Cérge

I’ve always loved going swimming but it’s not something I would want to do by myself. I usually need someone there with me to keep me busy enough not to worry about the bubbling anxiety waiting. Making a mistake that might have me singled out or worrying about people watching me.The ability to write exactly what I wanted during the visit was so helpful. Initially I was a little nervous about writing a short note about my anxiety and my son’s struggles with being overwhelmed by loud noises, new places and lots of people, but in hindsight it was amazing not to have to worry about trying to mask how I was feeling. It was also a relief having them know my son may need some extra attention during the tour.Thanks to being able to answer those two simple questions in the Cérge app, and letting the centre know when to expect us, checking in and being welcomed was a very comfortable experience. I was greeted, by name, by a calm and friendly staff member and shown around the spacious new aquatic centre. I believe he also targeted some information towards me such as letting me know their usual quieter times.At the end of the tour my son and I had a great little swim around and Aaron even wanted to explore one of the other pools he had seen during our tour which I definitely consider a win as he doesn’t love stepping outside of his comfort zone.After this experience I feel much more comfortable with the idea of going swimming at the centre on my own as I feel I could do so knowing the ins and outs of the pool area and the process of entering the facility. I would definitely recommend the Cérge app for people that have any requirement for more targeted assistance. Even if it is just needing someone to help you feel at ease in a new and overwhelming environment.

"My son Henry is autistic and has very poor proprioception and muscle tone so he doesn’t go to a lot of places often because it’s usually far too much sensory input for him. His “wet noodling” around the place can crash into things etc. This causes extreme frustration and embarrassment for him and sometimes staff can be rude at times like this or not know how to help. It’s frustrating and my heart breaks for my son.I have to say I was pretty nervous going to White Ridge Farm with my son. I wasn’t sure how he would cope, how the staff would be and to be honest, if it would just be a disaster. We knew @cerge was at the farm so we were keen to give it a go as we have heard great things.The night before I read through the Visual Story on the app with the children and they felt as though they knew what to expect and were very excited. This was an amazing resource and certainly helped my own nerves because I new everyone had seen photos of the venue along with sights, smells and other possible sensory interactions.I notified White Ridge Farm on the app 60 mins before our arrival about our must knows which were areas and activities that are less noisy/busy with fewer people and plenty of space for Henry’s unique walking style and that we are bringing along the pram for him to sit in when he needs to.I received notification that they had read and acknowledged our requirements within 10 minutes of sending it. Talk about service!I booked our tickets online prior to ensure that we wouldn’t have to spend too much time at the entrance buying them where Henry would get anxious before our day even started. That process was great the staff member at the counter acknowledged that we were with Cérge and took extra time to go into further detail about the farm, directed at the children, about some of the sounds/smells/textures they may come across on our journey and gave them a map to help them orientate. This was great and made us feel like we were appreciated and not a bother.Once inside, the area was vast and there was PLENTY of the space that we needed on the paths. The staff were very friendly and answered every single one of Henry’s questions (and this kid asks a LOT of questions ). They also reiterated some of the strange ways his hand may feel as he feeds the animals, which is something I hadn’t even considered so thankful to them for that!Being able to take our own food and have a picnic was perfect as it’s always so hard to find foods that Henry will eat based on texture and we generally avoid places where outside food is prohibited.I would definitely recommend it to any families wanting a great day out! It was so great! The ability to let the farm know our situation through Cérge prior to arrival, the Visual Story to prepare and the amazing staff at Whites Ridge Farm. What a great day! I can’t wait to go out again and usually after a day out I think I never want to go out again! 

I visited IGA yesterday at Mt Coolum and got to see Cerge in action at a supermarket for the first time.I'd just had an upsetting specialist appointment and so wasn't really in the mood to push my comfort levels and shop but I shouldn't have worried. I notified them 10 minutes before I arrived on the app and by the time I'd walked in the door, a lovely person (Candace) called me by name to greet me and introduce me to the shop. I was so touched that she'd read my bio and brought a chair with to sit near the exit in case I needed it, that I nearly started crying.She offered to assist me in any way that I needed but as I had a support worker, I was happy to shop with her for the most part. Vanessa came later and checked in on me to see if I had any questions or if they could help in any way. They turned the volume down and the lights down for me as well which was such a welcome relief from how it usually feels to shop!I was surprised at how compact the shop was with carparks right outside on the curb making it a more comfortable commute. Their deli, pantry, fridge, special goods and fruit and vege section was well stocked, meaning that I could go there for a one stop shop (hallelujah!) There selection of foods that cater to different health needs (gluten free, vegan, dairy free etc) also made me give it a big tick of approval.Vanessa helped me put my groceries through the register and then Bronwyn (I believe this was her name) came over and made me nearly cry again with her beautiful warmth and kindness! It was honestly one of the best shops that I've ever had, even if I needed to sit down half way through it didn't matter... I felt safer shopping there knowing that the regulars would see the Cerge sign at the entry and so would be more understanding this IGA supports people who need a little more help and attention.I came home and told my husband all about it, who said he'd be happy to drive me to any of the 5 that are linked any time that I want! I am so, so grateful for this amazing service. We need to continue making areas more accessible, friendly and inclusive so that we don't marginalise people and restrict access.Thank you Mt Coolum IGA, thank you Roz White, thank you Cerge and Chris !! You are all superheroes in my eyes for making a positive and welcome change.

The further adventures of Cérge!Today reaffirmed just how life changing Cérge is…At this time of year we are all under extra pressure, add in a chronic illness or disability and things can build up pretty quickly. Using Cérge I can eliminate the stress of a “Big Box Store” shop and support local businesses at the same time.A huge thanks to the team from White's IGA Bli Bli for assisting me today, easing my sensory overload by turning down the lights and switching the music off. It may seem small but I assure you, even this minor adjustment helps myself and many others function so much better day to day. Thanks for the support White’s IGA

I made a trip down to White’s Supa IGA on Monday, the newest partner addition to the Cérge app and wanted to share my experience.The whole team were fantastic I sent my notification with a request to please lower the music and the lights, I was lucky enough to have my peer worker with me for the day so I didn’t need as much assistance as I would if I was to go shopping alone.I checked in as we parked the car and by the time we got to the front door a manager was there to welcome us by name, how fancy!They had turned the music off completely which was lovely however due to the building being owned by Stockland they were unable to adjust the lights as it is seen as a health and safety issue. As they are now the store is well lit but certainly not anywhere near as bright and glaring as the big box stores. They are working hard to find a solution for this whilst still keeping everyone safe, so hopefully it will be an available option in the future.We also discussed what assistance is available for those of us shopping solo and I was pleased to hear that they will do everything they can to help, including having a team member shop with you if they are free.The manager gave us a tour of the store, asking questions about my dietary requirements and what I enjoyed eating then pointed out specific isles that met my needs. I know for some people this can be triggering but please know that I am sure my boundaries would have been respected if I had declined to answer.After confirming that everything was ok, she left us to shop in peace with the reassurance that if we needed anything all we had to do was ask a team member.Their product range is extensive with many unique options that you don’t see or are difficult to find in larger stores, including a wide variety of gluten free and vegan products, some of which I had never seen before and I will be going back to purchase later.I did not need my stick on Monday but the isles are wide and easily accessible for those of us using mobility aides.All in all a wonderful shopping experience and great to see local businesses joining Cérge so we can support them in return.

We are teaming up with a new initiative, Cèrge. Cèrge is a communication platform created to help people with disability connect with local businesses in their community. It allows organisations to provide personalised services to customers with disability with the aim of reducing the fear, anxiety and discrimination individuals with disability go through as customers. Through the Cèrge app, the customer can notify participating businesses that they will be arriving, giving staff awareness of what the customer may need while in the store.Today our customer visited the Swan Hill Leisure Centre to have a shot of basketball with his support worker. He was able to communicate through the app notifying the leisure centre of when he would be arriving and what he was planning on doing while there. Upon arrival he was met by staff who greeted him by name creating a welcoming experience for our customer. This helped our customer feel very comfortable and he went on to enjoy a shot of basketball while there! Swan Hill Leisure Centre Cérge Cérge Community