live close to the Woolloomooloo area and could benefit from the Partners In Recovery program please drop by their Monthly Info Desk. Flyer attached with details.
Job Readiness Training: Dress for Work by Metro Assist on Thursday the 26th April at 11.30am.
Tuesdays Time to … Journey Inwards from Tuesday 17 April to 8th May, 10am-12pm – For 4 Tuesdays
Images speak more loudly than words. Come and explore your journey with reflection, drawing, discussion and dialogue. Facilitated by Colleen O’Sullivan rsj.
10am – 12 noon Tuesdays 17th and 24th April, 1st and 8th May 2018 (Flyer attached)
Poetry in the Hub on Wednesdays from 4 April to 16 May, 1:30-2:30pm, every Wednesday for 6 weeks
Do you know of a budding poet, interested in sharing their work with a group of like-minded writers? Or know someone who wants to create poetry for the first time? Pat, David and Carole who all share a love of poetry will facilitate this six-week workshop series. These workshops will be located in our Library Hub on Wednesdays and each week fun and experimental exercises will encourage the group to produce new work. At the end of the series the poems generated in the workshops will be displayed in the OLC and published in a small zine. Flyer attached.
Literacy One-on-One with David on Wednesdays, 2:30pm-3:30pm
From 4 April a new Literacy One-on-One session with David. Two time slots available at 2:30pm and 3pm by appointment. Please call 02-9358 8170 to make a booking or speak with OLC reception.
Drawing Studio with Gabrielle, 8-week workshop on Thursdays from 19 April – 7 June, 9:30am-12:30pm
Gabrielle’s Drawing Studio every Thursday morning, for 8 weeks. Just drop in. Drawing Studio is a great way to develop your skills and your own creative style. Beginners welcome. See attached flyer.
Women’s Loft on Thursdays 12 April – 17 May, 10am – 11.45am (every 6 weeks with a 1-week break)
The Women’s Loft is a supportive space for women to share and discuss their experiences. We aim to provide a space where the unique qualities of each woman are supported, enhanced and developed. These sessions are facilitated by our Counsellor Suzanne. Flyer attached.
Yoga for Women on Thursdays 12 April – 17 May, 11.45am – 12.30pm (6 weeks)
A chance to relax and self-nurture, this six-week series facilitated by Mischa will provide a gentle space to exercise and create mind/body awareness. The program is designed specifically for women, with a focus on reducing feelings of shame by building self-compassion. See attached flyer.
Women’s Social Lunch on Thursdays 12.30pm – 1.30pm
The Women’s Lunch is a comfortable space for women to come together over lunch and enjoy each other’s company.
Songwriting Workshop with Rick on Fridays from 20 April – 25 May, 1pm-4pm (6 weeks)
Learn how to write original music during this 6 week workshop with Rick on Fridays.
What’s On …
Group English Pronunciation Class on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 9am – 10am with Chester
People with English as a Second Language are welcome to join our Group English Pronunciation Class facilitated by Chester, a linguist specialising in phonology. These sessions will assist participants regularise speech, by undertaking exercises in pronunciation. The group sessions will run from 9am – 10am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 12 March. Literacy program flyer attaced.
Drum Circle from Monday 26 March to 21 May, 11am-12pm, every Monday for 8 weeks
From Monday 26th March at 11am, the Ozanam Learning Centre will be running a Drum Circle group. The sessions will be facilitated by Alex West, who offers workshops for disabilities, youth and aged care focusing on the facilitation of interactive recreational music programs. Alex is a senior accredited facilitator of the evidence-based Australian DRUMBEAT Program, and officially endorsed by the REMO Drum Co, USA.
All equipment is provided and everyone is welcome. This program is the perfect entry-level activity into our Music Program. We are hoping to build a consistent group for the duration of the 8-week program with a focus on Health and Wellbeing. Alex is known for making the sessions innovative, fun and engaging.
Please advise your clients to turn up 30 min prior to the beginning of the first session to allow for new registrations. For any enquiries or clients wishing to register, please call the OLC on 02 9358 8171.
Touch Footy with Collin on Tuesdays, 2-3pm at Cook & Phillip Park – Returns on Tuesday 1 May
Join Collin for Touch Footy at Cook & Phillip Park on Tuesdays from 2-3pm. The Touch Footy is organised by Reclink. Meet at the OLC to leave for Cook & Phillip Park with Collin at 1:45pm.
Basketball with Collin on Wednesdays, 2-3pm – Returns on Wednesday 2 May
Pottery in the Artroom on Tuesdays, 10am-3pm
Learn how to make pottery in Clay on the pottery wheel and by hand building. Every Tuesday 10am-3pm. Just drop in – no need to register. Beginners welcome. (See flyer attached.)
Yoga Vinyasa, every Friday with Sonja, 9:30-10:30am
During these Vinyasa yoga classes, participants will use techniques of flow to coordinate their movement and breath. Participants stay focused with the flow, as they move from one pose to the next. Join Sonja, an experienced yoga teacher who will guide the beginners group through a series of different exercises each week. All are welcome to join.
What’s coming up…
Australian Hearing on Monday 30 April, 10am-1pm
Finding it hard to hear? Australian Hearing will be at the OLC on Monday 30 April, 10am-1pm, for free hearing tests. Find out if you’re eligible to receive Government-subsidised hearing services. Discover the latest hearing devices and find out which one is right for you. Please see OLC reception or phone 9358 8170 to book a time. (Flyer attached).
Australian Hearing will be at the OLC every 3 months, last Monday of the month – Next date: Monday 30 July.
White Card Training Day, Friday 18 May, start 8:30am – finish 3/3:30pm
The OLC is running its next White Card Training Day on Friday 2 March from 8.30am-3.30pm. Registrations are now open. Please see attached flyer with all details of how to enrol. Please note that participants need to be here at 8.30am for a 9am start. For any further information please call 9358 8171/9358 8170.
OLC Music Show 2018, on June 19th at 1pm
It is with great delight that I announce the Ozanam Learning Centre will be hosting a music event to showcase the variety of music talent on offer within our community. Registrations are now open. Attached is a registration form and a flyer for the event.
Please encourage any participants from the community to enter the show and register as soon as possible as places are limited to 10 contestants. Registrations close on Friday June 1st. The prizes are as follows:
1st Prize: $300 Coles/Myer Voucher
2nd Prize: $200 Coles/Myer Voucher
3rd Prize: $100 Coles/Myer Voucher
Please forward this email to any relevant people. I have also attached the flyer if you would like to promote the event within your team/organisation.
