| Current Work of the Association |
| What is Loss and Grief |
| Grief - The Universal Experience |
| Sub Committees |
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Current Work of the Association Who Is Nalag? NALAG is a not-for-profit association of individuals and organisations that in partnership with Government and other organisations works to facilitate and improve the community's awareness of loss and grief issues and its capacity to effectively respond to loss and grief including bereavement. Nalag's Work NALAG undertakes its work through its program and
service areas • Community Education Program • Information and Referral Service • Community and Service Sector Development Program • Membership Services
NALAG is able to undertake its vital work with the financial support of its members and sponsors. Community Education The community education program is a statewide activity that has been established to provide information and raise awareness which reflects service requirements and enhances the response of the community to loss, grief and bereavement issues. The program is targeted at communities, community groups, Community Health Services, government departments, local government, the health sector, the education and training sectors, and individual members of the public. Key activities of the community education program include • The provision of free / low cost community and agency information sessions by accredited loss and grief educators • The development and distribution of loss and grief information material • Undertaking promotional and awareness raising activities, including the print and electronic media • The provision of a telephone information service and a website to support the work of community organisations, government departments and agencies and practitioners • The coordination of “Grief Week”. An annual statewide promotion of loss and grief in the last week of August
Community and Service Sector Development Program The community and service system development program undertakes
activities to strengthen the community's capacity to respond to
loss and grief issues and needs. The program has A central element of this program is the development and support of local and regional loss and grief service networks. This is achieved by providing practical support including the provision of resources, information and connection to the wider loss and grief sector. NALAG also provides advice and consultation in relation to service development and support for local projects. The program also undertakes projects to identify service needs and effective pathways to accessing the available services. In addition NALAG's regional Chapters meet regularly and undertake a variety of local activities.
Importantly the Community and Sector (Service System) Development Program provides regular seminars and workshops across Victoria that bring community and government service providers together to focus on loss and grief issues and improve local and regional service provision networks. NALAG places a high priority on improving the pathways to loss and grief service provision at the local and regional levels. As part of the Community and Sector (Service System) Development Program, NALAG actively participates in a wide variety of government and community sector policy and service planning activities. NALAG also undertakes specific projects to further the development of the loss and grief service sector. Membership Services The Membership Program is a core activity of NALAG that informs and supports the loss and grief work and aspirations of its individual and organisation members. The general membership program engages a wide variety of individuals and organisations with a special interest in loss, grief and bereavement. NALAG supports its members with information, newsletters and opportunities to participate in the loss and grief sector including forums and seminars. NALAG draws on the knowledge, skills and experience of its membership through consultations, regional groups (Chapters), specialist committees and participation in NALAG meetings and activities. The membership plays an important role in determining NALAG's activities and establishing NALAG's priorities. NALAG members receive discounts on NALAG seminars, forums and workshops and they have access to NALAG's telephone information service. Practitioner Accreditation Program The Practitioner Accreditation Program plays an important role in establishing and maintaining appropriate professional education, training and practice standards for loss and grief counsellors and educators. The accredited practitioners are also full members of NALAG. In addition to the benefits of being a member of NALAG, practitioners have access to NALAG's professional information and support service. Importantly members support the work of NALAG and contribute to the development of improved loss and grief information and services in Victoria. August 2005
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