SUPPORTER
SUMMER 2019
A new home for AnglicareSA’s CBD emergency assistance hub, The Magdalene Centre, was recently opened on Gilbert Street consolidating the many support services we provide across the city. Since 1905, when St John's Mission Church on Moore Street became known as St Mary Magdalene's Church, the name 'Magdalene' has been at the heart of life in Adelaide. In the late 1980s, the 'second Mag', the Collective of St Mary Magdalene, grew from a small group providing sandwiches in Hurtle Square to a Saturday Night Drop in Centre serving free meals to people experiencing homelessness and marginalisation. A few years later, St Mary Magdalene's invited neighbouring Anglican Parishes of St John's Halifax Street and St Peter's Cathedral to unite with Anglican Community Services (now AnglicareSA) to offer a weekday support program for people experiencing homelessness and marginalisation. MagCentre on themove
Through this the 'third Mag', The Magdalene Centre, was born.
AnglicareSA held its fifth annual Carer's Inspirational Dinner in October, recognising 100 full-time carers of adults living with mental illness. Guest speaker, best-selling author Andrew Matthews, sketched and spoke about the meaning of 'being happy' in a powerful presentation. Azz from Azzurro Arts painted two beautiful murals live at the event. The completed murals incorporate words that carers use to describe what it means to care for someone living with a complex disability. Attending the event were married couple David and Sophie, who both live with mental illness. For the last six years, they have cared for each other with the support of AnglicareSA. “We love coming to AnglicareSA’s social events – they help us connect with the community, develop friendships with other carers, and give us a sense of personal growth and self-worth,” Sophie said. At the end of the night, all of Andrew Matthews’ sketches and a collection of his books were raffled off. The evening was a small gesture to thank our wonderful carers who play such an important and challenging role in our community. Over time, The Magdalene Centre's service scope grew across various locations. The 82 Gilbert Street venue has enabled us to unify the Mag Centre under one roof, to better support those it serves. The services from all three of our Mag sites have now moved to the new site, along with other AnglicareSA programs and services. The Magdalene Centre on Gilbert Street now houses emergency assistance services including assessment, information, referrals, financial counselling and material assistance such as food, clothing and prescription medications to those in financial crisis.
Inspiring carers
Carmel and support worker Robert
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