Flourish - Winter 2018

FLOURISH ISSUE NO. 5

WINTER 2018

6 WINTER APPEAL – HELPING OTHERS A STITCH AT A TIME IN THIS ISSUE:

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Heartfelt thanks to our incredible volunteers

New home provides fresh hope after hardship

A personal story of mental health and recovery

New community housing projects launched

Expanded program helps more parents find work

“ By working together, we can make a difference in the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness or financial hardship in our community.”

CEO LIBBY CRAFT, 2018

WELCOME

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ontrary to what many believe, rough sleeping only accounts for 5 per cent of homelessness in South Australia.

Adelaide Homelessness Services last year. Over six months, our staff worked with her to find suitable accommodation and eventually secured her a Housing SA property, which she was able to afford on her limited income.

Someone experiencing homelessness is more likely to be couch surfing between friends’ houses because they cannot afford accommodation of their own.

Unfortunately this is not always the case. The lack of affordable, appropriate housing means it is getting tougher and tougher to find homes for everyone who comes to us seeking support.

They might be staying in a backpacker hostel – and sometimes their car – because they have nowhere else to go.

This winter, we are inviting the community to make a difference by donating to the UnitingSA Winter Appeal.

We are collecting money and in-kind donations such as blankets, clothing and non-perishable food items, to distribute through our Emergency Relief centre and Homelessness Services.

They could be in emergency motel accommodation because there are no affordable houses available.

These scenarios may not sound as difficult as rough sleeping but the implications of being in these situations of hidden homelessness are far reaching.

You can also find out more about the support available to people in need by dropping in to our Homelessness in the West event during National Homelessness Week on August 9.

Without stable, ongoing accommodation it is difficult to hold down a job. It is a struggle to plan the week ahead, let alone what you might be doing a month from now.

Turn to pages 6 and 7 to find out more.

The instability has ramifications for mental health and family connections.

By working together, we can make a difference in the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness or financial hardship in our community.

For children, the impact of not having a stable home can be huge – from struggling with confidence, friendship groups and educational gaps, through to behavioural and long-term mental health issues.

Thank you for your support.

In this edition of Flourish, we meet a woman who came to our Western

Ms Libby Craft Chief Executive Officer

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

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Farewell to a gentle soul from our Wesley Social Enterprises family

Games Group has incredible impact on friendships, confidence and wellbeing

Wendy’s back at work after nine years, thanks to Building Family Opportunities

UPCOMING DATES July

August

September

8–15 NAIDOC Week

6–12 Homelessness Week

1–30 Dementia Awareness Month

8–22 School Holidays

9 World Indigenous People’s Day

2 Father’s Day

15 Youth Skills Day

12 International Youth Day

13 R U OK? Day

UNITING SA ANNUAL PROFILE

13,157

947

124

3,165

5,952

PEOPLE SUPPORTED

EMPLOYEES

VOLUNTEERS

PEOPLE CARED FOR ACROSS AGED CARE

OCCASIONS OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

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e are incredibly lucky at UnitingSA to have a team of hardworking, passionate volunteers helping us deliver critical aged care and community services to support people in need.

During National Volunteer Week (May 21–27), we officially thanked them all for their efforts with a special Volunteer Recognition Lunch at the Semaphore Palais Hotel.

Generous donation helps reduce isolation

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fancy dress ball in Adelaide’s west will have a flow-on effect for dozens of socially isolated people.

More than $5000 raised at the ball has been donated to UnitingSA’s Chat ‘n Chew program, which brings people together for a free fortnightly dinner in Port Adelaide.

UnitingSA’s Minister Les Underwood hosted the day, while our CEO Libby Craft and Board Chair Gael Fraser gave speeches. They each acknowledged the vital role volunteers play in helping our community flourish.

Looking out onto the ocean, a game of ‘getting to know you’ bingo kicked off the event, followed by a luncheon and certificate presentation.

Managers took turns speaking about the incredible skills, experience and generosity volunteers bring to each of our services.

UnitingSA’s Mental Health Services manager Paul Creedon says the ball was established last year as an extension of a social group, which meets regularly to bond over good food and conversation.

Paul says donating to Chat ‘n Chew was a natural fit.

“The group is about coming together to have a laugh and a good night, which is also what Chat ‘n Chew is all about,” Paul says.

“The purpose of the program is to get people who are really isolated together to develop friendships and for us to be able to touch base with them.

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UnitingSA Child, Youth and Family Services Manager Angela De Conno quoted Mandy Hale in her thank you to volunteers: “To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect.

You just have to care.”

Volunteers were also each gifted a t-shirt and badge as a token of appreciation.

To find out more about the diverse volunteering opportunities available at UnitingSA, visit unitingsa.com.au/ about-us/join-the-team or contact Jane Parker at jparker@unitingsa.com.au

“Volunteers serve food but the purpose of their time is to sit down and share a meal and talk with people about what’s happening in their lives.

“Often it is people who would not usually approach us for support, so it works really well as a way to help them and link them with services.”

The donation is enough to run Chat ‘n Chew for four months – a timeframe that will enable many more people to benefit from the social connection it provides.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

NEW ERA FOR HAWKSBURY GARDENS AGED CARE

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26-bedroom expansion of Hawksbury Gardens Aged Care in Salisbury North is complete, delighting residents and staff who are enjoying the modern transformation.

The bright, spacious rooms each come with their own en-suite and bring the total number of bedrooms at Hawksbury Gardens to 89.

Central to the revamp is a new kitchen, which allows all meals to be cooked fresh on-site instead of using external caterers.

The project has also added new sitting areas, a staff room, laundry and dining room.

Residents enjoyed their first meal cooked in the new kitchen on June 4 – a lunch of chicken tikka masala, which received rave reviews.

Hawksbury Gardens chef manager Damien Obst says the feedback on the menu and quality of food has been wonderful.

“It’s good to be able to evolve the residents’ tastebuds and they are really enjoying the variety,” Damien says.

“Our deep fried fish is always a winner and we are converting residents’ opinions of casseroles too.”

“This is a very nice place – the service is good and the room is perfect,” he says.

“The residents just love it – it’s got such a warm feel,” she says.

“There’s plenty of room for my clothes and I have my own bathroom too.”

“They are so impressed with the food and the fact that they’ve got a chef now.”

Sue Porter started as a volunteer at Hawksbury Gardens 15 years ago, and now works three days a week as an enrolled nurse.

She has loved watching the site evolve over time and says residents and staff alike have warmly welcomed the new development.

What they said: GUNTHER, RESIDENT: “This is a very nice place – the service is good and the room is perfect.”

RICHARD, NEW CHEF: “We’re planning to do a lot more fresh cooking of cakes and cookies. We’ve already started but we will get some more equipment and take it even further.

It’s going to be quite exciting.”

Work started on the redevelopment in April last year. Future work will include landscaping outside the memory support unit to create a special garden walk for residents.

SUE, ENROLLED NURSE: “The residents love it and the staff are enjoying it too – they’ve got good surroundings and good support.”

EDNA, HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT: “The new laundry is great – the machines are much quicker and it makes my job easier. It means we can process the clothes more quickly and deliver them back to residents.”

LISA, FOOD SERVICES ASSISTANT: “I’ve been here 16 years and the kitchen was the same for all that time until now. All the changes are for the better. It’s absolutely fabulous.”

Gunther, 88, was the first resident to move in to one of the new rooms in May.

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

How to donate to our Winter Appeal

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ou can help us support people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship by donating to UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal.

In-kind donations such as blankets, clothes and non-perishable food items can be delivered to 58 Dale St, Port Adelaide, between 9am and 1.30pm, Monday to Friday.

WINTER APPEAL – KNITTED WITH LOVE FOR THOSE IN NEED

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wenty knitted rugs are on their way to bring warmth to people in need, thanks to the skill and generosity of a group of residents at Westminster Village Aged Care.

Every Tuesday the residents gather to knit colourful squares, which are lovingly crocheted together to create blankets for UnitingSA’s Emergency Relief centre.

Anti-Poverty team leader Cindy Adey visited Westminster Village in July to collect the latest creations, which were donated to our Winter Appeal.

UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal supports people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and those in financial hardship requiring emergency relief.

“There are people who are sleeping in their car or transitioning from homelessness to home – these blankets will go to help those people,” Cindy says.

“Children in particular love the colours and it really brightens their day.

“Knowing these ladies are getting pleasure out of making the blankets and then people in need get the benefits, it means a lot.”

Sheryl, who has volunteered with the knitting group for the past five years, agrees the benefits are two-fold.

She says it helps residents form friendships, increase social interaction, and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

“At this time of year there is so much need and the ladies love being able to help,” Sheryl says.

“When they see the finished product, they say ‘that’s my square’. It’s very rewarding.”

As well as knitting together every Tuesday, the residents often knit squares in their rooms between times to ensure they make steady progress on the blankets.

One of the most prolific knitters is Joyce, who at 96 shows no sign of slowing down.

“Right from a youngster I’ve always knitted – it has always been a big part of my life,” she says.

“I’m sure a lot of people will appreciate these blankets.”

Phyllis, 91, has been part of the knitting group since moving to Westminster three years ago.

She especially loves knowing her work is helping people who really need it.

“It lifts my heart when I know where the blankets go,” Phyllis says.

Alternatively, you can support out services by donating online at unitingsa.com.au/donate or by phoning 8440 2200.

All donations will go to supporting people in need through our Homelessness Services and Emergency Relief centre.

For more information about the UnitingSA Winter Appeal, contact 8440 2117.

Homelessness Week event

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oin us for Homelessness Week in the West – an event being staged at our Child, Youth and Family Services on August 9.

We will host a free barbecue lunch, health and homelessness information stalls, family activities and entertainment at 58 Dale St, Port Adelaide, from 10am to 2pm.

It is a great way to find out more about the support available in the community for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or in financial hardship.

Free clothing will also be available from our op-shop on the day.

The event is being held during National Homelessness Week, which this year has the theme ‘Ending homelessness together’.

For more information about Homelessness in the West call 8440 2110.

“I feel that I can’t do much at my age but little things like this I can contribute to.”

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

“When we finally got out of there I asked what it had all been about and he said, ‘Don’t worry – we are married’.

“I said, ‘I didn’t come here to get married – I only came here for a holiday.

You tricked me’.”

Feeling helpless and under pressure in a foreign country, Tina agreed to move with him back to Australia.

In Adelaide, the man who had treated her as “a queen” in Tunisia transformed into a distant, abusive person who had regular affairs with other women and spent all her money.

For Tina, it was just another dark chapter in her story.

Tina started life in an Adelaide orphanage, where she suffered abuse at the hands of those entrusted to protect her.

At age 13, she ran away and caught a train to Melbourne – hopeful for a fresh start.

What followed was a series of abusive marriages over 30 years that slowly eroded her confidence and trust in men.

She had 14 children but is now estranged from her entire family.

NEW HOME, FRESH HOPE FOR TINA

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rust does not come easily for Tina, who has endured more hardship in her life than most.

But she found it at Western Adelaide Homelessness Services, where she turned for support in February last year.

When Tina, 60, first walked in to the centre on Lipson St, Port Adelaide, she was slipping further and further into debt.

After more than 25 years in the workforce, she was unemployed and after paying rent, was left with just $10 a fortnight for food and bills.

“I’d be six feet under if I hadn’t come in here,” Tina says.

“I was getting to that stage where I just couldn’t do it anymore.

“All my pay from Newstart was going to rent – I had no money for food.

“I don’t know how I found this place but if I hadn’t met Brendon, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Brendon is a coordinator at Western Adelaide Homelessness Services and

he spent six months working to secure Tina a Housing SA property, which she moved into in July last year.

Compared with a private rental, Tina now has enough money left each fortnight to buy food, pay bills and slowly reduce her debts.

Brendon also helped Tina access financial counselling and legal aid, to help her through a difficult divorce from a man who effectively tricked her into marriage.

In 2012, Tina travelled to Tunisia to meet a man she had been chatting with online for several years.

On the second day, he took her to a “dirty, rundown building” where a group of men held them in a small office for several hours.

“I didn’t understand their language and he kept saying it would be all right and to trust him,” she says.

“I kept saying I didn’t feel safe and then they got me to sign a big book in a different language.

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The trip to Tunisia was her first time overseas and instead of being a much-anticipated life highlight, it ended in further disappointment.

However, in a testament to Tina’s strength, she is now looking forward and is hopeful for the first time in years.

She says the security of her new home has been transformative and she is looking for a new job as a screen printer or in a second-hand shop.

Amazingly, she is also open to having another relationship one day and hopes to find “true love”.

Through it all, she knows she has the team at Western Adelaide Homelessness Services to turn to whenever she needs support.

“I feel very comfortable here and would tell others to come,” she says.

“This is where you can put your trust in and they will really listen.

“If sharing my story can help someone else, I will be happy.”

TINA

Find out more about Western Adelaide Homelessness Services at www.unitingsa.com.au or by calling 8440 2110.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

RICHARD’S JOURNEY OF RECOVERY IS INSPIRING OTHERS

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ichard Warland truly walks alongside people with a mental illness on their path to recovery because he has been there.

He knows what it feels like to be uncomfortable in his own skin.

He understands it is possible to wake up one day, unable to trust your own thoughts.

And he knows recovery is a long journey that requires persistence, understanding and support.

Richard can tell you the moment his world “came crashing down”.

“I’d noticed for a week that something wasn’t right in my head,” he says.

“I felt odd and then over a two or three day period it plummeted badly.

“I was having constant panic attacks, my body felt like it was on fire, all my muscles clenched up.

“I was just gone and I was looking at my wife going, ‘I know you but I don’t know how’.”

Richard says the rapid decline surprised him but it hadn’t come from nowhere.

Four months earlier, in July 2004, he had been involved in an industrial accident in which an electrical cabinet fell on him and crushed his spine.

“I was somebody who had never been unemployed – I had a wife, I had kids and a mortgage.

“I went from that to being someone who couldn’t do much apart from lie flat on my back.

“I was just living in my own head.”

A few weeks later Richard returned home and that’s when his true rehabilitation started.

“I had two personalities – the one I wanted the world to see and then there was me.

He began working with his GP, psychiatrist and psychologist to uncover the source of his breakdown and ongoing depression and anxiety.

“I was an outwardly functioning person but inside I was broken.”

“There began a journey of about three years of this concept of recovery,” Richard says.

“It’s not a physical recovery – it is recovering your life, recovering back what is yours and being able to be functional again.”

RICHARD

He came to understand his difficult childhood, which included his father’s suicide and abuse at the hands of his stepfather, had influenced his later struggles.

For many years, he had managed to bury the damage deep and continued to progress through life, developing a successful career and relationship.

But in 1995, his first daughter was born and Richard says this, along with extra pressure in the workplace, led to the first hint there was something wrong.

This, combined with a cocktail of drugs prescribed to numb the pain, led to a mental breakdown.

The following nine years he felt the struggle of balancing his family and work life, which took its toll on his mental health.

He was rushed to Noarlunga Hospital’s emergency department and soon admitted as a voluntary patient in the mental health ward.

“I was never physically violent but I would walk in the door and explode – I was Jekyll and Hyde,” he recalls.

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“It was a very horrible experience to go through but I also reflect on it being such a blessing,” he says.

“I’d been given this opportunity to hit the reset button and restart.

“I worked with my psychologist to put it all back together – I re-thought everything about what was important to me, who I was, what I wanted for the future.

“I now had the opportunity to be the person I should have been.”

After some false starts, Richard found his place in 2012 when he secured a traineeship in mental health peer work.

His intensive work with the doctors led him to discover his upbringing had played a key role in his decline.

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Richard labels the 2004 work accident as “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and his subsequent breakdown as the “reset button”.

He went on to complete a Certificate 4 in Mental Health and in 2014, joined UnitingSA as a peer support worker with our Individual Psychosocial Recovery Support Service (IPRSS), based at Christies Beach.

Peer support workers are part of UnitingSA’s lived experience workforce – a team of people using the skills developed from their own journey of recovery to help others.

“To be able to say I am a peer support worker, it’s me saying to the world, ‘This is who I am, I come with baggage but I will do my best to help those who are going through a similar journey’,” Richard says.

“I remember sitting down with my manager saying, ‘I don’t really care if you pay me or not – this is what I have got to be doing. I’ve got to give back to others what was given to me’.

“Hopefully I will give people hope to see there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

PHIL’S PART OF THE UNITINGSA FAMILY

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hillip Jacobs feels like he is with family when he visits the team at UnitingSA’s Disability Services.

As one of our earliest clients in Bordertown, the team has been supporting Phillip to achieve his dreams ever since he left school at 18.

“At the time, Phil’s biggest goal was to find a job in the community,” UnitingSA’s Bordertown coordinator Kelly Wigney says.

“We supported him to undertake some work experience before ultimately securing and settling into a job at the Bordertown Recycle Centre.

“Around this time, Phil was also becoming more independent and wanted to ride his bike to and from work and access activities around town, so we assisted him to learn the road rules and practice riding safely.”

Now aged 42, Phillip has lived independently for many years, managing his own household tasks and everyday activities with support from his mum Lois and our staff.

We have supported him through a number of job changes, including at the Meatworks and Blue Lake Milling, where he has been a valued employee for the past 11 years.

Kelly says the support provided to Phillip over almost 25 years has been about much more than addressing the practical realities of employment and home living.

From day trips to watch the Crows, to dining out in Mount Gambier, Kelly says UnitingSA supports Phillip to enjoy a vibrant social life.

“It’s all about making memories for Phil and doing the things that he most enjoys, whether that’s carpet bowls, watching the cricket or just grabbing some chicken and chips,” she says.

“Phil enjoys being part of many social events, so we provide transport and one-on-one assistance to ensure he can access lots of different opportunities and venues.

“He loves the Crows with a passion, so we’ve even taken him to Adelaide to watch a footy match.”

“We’re a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme provider and can help you bring your NDIS plan to life.

“Our goal is simple – to use the NDIS to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people we support.

“For us, our client’s happiness is the marker of success.”

KELLY

To find out more about UnitingSA’s Bordertown services, call Kelly and the team on 0416 036 681.

Kelly says Phillip’s mum Lois has been a huge part of his success, assisting him to be independent and make his own decisions to enjoy a full and happy life.

The team at UnitingSA Bordertown Disability Services has been supporting people across the Tatiara district for more than 30 years.

“Like Phil, we can help you to achieve your goals and live the life you want,” Kelly says.

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

SUCCESSFUL TRANSFORMATIONS

BY PORTWAY HOUSING

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wo new community housing projects have been complete in Adelaide’s west, creating 14 affordable townhouses for families on low incomes.

UnitingSA staged an official launch of Portway Housing Association’s Pennington project on April 5, followed by an event to launch the Kidman Park development on June 15.

In Pennington, the Portway team transformed eight rundown townhouses at 640 Torrens Rd into modern, three-bedroom properties.

Major works included gutting the two-storey buildings and installing new kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces, as well as extensive work rewiring, plumbing and landscaping.

In Kidman Park, the team replaced two outdated units on Sydney Ave with six quality three-bedroom townhouses.

It was the first project delivered by a Tier 2 Community Housing Provider under Renewal SA’s ‘Community Housing Asset Renewal Program’.

We were privileged to have the Minister for Human Services, the Honourable Michelle Lensink MLC,

speak at both of the launch events, as well as Renewal SA’s General Manager, Housing Strategy and Development, Michael Buchan.

“We know that housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head – it means security, improved wellbeing and community connection.”

They spoke about how the projects are successful examples of the government and community organisations working together to create vital accommodation to the people most in need in our community.

Portway Housing acting manager Con Hadjicostantis says the projects are testament to the dedication of the Portway team.

UnitingSA CEO Libby Craft says community housing is key to ensuring people on low incomes are able to access safe, secure accommodation.

“Affordable accommodation is critical to the communities we support and we are proud of our history providing a variety of low-cost housing options.”

LIBBY

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“Everyone played a part in seeing these projects through from inception to completion,” Con says.

“It’s a holistic approach, with everyone working together to provide quality housing for tenants.

“We are a small team achieving big things.”

Forming part of the UnitingSA family, Portway Housing Association was established in 1984 and offers subsidised accommodation to people on low incomes.

Approximately 90 per cent of Portway’s 360 properties accommodate low-income families and individuals, including refugees, people with a mental illness and those aged over 65.

To find out more about Portway Housing Association or to register for a property, visit www.unitingsa.com.au/portwayhousing or phone 8440 2219.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

While not always lucky in love, Rod says luck was certainly on his side the day he found out about Portway Housing.

Long-term tenant is part of the Portway furniture

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od is one of the Portway Housing ‘originals’.

When he moved into his Taperoo property 25 years ago, it was managed

by Port Adelaide Central Mission and he was one of just four tenants.

“We used to take it in turns going to each other’s houses each weekend to do work to make sure the properties were maintained,” Rod says.

“The Port Mission didn’t have to do much at all because we took care of it.”

In 1997, the first dedicated staff member was employed to look after Portway Housing properties.

“My wife at the time and I were living in Broome and we wanted to get a better education for the kids, so we moved back to Adelaide,” he explains.

“We came down here and lived with my mother and family for a couple of months.

In recent years this has included a new kitchen and bathroom renovation.

“Portway have been really good to me – I’m really happy with the way things are,” he says.

“I keep saying to them, ‘You’ll have to take me out in a coffin before you get me out of here’.”

Rod lives with his two-year-old blue heeler, Shadow, but the household hasn’t always been so quiet.

At one stage, he and his former partner had five children between them living in the three-bedroom home.

Since that day, the Association has continued to grow and it now owns 373 properties across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

“She kept wanting to move to a bigger place but I said, ‘I’m not moving from here – it’s affordable and they look after you’.

Among the big changes Rod has noticed was the introduction of a maintenance coordinator to organise work on his home.

“I then saved up for a year and bought her a seven-seater van and within the week she did the bolt and took off with her three kids.”

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“The Mission said, ‘We’ve got a key to a house if you want to have a look’.

“My wife took the key and said, ‘We’re moving in’ before she had even seen it. She couldn’t handle living with my mother any longer!”

Rod soon became firmly entrenched in the Port community, with his children attending the local schools and him becoming a firm fixture at the North Haven football and cricket clubs.

“I’ve travelled all over Australia.

I’ve been all over the world and I’ll always come back to this area,” he says.

When asked if he would recommend a Portway Housing tenancy to others, Rod has this message: “If you’ve got the option to move into a property with Portway Housing, jump at the chance.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I am in without them.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

“Gianni was through and through an Essendon supporter so as the hearse drove away, everyone released a black or red balloon,” Sue says.

“The service really showed Gianni’s love of Essendon, the Kingston Football Club and WSE.” More than 250 people turned out to farewell Gianni, known as “a very gentle, kind, thoughtful soul”.

“Gianni’s main aim in life was to ensure everyone around him was happy,” Sue says.

“If people around him were happy, he was happy… that was how he worked.”

FAREWELL TO A TRULY GENTLE SOUL

Gianni was one of the first supported employees at WSE, where he had worked since 1989.

He spent two days a week maintaining gardens as a member of the Lawn Rangers, and one day making biscuits and condiments for Grandma’s Pantry.

“His work ethic at WSE was truly something to admire,” Sue says.

“He never missed a day, never complained, was always on time and went out of his way to do anything he could to help.

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ne of our beloved supported employees at Wesley Social Enterprises has been farewelled in a moving funeral service at Kingston Football Club.

Financial support for social enterprise crew

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Gianni Spada, 43, died unexpectedly on May 27, leaving a hole in the tight-knit community and the WSE team, who considered him family.

WSE program manager Sue Chester says the funeral on June 5 was “a very simple service – just how Gianni would have loved it”.

“He was an amazing role model for any new supported employees.

“Gianni’s death was just so unexpected and he was such an integral part of this place – he is very sorely missed.”

Gianni is survived by his mum Barb, wife Lisa, stepdaughter KJ, brother Tony, sister Marissa, and his many loved nephews and nieces.

Led by UnitingSA’s Anti-Poverty team leader Cindy Adey and financial counsellor Anna Clappis, the workshops ran through the ABCs of money matters.

Some of the employees went on to have individual financial counselling sessions to drill down into their personal circumstances and set goals.

Sessions were held across our metropolitan WSE sites, as well as our regional offices in Kingston and Whyalla.

And they weren’t the only ones to benefit.

Cindy and Anna relished their time touring WSE sites across metropolitan and regional South Australia.

WSE manager Penny McAuley says it has been exciting to see the supported employees embracing the advice and implementing it in their daily lives.

f you happen to notice one of our Wesley Social Enterprises (WSE) supported employees giving their manager a high five, it is about more than work satisfaction.

“They are all on the disability pension and every dollar counts,” Penny says.

“Now they know who they can reach out to when they get into a financial situation.

Chances are, they have saved money on a bill or successfully achieved a budgeting goal and are cementing the win with a quick hand slap.

“They learnt about what concessions they are entitled to, about banking, expense pressures, bills, superannuation and budgeting.

“They know we are only a phone call away and not to make snap decisions or sign things unless they really understand what they mean.”

It’s a mark of how much they’ve learned in recent months through a series of financial workshops.

“Our supported employees felt really valued through the process – they loved it and were very appreciative of what they learnt.”

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“It was the best thing ever to get out there and meet the team – we loved every minute of it,” Cindy says.

The workshops were made possible thanks to a grant WSE secured through the Department of Social Services.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

MORE THAN JUST A GAME

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n the surface, it looks like a room of people having a laugh over board games and cards.

But the impact of a weekly games group in Adelaide’s north-east runs much deeper.

The group is part of UnitingSA’s Individual Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Support Service (IPRSS), which helps people with a mental illness on their path to recovery.

It is held every Friday at the Jubilee Community Centre in Wynn Vale, where the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and, above all, inclusive.

Over Scrabble, Bingo and Snakes and Ladders – to name a few – friendships are forming, confidence is increasing and people’s wellbeing is dramatically improving.

“The key to improving mental health is being around people and being social,” community support worker Gayle Horne says.

“People often get very isolated and this group helps improve that.”

GAYLE

Games Group Members – What they said: COMFORT: “I like playing the cards and the bingo. I’ve made some great friends. I look forward to it.”

MEL: “I like the company and I help to organise things. I brought in all the colouring-in books and the textas for the group. Plus, I run the bingo.”

“It’s not that people have to play games – some people just come and sit.

“They feel as though it’s somewhere they can belong.”

Gayle says the group is also about “empowering people”, with some of the participants taking a lead role in setting up each week, shopping for food and planning activities.

The introduction of a new ‘trivia’ game has also been a great way to encourage teamwork and provide a workout for the brain.

Fellow community support worker Tamra Baker says the transformation in some

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ALAN: “It gets me out of the house and interacting with other people, which is nice. I’m not a big games player as such, but it’s just nice to get out and spend some time with different people.”

AMANDA: “I love the competition with the games and the people. Uno is my favourite – and the bingo is really good because everyone gets involved. The morning tea is also lovely.”

of the people who have attended the group since it started 18 months ago has been incredible to watch.

“Someone might sit on the outer and then gradually build confidence to join in one of the games,” she says.

“To see that is amazing.”

As well as games group, IPRSS is engaging people in a variety of ways, including with excursions such as ten-pin bowling, fishing and visits to the Adelaide Zoo. To find out more about IPRSS and the weekly games group, contact 8281 2575.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

W

e were delighted to officially recognise more than 100 employees for reaching a milestone year at UnitingSA at a special lunch in June.

Among those recognised were nine people who have worked at UnitingSA for 20 years, three people who celebrated 25 years of service, and three people who have contributed an incredible 30 years to the organisation.

CELEBRATING OUR DEDICATED STAFF

Contract win will help more parents find work

T

he Federal Government has selected UnitingSA to deliver an expanded program to help parents with young children prepare for future employment.

After two years of running the ParentsNext program pilot, we are delighted to be recognised with a new three-year contract, in which we will be delivering the program in more areas.

Previously, we ran ParentsNext for parents living in the City of Playford and have helped over 900 parents prepare to join or re-enter the workforce by the time their youngest child starts school.

Our new contract enables us to deliver the program to parents in Elizabeth, Gawler, Modbury, Port Adelaide, Salisbury, Taperoo and Torrensville.

We have also been chosen to deliver the program in the Murraylands and Riverland.

“Delivering the ParentsNext Pilot Project in Playford has been a fantastic opportunity – we’ve been able to increase our knowledge about services available in the local community to help parents connect and achieve their goals,” UnitingSA’s ParentsNext manager Margaret Liddell says.

“Our ParentsNext team has worked positively with parents to assist in skills development, to prepare for employment, access training and be ready for the changes to participation requirements that occur once their youngest child turns 6.

“We are really looking forward to being able to assist more parents in the expanded program.”

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We are so fortunate to have many long-standing employees as part of the UnitingSA family.

Without them, we would not be able to deliver such high quality support to more than 13,000 people in need across South Australia each year.

The Federal Government announced in April the 57 organisations across the country chosen to deliver the expanded program.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash, says the expansion is expected to help about 68,000 parents across Australia each year.

“The best form of welfare is a job but for many parents, particularly women, caring for young children means long periods out of the paid workforce and it can be hard to get back into it,” Minister Cash says.

“This program really helps parents with the skills and assistance they need to get into the workforce, leading to better outcomes for their families.

“The successful ParentsNext providers are experienced in delivering services that meet the needs of parents, especially Indigenous parents, in their communities.”

To find out more about ParentsNext contact Margaret Liddell on 8259 2900 or email parentsnext@unitingsa.com.au

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

When she started volunteering Wendy barely spoke to her colleagues but over the coming months her confidence grew.

She moved from sorting out donations in the back room to helping customers in the shopfront, and was even promoted to a coordinator role.

Then, on December 7, Wendy received an early Christmas present – her first paid job in nine years.

She secured a position working for Cater Care as a catering assistant at Wesley House Aged Care in Semaphore Park.

In her role she assists in the preparation and distribution of food to the residents who call Wesley House home.

“At first it felt strange going from no work and then coming into work five days a week,” Wendy says.

“But I love it.

Everyone is so friendly and I feel good about having a purpose.”

PROGRAM GIVES FAMILY NEW LEASE ON LIFE

W

hen Wendy was put in touch with our Building Family Opportunities program, she had no idea how much her life was about to change.

At the time she was depressed and rarely left her house, after a series of health setbacks and nine years of unemployment took their toll.

“I had pain all the time because I had three bulged discs and a tear in my knee from a car accident,” Wendy, 51, says.

“I had depression, was at home and didn’t want to go anywhere at all.

“I was in a pretty bad way.”

Wendy’s support worker tried different ways to reduce her social isolation, including getting her involved in a local community group.

“But when I went out I wanted to go straight back home,” Wendy says.

“I didn’t want to do anything – then she put me onto Building Family Opportunities.”

Building Family Opportunities – or BFO as most people refer to it – uses an intensive case management model to support long-term unemployed families to connect with training, education and employment.

Since January 2017, UnitingSA has assisted 328 families through the program, placing 113 people into work and 158 people into education and training.

Wendy is one of the program’s success stories.

WENDY

In a true show of what BFO is all about, Wendy’s son Jake, 18, has also benefited from the program.

“Jake finished year 12 last year and he was sleeping during the day and up at night with his games and not going anywhere,” Wendy says.

“I let it go for a few months but then I took him in to BFO and he had a job within two weeks.”

When Jake’s employer had to reluctantly let him go due to broader staff cuts a short time later, BFO staff again stepped in to help.

BFO manager Geoff Revill says it demonstrates the program’s values of working alongside people on their employment journey.

“Building Family Opportunities is not just a quick fix – we work with people to help them overcome barriers to employment and we don’t just walk away as soon as they have a job,” Geoff says.

Within weeks of joining the program last year, Wendy began participating in the Barkuma Employment Pathways (ACE) course to become job-ready.

“When Jake lost his job through no fault of his own, we again supported him and his new job started in mid-July.

After completing the course, BFO staff helped her obtain a voluntary role at the Elizabeth South Community Centre, where she excelled.

For more information about Building Family Opportunities or to get involved call 8259 2900.

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“It’s a great outcome for everyone.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 5 | 2018

70 Dale Street • PO Box 3032, Port Adelaide, SA 5015 P. (08) 8440 2200 E. unitingsa@unitingsa.com.au W. unitingsa.com.au @unitingsa @unitingsa Photography Catherine Leo at cathleo.com.au Editorial enquiries or feedback: (08) 8200 9213 © Copyright 2018 UnitingSA