The Supporter is a quarterly magazine providing a collection of stories from across the AnglicareSA community.
Autumn 2021
Creating homes and communities Brompton’s unsung heroes New suicide prevention service
Supporter Autumn 2021
Message from the Acting CEO
Welcome to the first edition of Supporter for 2021.
We know that a secure and stable home provides the foundations for a better life. That’s why we invest in the development and regeneration of social and affordable housing, and why we call on others to do the same. Cecil’s story on page 7 is an example of how one’s circumstances can change quickly and lead to homelessness. With a brand-new house to call home, it is great to see Cecil regain his independence and start contributing once again to the community he loves. Foster carers provide not only a home, but also the love and care children need to thrive. AnglicareSA’s foster carers inspire us with their commitment to change lives, and none more so than Dawn, who recently received the Inspiring South Australian Women Award 2021 – well-deserved recognition for her years of service. We also recognise the efforts of our dedicated team at our Brompton aged care facility, which was the site of a COVID-19 outbreak in November last year. That we were able to contain the spread of the virus to only four employees and no residents is testament to the world-class protocols our residential aged care homes have in place, and the dedication of our Brompton team to ensure the health and safety of those in their care.
In December 2020, we farewelled CEO Peter Sandeman following eight years of service during which he led AnglicareSA into a very strong position, well placed to grow and serve the South Australian community into the future. I have been appointed Acting CEO by the Board while we conduct a thorough search for a new CEO, which we expect to take a few months. In the meantime, I look forward to sharing with you the important work and achievements of AnglicareSA through this Supporter newsletter. Working together with other agencies, government departments and corporate partners helps AnglicareSA to achieve a lot more positive change across the community than what we could working alone. Our new suicide prevention program, The Way Back, is one such example. In partnership with Beyond Blue and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network, this program provides direct and timely support to people following a suicide attempt and will save and improve many lives.
It is pleasing to see our many programs and services return to face-to-face operations after almost a year of COVID-19 restrictions. The resumption of group programs in our disability services is a particularly welcome relief for our customers. These programs are integral to building the capacity of those living with disability to participate in the community and live their lives to the fullest. Our Christmas Appeal raised $150,000 for our emergency assistance services. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your generosity ensures we can continue these vital services that so many South Australians turn to in their time of need. Thank you also to the many people across out community who contributed time, skills and goods to our hamper drive, ensuring we could bring some festive joy to so many who needed it most. We have a lot to achieve in 2021. I know that, with your support, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the many people doing it tough in our community.
Grant Reubenicht Acting CEO
Cover: Lee, Calie and Bikram from AnglicareSA’s The Way Back Support Service team – Adelaide’s newest suicide prevention program.
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New suicide prevention program
A new program has launched in Adelaide to support survivors of attempted suicide to get back on track. The Way Back Support Service will provide one-on-one support to survivors for up to three months after they leave the Royal Adelaide or Queen Elizabeth Hospitals. Support coordinators will assist those referred by the two central hospitals to stay safe and well by supporting their discharge from hospital, creating an individualised safety plan, and providing connections to financial counselling and community-based support services. The service was designed by Beyond Blue and is delivered by AnglicareSA in collaboration with the Central Adelaide Local Health Network. AnglicareSA already provides significant specialist support to people across South Australia via the Living Beyond Suicide program and Suicide Prevention Service, but with an increase in demand for suicide
support services in South Australia, there has been a desperate need for more funding and resources. With a team of five support workers, the new program will more than double AnglicareSA’s capacity to support people who have had a recent suicide attempt. The Way Back Support Service has been developed by Beyond Blue and is co-funded by the Commonwealth
Government and SA Health through the Adelaide Primary Health Network and the Office for the Chief Psychiatrist. The service in Adelaide is part of a national roll-out, with 33 sites planned across Australia. Operating 9am–5pm Monday to Friday, The Way Back Support Service can be accessed by calling 1300 077 798
Last year, AnglicareSA was forced to suspend some of its programs and services due to COVID-19 restrictions. This included our highly valued group programs for our disability services customers. Return of group programs With easing of restrictions in
For more information on how to access group programs with NDIS funding, please contact our NDIS Customer Engagement Team on 1800 953 001 including mental health and physical wellbeing, arts, technology and cyber safety, healthy relationships with food and cooking skills. AnglicareSA also offers six-week workshops, which cover topics
South Australia, we are delighted to recommence our group programs. This move has been met with welcome relief by our customers. Our group programs are integral to building the capacity of those living with disability to participate in the community and live their lives to the fullest. They support participants of all ages to develop new life skills and interests, meet new people and participate in their community.
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Supporter Autumn 2021
Brompton’s unsung heroes In November 2020, the team at our Brompton aged care home saw the residents safely through a COVID-19 outbreak. This quick and effective response undoubtedly saved lives. AnglicareSA Brompton is home to
The relaunch of White Ribbon Australia in 2020, under the leadership of WA not-for-profit Communicare, comes at a pivotal time for our employees. It is an opportunity to create important change and a safer future for many Australian women and their children. During January, we held ‘Take a sip, take a stand’ events across our sites – bringing staff and volunteers together to spark conversations, raise awareness and outline the domestic and family violence supports we provide as an organisation. This includes 10 days of paid leave for employees experiencing domestic violence. Thanks to local Adelaide business Deja Brew Specialty Coffee for providing their mobile coffee van to help us deliver the events in a COVID-safe way. that speaks volumes for the team’s dedication to infection control. The Brompton team, together with AnglicareSA’s Site Response and Outbreak Management teams, worked to ensure the response was coordinated, effective and conducted with compassion for those in their care. The team’s efforts were nothing short of extraordinary.
They worked tirelessly to support the residents and each other through what was a gruelling lock-down, enduring regular 48-hour testing, the wearing of full PPE, and extended shifts to enable continuity of care. Through all of this they ensured spirits stayed high. The virus was contained to four employees and zero residents – a fact
disadvantaged aged residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. When notified that two colleagues had unknowingly exposed the site to the virus, the team at Brompton acted swiftly and competently to put months of planning and preparation into practice.
AnglicareSA has confirmed its commitment as a White Ribbon Workplace to help end violence against women. Take a sip, take a stand
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It’s time to care about aged care
In February, Australia’s six aged care peak bodies
launched a campaign to drive reform in the sector based on the findings of the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Australian Aged Care Collaboration comprises: Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA), Anglicare Australia, Baptist Care Australia, Catholic Health Australia, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) and UnitingCare Australia. Together, they represent more than 1,000 organisations that are responsible for about 70 per cent of the services delivered to the 1.3 million Australians receiving aged care, either at home or in communal residential settings.
overhaul the aged care system. The Australian Aged Care Collaboration’s aim is to ensure there is political will to make the systemic changes needed to meet the needs of older Australians now and into the future. Be part of this important campaign. Show you care about older Australians and the future of aged care by signing the petition at www.careaboutagedcare.org.au
AnglicareSA fully supported the Royal Commission and wants to see real action based on the findings to ensure better outcomes for older Australians. As our population ages and demand increases, like all providers, we believe we can always do better for everyone in the sector – from older loved ones and their families through to the staff providing the vital care. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is on track to deliver a historic set of recommendations to
Annual Apology Breakfast February 2021 marked the 13th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations – an important time for us to reflect on our country’s significant shared history and acknowledge those whose lives were blighted by past policies of forced removal and assimilation.
It was the first year AnglicareSA had a full table of Aboriginal staff attend the event. “The importance of our younger generations attending these significant events alongside senior Aboriginal staff is critical. Having the opportunity to learn and hear directly from the Stolen Generations about their lived experiences is painful for all of us to hear and feel, so to have the support of older staff there to provide cultural care, support and safety is essential,” Ms Waters said. “It is also important because one day, these young people will be the bearers of our culture, our stories, our histories and our experiences, and they will have the cultural responsibility to carry these forward for our future generations.”
This year, AnglicareSA Aboriginal Services Director Sonia Waters and Principal Aboriginal Consultant Kimberley Wanganeen accompanied a group of young Aboriginal staff and trainees to the breakfast.
Each year, Reconciliation SA hosts an Annual Apology Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre, attended by more than 1,000 South Australians to honour, respect and hear directly from Stolen Generations Survivors.
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Supporter Autumn 2021
Housing investment key to economic recovery
AnglicareSA’s Executive General Manager Housing and Homelessness Services, Michelle Gegenhuber, shares her thoughts on South Australia’s housing crisis.
It’s a great step to build on the incredible advances made in this space, particularly within such a short timeframe. However, more is needed. Both State and Federal governments must address the investment gap in social and affordable housing. Homelessness and social housing are not a destination. It is a vulnerable time in a person’s life when they need a safe home to regain their independence. The social and economic benefits which flow for families being securely housed have multi-generational impacts and significant system cost savings. Victoria and NSW have recognised the importance of this social infrastructure and announced significant investments. South Australia must do the same to avoid long-lasting economic impacts from the pandemic.
safety net for all South Australians. It is also an investment in kickstarting our economy through boosting jobs via the construction industry. Investment in community infrastructure such as social housing will increase jobs, economic stability and community optimism. Indeed, social and affordable housing represents the only investment that ticks all the policy goals for economic recovery. Decisive action is required in SA to stem the increasing demand in both the rental and home ownership market. While real estate agents are enjoying the strongest demand for properties in 10 years, those doing it tough or who have just lost their job are finding it the hardest in 10 years to secure an affordable home. The State Government released a Future Directions for Homelessness paper, aimed at creating collaborative relationships and concentrate efforts across government and community providers to address homelessness.
A recent report by Equity Economics commissioned by Everybody’s Home predicts the COVID-19 pandemic will result in a 24 per cent rise in housing stress and a nine per cent rise in homelessness. In 2020, many South Australians faced housing uncertainty for the first time. With no income to pay rent or support a mortgage, we became reliant on the goodwill of banks or sympathetic, understanding landlords. This is now being scaled back, leaving many unable to remain in their home. As these arrangements end, and unless there is concerted action, many more will be thrown into housing stress or homelessness; facing eviction and the inability to pay the mortgage. At the same time, our residential construction industry (one of Australia’s biggest employers) is facing uncertainty and a potential cliff mid-year. Creating accessible, secure, supportive housing options is now an essential
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Welcoming tenants into their new homes AnglicareSA has welcomed the first tenants through the With a list of health and mobility issues exacerbated by his experience of
project, which provided bed linen and kitchen utensils. Safe, secure, and sustainable social housing has provided Ces the opportunity to manage his health issues, give back to the community that he loves and spend time with his grandchildren at home. He is now exploring volunteering opportunities.
homelessness, the program advocated for Ces to find a property that could support his needs. Before long, he was offered a property though AnglicareSA Housing. ‘’After years of working with people down and out, it’s hard when you get to that stage yourself. So, when they showed me through the house, I just couldn’t believe it – I nearly cried.” All properties in AnglicareSA’s 10-year social and affordable housing development program are built to the NDIS ‘improved liveability’ design standard. This means Ces’s new home is equipped with wider doorways and stepless entry to support him age in place and to live his best life. Through the generosity of the Aged Persons Welfare Foundation grant, Ces received a fridge and other white goods to help set up his new home. He was further supported by AnglicareSA’s Quickest Warmth
doors of its nine new social and affordable housing properties in Adelaide’s west and north. Uncle Cecil, or ‘Ces’ as he is affectionately known, was handed the keys to one of the three new homes in the north. After decades of working in the South Australian community helping others, Ces suffered a heart attack, had quintuple bypass surgery, and began experiencing depression, which can often develop following a heart attack. He soon found himself couch surfing, sleeping in his car and in desperate need of a safe and stable place to call home. It was in 2020 when AnglicareSA’s Assistance with Care and Housing program, which supports older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find affordable housing, first learned of Ces’s situation. Creating homes and communities Cecil’s new home was part of the first of multiple redevelopment projects in the north and west under AnglicareSA’s 10-year social and affordable housing plan. AnglicareSA has also recently completed the redevelopment of an affordable housing block in Mansfield Park, demolishing 14 one-bedroom units built in the 1960s and replacing them with 16 new units. The units are designed to allow residents aged 55 and over to live as independently as possible. Previously the block had limited car parking and shared laundries.
‘’After years of working with people down and out, it’s hard when you get to that stage yourself. So, when they showed me through the house I just couldn’t believe it – I nearly cried.”
Housing SA to AnglicareSA Housing, our teams have been on the ground, working with tenants to build a sense of community. So far, we have coordinated more than 400 events and activities for tenants, providing them with support services, and building on tenants’ feedback of what they are looking for in their community.
Now each unit features stepless entries, wider doorways, an outdoor alfresco area and adjacent car parking. Along with new and improved housing, AnglicareSA is also focussed on building vibrant and inclusive communities with its tenants. Since the management transfer of 479 homes in Adelaide’s north in 2015, and 729 homes in the west in 2017 from
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Supporter Autumn 2021
First festive season as a foster family The festive season was filled with even more joy for new foster parents Amy and
Bianca as they spent their first Christmas as a family of three. After becoming AnglicareSA foster carers in 2020, the couple welcomed a boy, who recently turned one, into their home. “It’s brought our extended family closer. It’s even brought me closer to my mum, who was really excited,” Bianca said. “It’s fun watching him play with our nieces and nephews and the bond that he’s forming with them. “They’re mostly young girls so they’re all mothering him – they all want to help.” Amy and Bianca’s desire to foster a child had been on their minds for a long time. They were aware that many local children needed homes and families to care for them, but said they were still amazed with what they learned throughout their foster care training. “It made us more driven and passionate about helping,” Amy said.
“We realised throughout the process how much we wanted to do it, especially when you hear the stats about children without a home in South Australia.” The couple, who have already formed a strong bond with their foster son, said that at the moment, it’s the small milestones they cherish the most. “It’s wonderful watching him grow and develop – everything from his little teeth coming through to him trying to walk,” Bianca said.
If you are considering becoming a foster carer like Amy and Bianca, we would love to hear from you. For more information call (08) 8131 3456 “He said ‘mum’ for the first time two or three days ago. We can’t even walk out of the room without him looking for us. “We just want to support him the best we can in his life.”
Foster mum honoured for amazing contribution AnglicareSA foster carer Dawn Jennings was recognised with the Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award for 2021 for her commitment to children in the community.
“Most mothers look back on the first few months and remember how tiring they were – Dawn did the first three months 91 times,” said Pam in the nomination. “Women like Dawn are often overlooked. We need, as a society, to recognise them.” Dawn is a wonderful example of the lasting and remarkable difference someone can make in the lives of our most vulnerable children.
From the early 1980s to 2020, Dawn cared for more than 90 children, with some as young as two days old. Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink presented the award to Dawn on January 18 as part of the SA Australia Day Awards 2021 ceremony at Government House. She was nominated for the award by her friend Pam, who described the devoted carer as a quiet achiever.
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Montrose mural makeover
The interior walls of AnglicareSA’s Montrose disability respite centre for children were recently treated to a mural makeover. In January, talented University of South Australia media arts graduate Olivia Mitchell took on the project. The children and staff love how it has brightened up the space. Montrose has provided respite for children for more than 30 years. Previously situated at Netherby, the service moved to a new purpose-built house in Oaklands Park in 2015. The short-term accommodation house is designed specifically for children and young people with a disability. It provides opportunities for them to have a break from the family home, make new friends and develop life and independent living skills – all within a supportive, family-friendly environment.
Among many features, Montrose has wide hallways for wheelchairs, accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, a sensory room, a secure garden area specially designed to engage children in learning and play, and an accessible kitchen to allow children to assist in meal preparation.
Montrose supports children aged six to 17 years to access community- based programs and can accommodate up to five children for overnight stays. The service is staffed 24 hours per day and supports are individualised to meet each child’s needs.
Preparing for school AnglicareSA’s HIPPY program is gearing up to take on a new cohort of parents and children to help them prepare for their first day at school.
A mother of a four-year-old boy who recently enrolled in the program is very grateful for how HIPPY has transformed her and her son’s life. Before starting HIPPY, she was struggling to find ways to engage her son in learning and playing – he was very nervous and biting his nails to the point of injury. Through the HIPPY program, the mother was provided with the activities, encouragement and advice she needed. She has since learned how to approach her son in different ways and to ask questions that encourages his learning and sense of self.
HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) is a two- year, home-based early learning and parenting program for families with young children. From the age of four, children and parents work through weekly or fortnightly packs of play-based educational activities. The program also provides employment opportunities to parents, with those participating in HIPPY with their child sometimes being employed and trained as home tutors.
She has seen a huge improvement in her son’s behaviours as he has become more outgoing and is no longer biting his nails. Each year, AnglicareSA works with up to 130 families in the Onkaparinga and Playford council areas of Adelaide, to help encourage a love of learning, increase the likelihood of their children doing well at school, and improve their relationships with their children.
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Supporter Autumn 2021
New threads for new beginnings AnglicareSA’s Thread Together program continues to support South Australians impacted by the devastating 2019-20 bushfires. Throughout 2020, we helped 180 people on Kangaroo Island and had 790 visits to our mobile wardrobe vans in Lobethal. On our recent trip to Kangaroo Island, we heard stories of people who had very little time to leave before the fire struck. On return to their homes, they discovered they had lost everything. The two op shops on the island were often the only means of replacing clothing. People shared with us their feeling of embarrassment wearing other people’s old clothing in such
Along with the bushfire support, this included the safe delivery of more than 800 clothing packages during the period when social distancing protocols were at their strictest. Thank you to everyone for supporting Thread Together. It is an amazing example of a volunteer-led program that changes lives for the better.
a small community. Brand new clothes from Thread Together overcame this problem. All recipients were very grateful for the opportunity to take new clothing for their children, family and partners. Despite the impacts of COVID-19, AnglicareSA’s Thread Together program supported 2,853 people throughout 2020.
The Cathedral Banquet is back for 2021. Funds raised ensure we can continue to invest in improving the lives of South Australians. – Our Emergency Assistance hubs provide food security, personal care, medication, utilities, rent and referrals to other support services or counselling. Save the date!
Friday 29 October 2021
– The Thread Together vans deliver new clothes and a sense of dignity. – Turning Point supports young families in crisis and facing homelessness. – Star Bear provides grief counselling and camps for children who have lost a significant person in their life – often a parent or sibling.
Thanks to the generosity of those who support our Banquet, these programs continue to touch the lives of fellow South Australians. Our guests, suppliers, prize contributors and volunteers ensure the evening is always a night to remember.
If you would like to support this event as a sponsor, donate a prize or make a general enquiry, please email donate@anglicaresa.com.au
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Help restore dignity and hope Our Thread Together program continues to provide brand new, quality clothing to people doing it tough, imparting a sense of dignity and hope for their future. The clothes provide much more than physical comfort, often transforming a person’s outlook on life. Will you support the Thread Together vans to provide:
to lift Georgia in her job search. However, the best was yet to come. The Thread Together team also realised Georgia’s Year 12 formal was coming up. So many teens enjoy the thrill of selecting a special outfit, but sadly this was something Georgia knew was completely out of her family’s reach. The team was able to source a gorgeous outfit for Georgia’s formal. She was over the moon. The dress represented hope and anticipation of opportunities ahead and Georgia’s bubbly personality and positive attitude began to shine through. Georgia’s optimism continues as she looks for a job. It is this hopefulness that is so critical as she begins her search.
– a shot of confidence for a job seeker with an outfit to wear to an interview? – a designer outfit for a teenager who could never afford to buy one for their school formal? – a couple of outfits for both parents and children who lost everything in the fires? – clothes for a survivor of domestic violence? One recent beneficiary of the Thread Together program is 17-year-old *Georgia. Georgia’s family was referred to AnglicareSA’s Emergency Assistance program, unable to afford even the bare essentials. Our Thread team was able to help Georgia’s family with clothes, including an interview outfit
“All the staff are really kind and friendly. They made me feel like I’mworth something. I never dreamt of having a formal dress let alone a designer label. Thanks so much.” –Georgia
* Names and identity have been changed to protect privacy.
Thank you for giving hope to South Australians at the time they need it most.
How much will you donate?
$50
$100
$200
Provides 10 students with corporate attire to transition into the workforce
Will clothe 5 families seeking emergency assistance
Enables a van to travel to 3 regional communities
Online donations: www.anglicaresa.com.au and click Donate Post your cheque to: Autumn Appeal, 159 Port Road, Hindmarsh SA 5007 Call today: 08 8305 9200
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Thank you
Spreading the Christmas cheer during a tough year
The lead-up to Christmas can be difficult for many South Australians; a time when expectations are high and funds are low. With the help of parishes, schools and supporters, AnglicareSA packed and delivered 1,694 Christmas hampers to local families doing it tough. In addition, our emergency services sites recorded 1,300 visits from people in need of support in December, and all were provided with hamper-like goods for Christmas.
We received many ‘thank you’ messages from these families, who reported how much the hampers helped them get through Christmas and relieved the stress of getting presents for their children. Thank you also to everyone who generously supported our Christmas appeal, which raised $150,000 for our emergency assistance services. We asked for your help, and you went above and beyond in helping spread joy to many families doing it tough over the festive season.
Overall, more than 1,000 children received presents. Considering the tough and uncertain year we all endured, the numbers are truly astonishing. Our staff and volunteers were blown away by the kindness and efforts of the community.
For the first time ever, we had all 12 Anglican schools in Adelaide
participate – and most of the schools contributed almost double the amount they pledged. The feedback from parishes is that they were overwhelmed by how generous people were. It was also the first year we provided hampers to families across our broader range of support services.
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