CatholicCare Sydney blog

Listening to Your Baby

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

June 9 to 15 2026 is Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, reinforcing the importance of supporting the voices of the youngest in our community – to mentally thrive, listen, and respond to their needs.

We chatted to the HOPE Program on their ‘Listening to Your Baby’ activity project, discussing the importance of listening to what babies and young children are trying to tell us.

Babies communicate from the very beginning.

Before words, babies use cries, movements, their gaze, facial expressions, body language and connection-seeking behaviours to tell us what they need, what they feel, and how they are experiencing the world.

Recently, we invited families and HOPE Practitioners to collaborate on a simple but powerful reflective activity: “Listening to Your Baby.”

The reflection encouraged both parents and practitioners to slow down and notice:

What is my baby showing me?
What might they be feeling or needing?
How am I responding?
What happens when their voice is heard?

Listening to babies and young children is more than observation - it is participation, contribution, upholding children’s rights, and fostering positive relationships.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises children’s right to express their views and have those views taken seriously (Article 12), alongside the right to development (Article 6), protection (Article 19) and the highest attainable standard of health, including mental health (Article 24).

Infant mental health reminds us that babies’ wellbeing develops within relationships. Their voice is communicated through behaviour, connection, emotion and interaction. When caregiver, supports, and systems notice, listen and respond consistently and sensitively, babies build trust, safety, attachment and the foundations for lifelong social, emotional and mental wellbeing.

Listening to the voices of the youngest in society is powerful. Because every cry, gesture, smile and cuddle carries meaning.

Rationale

Listening to Your Baby is intentionally designed as a rights-based, relational and reflective activity.

The exercise moves beyond developmental milestones and asks adults to engage in attunement, which is noticing the child’s cues, considering meaning, and responding intentionally. This mirrors the infant mental health principle of serve and return interactions, where responsive relationships shape early brain development, emotional regulation and attachment.

The design also operationalises a child-centred and rights-based approach:

Voice – recognising babies communicate through behaviour, affect, sensory responses, movement and connection.
Participation – creating opportunities for adults to interpret and respond to those communications.
Agency – acknowledging babies influence relationships and environments from the beginning.
Action – ensuring the voices of babies and children lead to responsive care and supports, not only observation.

A key message is that voice does not begin when language begins.

If we only recognise verbal participation (words), we risk overlooking the perspectives of our youngest children. Infant mental health and child participation frameworks increasingly recognise that babies are active social participants and contributors whose experiences, signals and relational needs should influence care giving, service design and decision-making.

Listening to the youngest children is powerful because it shifts us from asking “What is wrong?” to “What is this child communicating?” and “How should we respond?”

That shift sits at the heart of infant mental health, child-centred practice and children’s rights.

We thank the HOPE team for generously sharing their latest project with us.

Stayed tuned over the next few months for a sneak peak of the activity booklet, compiled with real-life quotes and stories from the babies and families of HOPE.

Learn more about the HOPE Program here.

CatholicCare Sydney's Winter 2026 Newsletter

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Stay updated with helpful winter tips, the benefits of physiotherapy, and staying alert and aware of the rise in cyber scams. It’s your go-to guide for staying informed and connected.

Beating the Winter Blues

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Tue, 26 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Shorter days and colder weather, winter can be a challenging month for some.

Prioritising mental wellbeing is often an afterthought during the colder months; however, it’s a vital part of overall health and safety.

Older adults are more likely to experience isolation during winter. This is due to factors like limited mobility, health concerns, and the overall impact of seasonal weather. It’s important to limit isolation and prevent the associated loneliness, depression and overall decline in mental health.

Staying mentally and physically fit this winter:

Community Events
Explore your local council programs. This is a great way to try out new indoor activities, classes, or clubs. This is also a great way to meet new people in your community.

Indoor hobbies
Discover or rediscover some indoor hobbies to keep you fulfilled. Whether it’s reading, painting, knitting, or puzzle-solving, these activities are great for combatting boredom while keeping you mentally engaged.

Embracing technology
Connecting with loved ones is a great way to stay in touch during harsher weather conditions. Through video calls or social media, you can maintain a connection with friends and family when physical gatherings are limited.

Cultivate an indoor garden
Bring a piece of nature indoors to create a positive balance for your mental wellbeing. Indoor gardens are a great way to keep you engaged and moving in a fresher and calmer environment.

As we navigate the winter months, it’s important to prioritise our mental wellbeing and look out for those around us. Implementing some of these practical tips is a great way to contribute to reducing isolation, fostering meaningful connections, and beating the winter blues!

Reach out to your local council to explore available community programs and events to keep you active and reduce isolation this winter.

Our team are always available to chat.
Reach out to one of our friendly team members by calling 13 18 19 or by completing the contact us form.

Spotting the Signs: Recognising and Combatting Cyber Scams

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

As cyber scams become more prominent and sophisticated, it’s important to stay informed and diligent. This Elder Abuse Awareness Day, CatholicCare Sydney is urging clients and carers to have conversations about how to best protect themselves against this risk.

According to the Australian Banking Association, older Australians are more likely to fall for cyber scams or be victims of financial abuse. Being aware of the types of scams and knowing how to identify them is crucial to staying digitally protected.

Common scams

Data breaches
A data breach occurs when your information is accidentally shared as a result of a hack. If you use the same password across multiple accounts, you are at a higher risk of your information being compromised. For example, if your social media account was a part of a breach, and you used the same password for your online banking.

Phishing scams
Phishing scams occur when criminals trick you into providing them with your personal information by impersonating organisations you are familiar with. This is seen commonly with Services NSW, the ATO, or your bank.

Tips to stay digitally protected

Keep your personal information safe
The simplest way to remain digitally secure is to keep your information private. This includes:

Use different passwords for different accounts
Set up two-factor authentication where possible
Try to avoid using the same security question across your accounts

Get in the habit of double-checking
Scammers send convincing-looking emails and texts. To avoid scams, always run a quick safety check for any unsolicited calls, messages or emails:

Check the email and phone numbers contacting you, and whether they match what is listed online
Don’t click any links. You can always log onto the organisation’s website to check for messages or notifications

Keep your software updated
Try your best to keep your phones and tablets updated. Keeping your devices running with the latest software updates keeps you safer and at a lower risk of having your information compromised.

Trust your instincts!
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t rush it. Double-check the information and consider calling the organisation through their online contact information.

It’s always better to be safe, rather than sorry!

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you suspect you’re a victim of a scam, it’s important to act quickly (even if you aren’t sure).

Report it to your bank immediately to block payments or explore recovery options.
Contact IDCARE (idcare.org), a cyber support service for Australia and New Zealand, for a free consultation.
Report the scam to Cyberwatch (cyberwatch-australia.com.au)
Beware of follow-up scams (1 in 3 victims are scammed more than once)

Our team are always available to chat.
Reach out to one of our friendly team members by calling 13 18 19 or by completing the contact us form.

Get Winter Ready with Integritas Allied Health

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Many people face physical challenges in winter that can exacerbate existing conditions. These commonly include joint stiffness and pain, an increased chance of falls, and difficulty with general everyday tasks. By engaging in Integritas Allied Health Services, you can work closely together with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and exercise physiologists to stay active, safe, and independent this winter.

What are some winter risks for older people?

Joint stiffness and pains

As colder weather increases joint stiffness, individuals with conditions like arthritis may find everyday movement more challenging.

Our Allied Health team can create personalised, low-impact exercise programs to help you stay flexible and strong, while relieving pain.

Increases hazards and falls risks

Winter typically increases the risk of falls with the slippery surfaces and a reduction in stability. With occupational therapy, you can arrange assessments of your home environment to get some tips for modifications. This can include things like non-slip mats, grab bars, or better lighting in your home.

Nutritional deficiencies

Dehydration and decreased immunity are common risks for seniors during winter. Combat this by working with a dietician to create personalised nutrition plans. This can focus on boosting your immune system and managing dietary needs to support chronic conditions, such as diabetes.

Take the next step

Ready to implement Integritas Allied Health services into your Care Plan?
Our team are always available to chat.

Reach out to one of our friendly team members by calling 13 18 19 or by completing the contact us form.

Nora’s Story: A Volunteer’s Journey

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

For many of CatholicCare Sydney’s clients, faith-based care has been a transformative aspect of their experience.

For Nora, one of our dedicated volunteer companions, this enriching experience has had a profound impact on her.

“It has deepened my faith in ways I couldn't have anticipated. Being with someone at the end of life is sacred ground. I've felt God's presence in those quiet moments of companionship. It’s the space where care shifts from cure to comfort, and where people are supported to reflect, connect, and find peace in their own way.”

The presence of peace that comes with sitting with someone can be profoundly insightful. She finds that they have a lot to say when they know someone is listening deeply, just to listen. “Listening to their stories, their regrets, their wisdom," she describes. "It's changed me fundamentally. I came to give, but I've received far more: perspective, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of human resilience and dignity.” For Nora, it is incredibly liberating not to feel fearful of the conversations that dying people want to have.

With these moments also comes an evolved understanding of compassion and care. As a volunteer, “It’s about honouring their humanity and walking with them through their pain.”

Nora’s Story

Starting her volunteer journey over five years ago, she felt a calling to this work, a feeling she says is difficult to put into words.

Volunteering with CatholicCare Sydney, Nora has now supported more people than she can count. “It was the opportunity to support people in their most vulnerable moments,” she describes.

Nora began this work expecting to feel constant sadness and heaviness; the reality of her experience was far from what she expected. Nora describes, “What I mostly experienced was a profound sense of peace and privilege and satisfaction, being trusted to share someone's final journey. I learned that suffering doesn't diminish a person's worth or wisdom; often it deepens it.” Fear of palliative care is replaced by peace, and that is a gift to both of us.

Patience plays a big role in compassionate and effective volunteering. “Trust builds once they realise that I’m not there to pity or rush them,” she says. “I’m just there to walk alongside them at their pace.”

Working with many people and different personalities and accepting that many of them have little time left can be a difficult experience.

Often, people aren’t looking for attempts at comfort or solutions from their volunteers. With her CatholicCare Sydney training, Nora understood what was needed of her in these moments: “Presence itself is powerful... every moment matters, and every person deserves to be truly seen and heard.”

Nora’s take-home message:

For those interested in volunteering with CatholicCare Sydney, Nora shares her first-hand advice, “I'd want people to know that this work will change you, and in the best ways. Working with elderly people and those facing end-of-life situations might sound daunting, but there's profound beauty and peace in it.”

To be a successful volunteer, you only need to be present:

“I welcome these big conversations now. I walk towards them, not away from them. Once you learn some simple but powerful ways to listen, respond, and create space for what people truly need to say, these conversations no longer feel frightening; they feel deeply satisfying and healing.”

The most helpful thing we can say is not ‘You’ll be okay,’ but ‘Tell me more'. And this is where your own volunteer journey begins.

“You'll discover that in supporting others through their most vulnerable moments, you'll find peace, purpose, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a child of God, our Creator.”

Want to explore available options? Our team are always available to chat.
Reach out to one of our friendly team members by calling 13 18 19 or by completing the contact us form.

Palliative Care Week: Getting to the heart of it - Big Questions. Real Answers.

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This Palliative Care Week, Richard, one of CatholicCare Sydney’s chaplains at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, reflects on the wisdom of a First Nations proverb.

We are all visitors to this time and place. We are passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love, and then we return home.

This message serves as an important reminder, during this palliative care week, that end-of-life care raises big questions and real answers.

CatholicCare Sydney supports Palliative Care Australia’s theme of getting to the heart of these big questions through conversations that are worth having with those approaching the end of life.

CatholicCare Sydney’s Approach to Palliative Care

At CatholicCare Sydney, we walk alongside individuals and families through the final stages of life with dignity, compassion, and care. Our Living Well Dying Well program offers a range of services designed to support people navigating end-of-life care, emotionally, spiritually, and practically.

Key pillars of the program include:

Pastoral Care: Chaplains, pastoral care workers, and dedicated volunteers provide emotional and spiritual support tailored to individual needs.
Holistic Support: Our interdisciplinary teams, including allied health professionals, work together to deliver personalised care that supports both individuals and their loved ones through challenging times.
Community Connections: Whether in hospitals, aged care homes, or private residences, we offer services that help people feel safe, supported, connected, and valued in their communities.
Education and Advocacy: Through our Ageing Well workshops, we raise awareness about palliative care, helping individuals make informed choices about their care, companionship, and wellbeing.

Living Well Dying Well is grounded in the belief that death is a natural part of life. Just as we begin life needing the care of others, we often leave this world in the same way. Grief is the price we pay for love, an experience as natural as it is profound, and we are meant to face it within the care of our communities.

As our needs evolve as we age, our approach remains the same: to live our lives to our full potential with the respect, dignity, and support necessary at the end of life.

Want to explore available options? Our team are always available to chat.
Reach out to one of our friendly team members by calling 13 18 19 or by completing the contact us form.

Mass of Hope and Healing at All Saints

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

We are the Catholic in the Care.

The gold standard of caring for older people includes genuine attention to their spiritual wellbeing. This is a widely recognised as a key element of quality care.

Here at CatholicCare, we do more than speak about this in brochures and on websites. We actively bring this mission to life for everyone we walk alongside regardless of faith and circumstance.

Recently, Home Care and Pastoral division gathered with clients, staff, and parishioners at All Saints Liverpool for a special Mass of Hope and Healing, with a strong turnout from those receiving support through our Home Care services.

We responded directly to a common fear we hear from older clients “I don’t want to be a burden.” As they navigate changes in health and independence, we were clear in our message, echoed from the parish: you are not a burden. It is our honour and our privilege to care for you. This is the natural order of life.

Just as you have cared for others, it is now our turn to care for you.

Both CatholicCare Sydney and All Saints stand with you as your community places of belonging, connection, and support.

The Mass offered comfort, reassurance, and a genuine sense of belonging; something deeply important as people navigate the realities of ageing.

This gathering is a clear example of how CatholicCare Sydney supports people to age safely in place; not only with practical care, but with dignity, purpose, and spiritual support at the centre of all we do.

Did you miss this Mass of Hope and Healing?

If you missed this Mass of Hope and Healing and would like more information on Pastoral Care, contact CatholicCare Sydney’s on 13 18 19 or visit https://www.catholiccare.org/community-services.

Many thanks to Father Paul and the parishioners at the All Saints Catholic Church Liverpool for their support of this Mass of Hope and Healing, Liverpool Catholic Club for their ongoing support, and to our Pastoral Care and Home Care teams at CatholicCare Sydney for the care, hope and light they bring to each day.

Community Connection: Navigating Aged Care Workshop at Liverpool Catholic Club

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Seniors explore Home Care at the Navigating Aged Care Workshop

On Sunday, 19th April 2026, CatholicCare Sydney’s Home Care team delivered a well-received session of the Navigating Aged Care Workshop to 150 seniors at the Liverpool Catholic Club.

CatholicCare Sydney’s Navigating Aged Care Workshop helps make the aged care system clearer, more approachable, and less daunting for families across Sydney. This free community event brought together local residents, older Australians, carers, and those planning for future support, to learn about Home Care and future planning options for themselves and their loved ones.

This workshop was led by Geoff Aigner, Executive Director of Allied Health and Home Care and Catherine Gonzaga, Program Manager– Client Engagement from our Home Care team, who both delivered an engaging 60-minute session (with time for one-on-one advice and support after the presentation).

About the Navigating Aged Care Workshop

See the short video of the workshop - Why Home Care

Older Australians and their loved ones gained practical understanding of the My Aged Care system, eligibility criteria, funding options, and how to access Home Care support.

Many left with greater clarity on navigating assessments and services, reducing the confusion and uncertainty that often accompanies aged care planning.

The Navigating Aged Care Workshop championed staying safely at home longer through personalised Home Care packages through either the Commonwealth Home Support Program or the Support at Home program delivered through My Aged Care.

Attendees also learned how to access in-home services (such as personal care, domestic assistance, Allied Health and pastoral care) so they can make more informed choices aligned with their values, faith, and preferences.

This knowledge helps seniors and families plan proactively rather than ‘in crisis’ supporting older Australians to live with dignity and independently for longer.

Positive feedback from these workshops in the series consistently described them as “informative”, “very helpful” and “engaging” with strong turnout reflecting genuine community need.

These impacts align with broader goals of CatholicCare Sydney’s Navigating Aged CareWorkshop series to demystify reforms such as the transition to the Support at Home program and equipping people with tools to access timely, appropriate support.

Why Navigating Aged Care Matters

No one should face Aged Care alone.

As Australia’s aged care system continues to evolve, with ongoing changes to assessments, funding, and service delivery; without clear guidance, many families face stress, delayed support, or unsuitable options.

These workshops bridge this gap by delivering free, accessible education that empowers older people and their loved ones to maintain independence, safety, and connection with community and faith.

CatholicCare Sydney’s Navigating Aged Care Workshop initiative reflects our commitment to proactive education, early intervention, and high-quality, values-driven Home Care services. Our person-centred approach has a proven positive impact, with high client satisfaction reported in Home Care services for those receiving support.

Did you miss this Navigating Aged Care Workshop?

If you missed this workshop and would like more information on Home Care and future planning, or would like support with Home Care services, contact CatholicCare Sydney’s on 13 18 19 or visit http://www.catholiccare.org/senior-services for more information on Home Care packages.

Many thanks to the team at the Liverpool Catholic Club and the Fifty Plus Club for their support of this Navigating Aged Care Workshop, and to the dedicated Home Care team at CatholicCare Sydney for their outstanding contribution to our community.

Reach out to our friendly team for more information.

Balancing the Scales: HOPE’s IWD Panel Event for 2026

connect@catholiccare.org (CatholicCare Sydney) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:00:00 GMT

International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated on Sunday 8 March, recognising the strength and resilience of women and girls around the world, whilst also sparking conversation about how we can all ‘balance the scales’ — a nod to this year’s theme.

The HOPE Program and Stakeholder Engagement Team at CatholicCare Sydney proudly held our annual IWD Breakfast Panel Event, generously hosted by the Commonwealth Bank at their Darling Harbour office.

This year, we were joined by guests across different sectors and featured a distinguished lineup of panellists, including:

Simone Constant, Commissioner at ASIC and Board Director of CatholicCare Sydney
Katrina Barry, Group CEO and Managing Director of Webject Group
Natalie Micarone, Director and Co-Founder of Bendelta
Angela MacMillan, Group Customer Advocate at Commonwealth Bank.

Our MC for the morning was Jessica Monague, Head of Commercial Content — News, Sport and Prestige at News Corp Australia, who guided the conversations of the panel and keep audiences engaged well.

Our panellists generously shared their experiences and thoughts of what it truly means to ‘balance the scales’, particularly across various industries of business, finance, strategy and social impact, which have been historically dominated by gender imbalances.

Angela MacMillan, representative of the Commonwealth Bank, spoke to the power of courage by one of their customers, who’d experienced financial abuse from her ex-partner. That woman’s resilience and strength in speaking up and reporting her experience has now helped millions of people, not just in Australia but globally, with CommBank creating the blueprint of their app flagging harmful language used in bank transactions.

Stories about resilience, strength, and determination underpinned the mood of our breakfast event, reflecting on the empowerment of all women and the ability to push through barriers to achieve goals that they want.

At CatholicCare Sydney strengths-based goals are vital to helping us balance the scales, recognising the skills, determination and resilience of women and children.

A huge thank you to the Commonwealth Bank for generously hosting our event and for their ongoing support of HOPE. A special thank you to all our panellists and MC, Jessica Montague, for supporting us, and to all our guests who attended and celebrated IWD with us.

To learn more about the work of the HOPE Program, please visit hopeprogram.org.au