Supporter Spring 2023
You’ve got a friend in Frances
A resident at the site for just a year herself, Frances was approached by the Customer Wellness team who were looking to develop the role of Resident Companion. Customer Wellness Coordinator Jennifer Pilling said the role was also about having someone that would be with residents who did not want to engage in activities and yet felt lonely or agitated. “It was obvious that Frances would be ideal in this role, and she has taken to it with enthusiasm,” Jennifer said. “Frances has been doing this role for a little more than four months now and we did an evaluation recently of the role and the other residents rated her highly. “They said she was a wonderful friendly face that was always welcoming and gave them comfort when they needed it.”
Meet Frances. Frances is the friendly face that welcomes new residents into AnglicareSA’s Westbourne Park residential aged care site. Given the role of Resident Companion, for the last four months Frances has been helping newcomers to the site make a smooth transition into living at Westbourne Park. “I like to show them where everything is,” Frances said, with a bright smile and beaming pride in her official title. “I help them settle in from a resident’s point of view and do everything from going on the bus with them, where to find things, or just talking. “My dinner table is known as the Happy Table because everyone is included, and people know they can sit and talk and be welcomed.” Inspirational awards Believe Housing Australia (BHA) was proud to receive two awards at the Australasian Housing Institute (AHI) Brighter Future Awards in September. Believe Housing Australia Tenancy Officer Jamie Ward won the Inspirational Team Member award for her contribution to the housing team, and BHA won the Innovation Award for our Solar Project in partnership with AnglicareSA and 369 Labs. The Solar Project installs solar systems on our community housing properties, at no expense to tenants. For the tenants it means reduced energy bills and a better understanding of how to control and when they use energy throughout the day, as well as reducing their carbon footprint. Believe Housing Australia’s Executive General Manager Stacey Northover said the Innovation Award for the Solar Project celebrated BHA’s unwavering
Frances loves welcoming new residents to Westbourne Park
Frances is relishing her role and describes it is as her “church work” where she also volunteers her time to helping others. Her commitment and efforts were recently recognised as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities where she was one of several residents who were acknowledged with Certificates of Merit for their volunteer roles within the site.
Believe Housing Australia was delighted to be recognised at the Australasian Housing Institute Brighter Future Awards
“Our employees serve as the lifeblood of our organisation, and this marks the second Inspirational Team Member award we’ve received from AHI. Every day, I take immense pride in the remarkable work our team accomplishes and the unwavering courage they exhibit.” The AHI awards are judged by peers across the industry, and winning entries now go on to the National Awards in October.
dedication to enhance lives and nurture sustainable communities through groundbreaking ideas and unwavering commitment. “This partnership serves as a remarkable exemplar of what can be accomplished when local businesses collaborate with the community housing sector, ultimately benefiting tenants who require all available assistance to avoid falling into poverty during these challenging times,” she said. Believe Housing Australia was also delighted to see Jamie Ward receive the Inspirational Team Member Award.
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