More About NSWNASSA
About NSW Neighbour Aid and Social Support Association (NASSA)
NASSA is peak body for services providing neighbour aid and social support services under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program in NSW. The HACC program is a national service program that aims to provide basic, long-term services for frail older people, younger people with disabilities and carers so they can live safely and appropriately in the community and in their own homes.
NASSA originated in 1993 as the Neighbour Aid Association which was an initiative of Neighbour Aid coordinators from across NSW. Neighbour Aid programs were, at that time, a model of service delivery funded under the HACC program providing a range of services including shopping, help with paying bills and banking, companionship, transport and home help.
In 2004, the Association changed its name to NSW Neighbour Aid and Social Support Association in recognition of the change in service type funded under HACC from "Neighbour Aid" to "Social Support".
Services now funded under Social Support refer to assistance provided by a volunteer or paid staff, either within the home environment or while a person is accessing community services or facilities. Services are directed towards meeting a person's need for social contact and/or accompaniment in order to participate in community life.
Social support activities are organised for the purpose of enhancing a person's independence, dignity and self worth, and include:
- One to one support - to attend a social activity.
- Telephone based monitoring service.
- Friendly visiting.
- Letter writing for the person.
- Shopping - bill paying and banking where the person is accompanied and assisted by a volunteer or paid worker.
- Individual transport - to appointments where transport is part of the provision of social support.
- Minor garden and home maintenance - eg changing light globes as part of one of the other social support activities.
Neighbour Aid and social support services are delivered primarily by volunteers with training and supervision provided by coordination staff.
Today, NASSA has a strong membership of over 100 community organisations working together to provide support and information, promotion and advocacy and to share resources.
The Mission of NASSA
Maintain the independence of the NASSA, through membership growth and financial viability. Provide members with support and access to individual innovations and flexible service models through advocacy and lobbying. Ensure the continuation of the integration of NASSA across the State.
