FAQs

1. Smaller organisation, more personal service. We’re a small community organisation – and we like it that way. It lets us focus on supporting a smaller number of local clients. Group social support is our speciality, and we work with clients from specific areas, so you won’t need to compete for our attention or deal with long waiting lists.
2. Consumer Directed Care. The foundation of our service is built on Consumer Directed Care. That means we use our resources to support your independence, goals and to deliver activities and services our clients want. We’re always open to feedback and suggestions from members on what they need, places they would like to visit and what activities or events they’re interested in joining.
3. Not-for-profit. MCH is a not-for-profit organisation which helps us keep our fees low. You’re not paying to support high wages or a large fleet of vehicles operating across the state. Our focus stays small so we can provide more services and better value for money.
4. High staff retention rate. Being a local organisation lets us offer personal connections and care. Many of our staff and volunteers have been with us for years or decades, so you’re always speaking to the people you know who are familiar with your situation. 
5. We work with you and your family. Your family is welcome to contact us so we can work together as a team to get the support you need. We can refer you to My Aged Care if you need help with other things like housework, transport and Meals on Wheels. We’re here so that you and your family don’t need to navigate the system alone.
6. We support entry level (CHSP) and level 1 clients. All our clients have low level needs that require a minimum of support, so we can hold outings to places with fewer restrictions. Our aim is to support you to be independent for as long as you can.
7. Our history. Our roots go all the way back to 1907 as part of the Brisbane Institute of Social Service, and we’ve been caring for older people in the community ever since. Now known as Metro Community Hub, we’re still committed to helping people stay active and connected with their community and friends, and we’re always happy to provide the support you need.

As people get older the risks of being alone or isolated increase. Staying connected with supportive relationships and communities is the best thing you can do to stay healthy as you age.

Metro Community Hub focuses on making it easier for our clients to make and maintain friendships and to stay in touch with friends and family. We also offer lifestyle activities that can help fill your life with friends, outings and exercise that stimulates your mind and improves your quality of life.

The Australian Government introduced My Aged Care as the new way for people over 65 to access support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

My Aged Care was developed as the entry point for everyone in Australia to access support in the home. You’ll be asked a few simple questions about your situation and what support you need, and an assessment officer will visit your home to make a recommendation about your care. To access a specific service through My Aged Care, like Metro Community Hub bus outings, you’ll need to nominate us as your preferred provider.

You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Alternatively, you can ask Metro Community Hub to make a referral to My Aged Care on your behalf and they will contact you directly.

If you want to join our classes or events without CHSP support, you will need to become a member and pay cash on the day to participate in activities. Feel free to contact us for more information.

If your circumstances change, we can help you register with My Aged Care. Once you start the process you can still attend our activities and our CHSP programs.

At Metro we specialise in low level care and accept CHSP or entry level clients. We accept some level 1 package clients, depending on your independence and support needs. If you’re already receiving a package you’ll need to contact My Aged Care to request the extra service. Make sure to nominate Metro Community Hub as your preferred provider for group social support.

• The My Aged Care website has lots of information that’s easy to understand.
• Queensland Aged and Disability Advocacy have information about legal issues and can assist with advocacy. Contact them on 1800 818 338.
• Caxton Legal Centre has a limited free service to assist with some legal issues. Contact them on (07) 3214 6333.

The Queensland Government has a program for people living with disabilities. You can contact the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships for assessment or to find out whether you’re eligible. To access MCH services please nominate us as your preferred provider or give our contact details to your Case Manager.

Yes, you can! Anyone over 50 can become a member and attend our activities, paying cash on the day. You need to be independent with low support needs, and you can bring a carer with you. If your needs ever change we can help you get support from the Queensland Government.

Metro Community Hub is not an NDIS provider so we can’t claim against your package for any services.

• Visit the NDIS website or phone 1800 800 110.
• Visit the NDIS Queensland page or phone 13 74 68.
• Queensland Aged and Disability Advocacy have information about legal issues and can assist with Advocacy. Contact them on 1800 818 338.

Yes! You can become a member and attend our activities, but we’re unable to provide transport to help you attend. You’ll also need to be able to access the centre and participate without support.

Please note: CHSP clients remain our priority for bus outings. We sometimes have vacancies for non-CHSP clients to attend a trip, subject to availability and approval from management. Our vehicles aren’t wheelchair accessible.

Yes, however your family member will need to be assessed through My Aged Care for over 65s or the Department of Seniors for under 65s prior to contacting us. You will need to nominate MCH as your preferred provider to access our services.

Yes, you can. The only mobility devices we can’t accommodate are manual or electric wheelchairs.

Yes, but you’ll need to bring your own food. You won’t be charged for lunch. We always take an esky for safe food storage but are unable to heat up food on the bus.

This is subject to availability on the day. If the person wishes to attend regularly, they’ll need to apply through My Aged Care.

This is subject to availability on the day. Our priority remains CHSP clients.

Please register your interest using the form on the Volunteer page.

Due to industry requirements for placements, we’re unable to assist students with their placements or projects.