Interchange is a value-based organisation and those values reflect in everything we do. With our core values in mind, we give our actions purpose, as we are helping people with disability to live a good life. Let’s have a closer look at Interchange’s core values and what it means to be a value-based organisation.

Individuality, Respect, Empowerment and Belonging – are the values Interchange as an organisation stands for. We strive to foster welcoming communities that value, respect and empower people with disability and ultimately create a world where EVERYONE BELONGS.

Interchange’s 4 Core Values

Individuality

The key to being successful in our role is to treat each person according to their specific wishes and goals and not necessarily in a group. Let the individual be who they truly want to be. – Debra, Support Worker in Mandurah

Individuality is defined as the unique characteristics and traits that make someone one of a kind. Encouraging someone to celebrate their individuality can boost self-esteem and confidence. Embracing individuality is essential for personal happiness and always works in favour of achieving personal goals.

Individualised services are person-centered supports and give people the chance to live the life they choose and include things that truly matter to them. Individualised services go hand in hand with the person’s beliefs, interest and characteristics and avoids pushing someone into another direction. It guarantees flexibility, enhances a natural way of supporting someone and encourages personal development.

Read more on Individuality HERE.

Respect

Respect teaches us the value to be found in our differences and shows us where to stand.  – Ryan, Support Worker in Midland

Respect is when we accept someone as they are and for who they are. That means accepting them even when they are different from us in some way, or differ from us in opinion. Being respectful means, you care enough to think about how you impact others. At the heart of respect is caring.

At Interchange, we value choice, culture and diversity. We want you to feel safe being who you are. We support you with your goals, whatever they may be and we want you to be able to achieve those confidently. We want you to always feel your sense of purpose and motivation to live the life you choose.

Read more on Respect HERE.

Empowerment

If you do not feel empowered you will not be able to perform and live life as well as if you did feel empowered. For the people we support this type of empowerment will make them exceed their own expectations and reach their goals. It not only feels good to be empowered but also to empower others. It is a win-win!

Empowering someone makes people feel emotionally supported and guided towards achieving goals, for example becoming part of their community. It creates a sense of purpose for them, they feel appreciated and valued. It can help them overcome fears such as anxiety and social isolation. It makes people proud of who they are and what they are working towards and helps to established confidence to recognise this.

Read more on Empowerment HERE.

Belonging

Belonging is like arriving somewhere you feel treasured and part of something bigger. Belonging gives us the feeling of purpose and acceptance. 

Belonging is a sense of fitting in or feeling like you are an important member of a group. A close family can give its members a strong sense of belonging, so can friends, colleagues, teammates, or your local community. A feeling of belonging describes the sense of truly fitting in and being accepted for who you are.

Sharing your differences and acknowledging acceptance can create peace. Acceptance does not necessarily mean agreement. To accept others and their views, which may not alling with yours, requires you to open your eyes and thoughts to the idea of seeing value in another perspective. It can be a true gift.

Read more on Belonging HERE.