Building connections step by step June and Sharon look forward to a brisk walk and a chat at AnglicareSA’s Natter and Network group every Monday morning, walking two kilometres around Playford’s Fremont Park.
“It’s a bit of conversation, exercise, and fresh air,” said Sharon, who had been regularly attending for a year. “Being out in nature as well has definitely been a boost for my mental health.” Leonie Bush, one half of the AnglicareSA duo that facilitated Natter and Network, said there was no better way to start the week than with a walking group. “To enjoy the fresh air and connect with others is a great start to the week.” AnglicareSA has a strong connection in Playford with adults and families, through its Communities For Children, Kids Club, HIPPY, JET Creche, and Community Connections programs. Leonie said Natter and Network was another offering connecting people in the community and reducing social isolation.
Stacey, Leonie, Sharon, and June stepping it out with Natter and Network
“Some participants tell me they’ve got housework or errands to run, but would rather come and socialise in the groups,” Leonie said. “It’s an outlet for them to have some fun.”
Vital access to support for those impacted by suicide
An award-winning collaboration between AnglicareSA and South Australia Police (SAPOL) is helping connect people bereaved by suicide to vital support services.
AnglicareSA CEO Grant Reubenicht and South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June linking SAPOL to the StandBy Support After Suicide. AnglicareSA Acting Manager, Suicide Prevention, Michelle Roberts, said through the collaboration SAPOL officers had access to an online portal on their phones which enabled them to refer people bereaved or impacted by suicide directly to StandBy. SAPOL Mental Health Operations Support Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Peter Benn, said the initiative had addressed a gap in service delivery expressed by next of kin in the hours and days following a suicide, specifically in relation to support services and the processes of a coronial inquest.
AnglicareSA CEO Grant Reubenicht, AnglicareSA Acting Manager, Suicide Prevention, Michelle Roberts, with South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens
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