Case Study 1:
Supporting a person with disability through HACC PYP Program
MIC supported Mrs SL, a 64-year-old woman from Iran living alone in community housing, through the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP) and disability support advocacy services. Mrs SL experienced multiple psychological and physical health conditions, including anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and mobility challenges, which significantly impacted her independence, wellbeing, and ability to manage daily activities.
An MIC Access and Support Worker provided intensive, culturally responsive support to help Mrs SL navigate the disability service system. This included conducting home visits, identifying her support needs, developing goals and action plans, assisting with gathering medical evidence, and supporting her through a lengthy NDIS application and review process after her initial application was declined.
While awaiting the NDIS outcome, MIC connected Mrs SL with HACC-PYP services, including domestic assistance, gardening, transport support, and volunteer social visits to reduce isolation and improve community participation.
After 18 months of advocacy and ongoing support, Mrs SL successfully received an NDIS plan and is now connected with support coordination, counselling, and home support services. She is now able to live more independently, safely, and confidently within her community.
Case Study 2:
Supporting Older Australians through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
Mr L, a 69-year-old man of Chinese background, was experiencing significant social isolation and depression while living alone in his own home. Due to prolonged periods of withdrawal, he rarely left the house and had disengaged from activities he once enjoyed, including photography. With limited social supports and no close family nearby, Mr L was at risk of worsening mental health, loneliness, and declining wellbeing.
Through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), the Migrant Information Centre provided person-centred support by carefully matching Mr L with a volunteer who shared his interest in photography. This shared connection helped build trust, rapport, and meaningful engagement.
The volunteer encouraged Mr L to participate in small social outings, beginning with short walks to a nearby park and gradually progressing to photography trips into the city. Over time, these regular visits helped rebuild Mr L’s confidence, motivation, and sense of connection to the community.
As a result of the program, Mr L now regularly leaves his home, actively participates in photography outings, and has developed a genuine friendship with his volunteer. The positive relationship has significantly reduced his feelings of loneliness and improved his overall wellbeing, demonstrating the powerful impact of social connection and culturally responsive volunteer support.