Flourish Magazine - Winter 2021

FLOURISH ISSUE NO. 12

WINTER 2021

11 VIBRANT EVENT CELEBRATES CULTURE & RECONCILIATION IN THIS ISSUE:

4

5

6

10

12

New aged care development opens to residents

Second hand computers donated to help others

Creative project gives children a voice

Retiring CEO reflects on over 25 years of service

New mental health research into lived experience

“ I feel privileged to be taking over the reins of such an established, impactful organisation, and am excited for all that we can continue to achieve for those we support across the state.”

CEO JENNY HALL, 2021

WELCOME

W

elcome to the winter edition of UnitingSA’s Flourish magazine, which features news from across our housing, aged care and community services.

I encourage you to read her story and, if you can afford to donate to the appeal, we would be extremely grateful.

On page 10, retiring CEO Libby Craft reflects on an incredible career spanning more than 25 years with the organisation, from the Port Adelaide Central Mission through to UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide and UnitingSA. In her interview, Libby speaks about the challenges, highlights and her hopes for the future. What is clear is that she is incredibly proud of, and thankful to, the staff at UnitingSA for their commitment to the organisation’s values and vision.

I joined UnitingSA as the new CEO at the end of June and am excited to be leading the organisation into the future.

I can already see UnitingSA is a very special organisation, with a compassionate workforce dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

On page 11, we share all the colour from Reconciliation in the West, which was a fabulous event held in May celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity. After having to move the event online in 2020 due to COVID-19, it was wonderful UnitingSA was able to co-host an in-person event at Tauondi College this year.

Having spent my career in community services and aged care, I am thrilled to be able to draw on my own experiences to help build upon the organisation’s rich history supporting communities across South Australia.

In this edition of Flourish, we have a diverse mix of stories from across UnitingSA’s breadth of services.

I feel privileged to be taking over the reins of such an established, impactful organisation, and am excited for all that we can continue to achieve for those we support across the state.

On page 4, you can see photos of our newest aged care development in West Lakes, which is now open to residents after years of planning.

I look forward to working with our staff, volunteers, community partners, donors and other key stakeholders to realise UnitingSA’s vision for a compassionate, respectful and just community in which all people participate and flourish.

On pages 8 and 9, we launch our Winter Appeal, which helps to raise essential funds at one of our busiest times of year.

Donations help us to provide food, clothing and warmth to people doing it tough during the colder months.

As part of the campaign, local mum Kate was courageous enough to share her own experiences of homelessness.

UNITINGSA

Jenny Hall Chief Executive Officer

2

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

8

13

15

Kate and Eli share their homelessness experience as we launch our 2021 Winter Appeal

Our weekly fishing group helps participants build skills, confidence and community connection

Meet the man who has brought music to Westminster Village Aged Care for over 20 years

UPCOMING DATES July

August

September

4 NAIDOC Week begins

7 Aged Care Employee Day

5 Father’s Day

15 UnitingSA Staff

12 International Youth Day

9 R U OK? Day

19 World Humanitarian Day

20–26 Dementia Action Week

Recognition Luncheon

30 International Day of Friendship

UNITING SA ANNUAL PROFILE

14,103

1,003

93

2,463

4,631

PEOPLE SUPPORTED

EMPLOYEES

VOLUNTEERS

PEOPLE CARED FOR ACROSS AGED CARE

OCCASIONS OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

UNITINGSA

3

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

Community housing project unveiled

A

s part of UnitingSA’s ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing for South Australians, we are proud to unveil plans for a new development in Adelaide’s western suburbs.

UnitingSA Housing will work in partnership with Dominion Homes to build five three-bedroom townhouses in Kidman Park.

The homes will feature a range of environmentally friendly features to keep energy costs low for tenants, including a 6.6kW solar system on each premises.

WELCOME TO UNITINGSA WEST LAKES

Work is anticipated to start later this year and be complete mid-2022.

UnitingSA Executive Manager Property and Housing, Ben Moore, says the project is the latest in a series of community housing developments aimed at addressing the shortage of affordable housing across the state.

“As an organisation supporting people experiencing financial hardship and homelessness, we know all too well the impact a lack of affordable housing can have on people’s lives,” Ben says.

“We are proud to be part of the solution and to contribute towards positive housing outcomes for our community.”

The new development will build upon UnitingSA Housing’s steady run of projects in recent months.

A nine-townhouse development in Kurralta Park and an eight-house project in Ferryden Park, targeting older women at risk of homelessness, are both set to be complete over the next few weeks.

Also in the pipeline is a 40-apartment affordable housing complex at Prospect, with work expected to commence later this year.

Once complete, the developments will bring UnitingSA’s housing portfolio to 607 properties.

A

fter several years of planning and 20 months of construction, we are delighted that UnitingSA West Lakes is now open to residents.

“I also love the way it is set up here when you walk around to all of the different areas. It’s beautiful,” she says.

The five-storey aged care complex is located at the former Football Park site, at 1 Charles Street, West Lakes.

“What I love about it is how friendly the staff are,” she says.

With three levels of Residential Aged Care and top-floor Retirement Living apartments, people are able to age in place and loved ones can remain together under one roof as their needs change.

Since the first residents moved in during April, the complex has been a hive of activity as residents, staff and visitors settle into the new premises and enjoy the modern facilities and wonderful views.

Resident Barb says she really enjoys getting involved in the different activities.

UNITINGSA

4

For fellow resident Kathleen, it is the staff who she finds the most impressive.

“I was a nurse once myself and I can tell how good they are at their job.”

The next stage will involve tenanting the Ground Floor, including moving our Community Aged Care and Admissions staff in to create an Aged Care Services Hub. A huge congratulations goes to everyone involved in this project, including UnitingSA staff, Walter Brooke Architects and Kennett Builders.

It has taken an incredible amount of work but the outcome is something we can all be extremely proud of.

For more information, visit unitingsa.com.au/ aged-care/west-lakes

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN

S

econd-hand computers at UnitingSA are being put to good use, by being donated to people who would otherwise not be able to afford one.

Grant is one of the latest recipients and he is quickly discovering a whole new world awaits at the click of a mouse.

At 63, this year is the first time Grant has ever used a computer – let alone had one to call his own.

“It’s a good gift from UnitingSA,” Grant says.

“I’ve never even met the people in IT and they’ve given me a computer.

“I’m just learning how to use it at this stage.”

UnitingSA support worker Yixian spends time with Grant twice a week, providing social supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

They visit the gym, attend an art class and work on developing other skills Grant is interested in.

Learning how to use his new laptop is Grant’s latest venture, with Yixian teaching him the basics including typing, setting up an email address, searching the internet and other key skills.

She hopes that it will eventually become a social tool for Grant, who lives in a Supported Residential Facility and is quite isolated.

“It’s really good for him because he can get access to information and it gives him something to do, especially as he spends a lot of time alone,” Yixian says.

“Technology in this age is such a big part of life, so this will help him not get left behind.”

YIXIAN

Computing is not the first skill Yixian is teaching Grant.

A few months ago, upon learning Yixian used to work as a Mandarin teacher in China, Grant asked her to teach him a few words.

Grant now carries around a workbook he has diligently filled in with lists of Mandarin words and English translations.

Yixian says she has been amazed at Grant’s ability to learn the language

UNITINGSA

5

so quickly and she has no doubt he will also master his computer in no time.

However, Grant is humble about his abilities: “A lot of people say that I am a fast learner but I don’t consider myself smarter or any different than anybody else,” he says.

“Some people are quick learners and some people are slower but we all get there in the end.”

UnitingSA’s IT Manager Kylie Badcock says the team donates between 20 and 30 computers to clients each year.

“A large part of the role of the IT team is updating and replacing computers as they become out of date for our network environment,” Kylie says.

“Although no longer suitable in our work environments, on many occasions they are still in good enough shape to donate back to our clients.

“Our clients have used the computers to facilitate study, to improve general skills, social reasons, for job searches and just to participate in life where computer access is becoming more and more essential.

“In this way we feel like we are assisting, in a small way, to help our UnitingSA client community.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

EXHIBITION GIVES CHILDREN A VOICE

A

lmost 100 children have showcased their artworks through our Communities for Children (CfC) ‘Important to Me’ art exhibition.

Held annually during Families Week, the exhibition invites children aged up to 13 to express what matters most to them through a drawing and accompanying description.

The artwork was on display at Charles Sturt Civic Library throughout May, as well as in a digital exhibition on the library’s website and the UnitingSA website and Facebook page.

A selection of the artworks are also featured in the annual CfC calendar, which is distributed for free to local families and throughout SA.

CfC Community Development Facilitator Carolyn Woodward says the project helps parents, friends and the broader community better understand children’s feelings, interests and aspirations.

“Children talk together about the activity and they engage in what is important to them,” Carolyn says.

“It’s really special to be able to give them these opportunities to have their voices heard.

“We also look at what the children are saying and use that to inform our CfC program.”

Children at Adelaide Miethke Kindergarten, in Woodville, are among those to get involved in the exhibition each year.

Preschool Director Suzanne Dawson says the children enjoy the process and it helps to develop relationships.

“It fits within our Term 1 curriculum, which is very much about belonging and establishing relationships and getting to know children and their families,” Suzanne says.

“The children do their own drawing and then we engage with them to scribe what’s important to them.

“We are always trying to give children a voice within all of the things they are doing at preschool.”

The Communities for Children Program is delivered

by UnitingSA with support from the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

To view an online gallery of the children’s artworks, visit unitingsa.com.au/important-to-me

What is important to you?

POPPY: “I like my baby because I like rocking her on her rocker.”

ZOE: “My family because my mummy and daddy always take me to the park.”

BRYCE: “My dog and my dad and flowers and the sun.”

UNITINGSA

6

ISABELLA: “My house and my baby toy because she is special.”

MATTEO: “I drew my mummy because I love her.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

Art prize honours Caroline’s talent

A

big congratulations goes to Caroline, who we support through our GP Access West program, for her recent win in Neami’s art competition.

Caroline took out the Merit Award and the Best Character Drawing category for her artwork.

Our Mental Health Services team loves assisting Caroline to attend the local Neami Comet art group each week.

“I enjoy drawing the pictures and making them all look a little bit different,” Caroline says.

A SANCTUARY IN THE SOUTH

N

estled in Adelaide’s southern suburbs is a cluster of units, which provide more than a roof over residents’ heads.

Known as Avalon, the site provides support and connection for people with mental health challenges who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Residents stay for several months while they are supported to build the skills and confidence needed to secure long-term housing and live independently in the community.

Regular group activities are held to help residents develop skills and engage with other tenants.

The latest group project has seen Avalon residents working alongside an artist to co-design and create three murals to be installed onsite.

UnitingSA’s Avalon Program Coordinator Wendy Rowe has loved watching the residents embrace the creative process and develop confidence over the 10-week project.

“We’ve noticed a lot of people who come through Avalon are very creative

“I like meeting people and getting out of the house.”

CAROLINE

people and to give them the platform to develop that is wonderful,” Wendy says.

Over the past five years, Caroline has taken part in various exhibitions and even sold some of her works.

“A lot of people refer to Avalon as a sanctuary and these murals will help to make it even more beautiful.”

She used her latest prize vouchers to purchase new art supplies to continue to hone her craft.

Artist Kaylie Weir has worked closely with the group to ensure all of their ideas are reflected in the final design of the murals.

“It’s been wonderful to give people an opportunity to work together in a collaborative process,” Kaylie says.

“People can find that they have abilities they didn’t realise they had before.

“The process of working with materials can also help to focus people in the now and on the moment.

“It can relieve people from thinking and worrying about other things.”

The residents are continuing to meet with Kaylie each week to progress the murals, which they will launch at a special event later in the year.

Avalon is a partnership program between UnitingSA, Unity Housing, Southern Mental Health Services and SA Housing Authority.

UNITINGSA

7

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

W

inter is a particularly difficult time for South Australians experiencing poverty or homelessness, as the need for warmth and shelter is critical.

Many local families and individuals will go without food, heating and basic necessities simply because they can’t afford them.

At UnitingSA, demand for our emergency assistance and homelessness services increases during winter as more people reach out for help to ensure they can keep themselves and their families safe, warm and healthy.

We work alongside every person who comes through our doors to ensure they receive immediate and ongoing support, from providing them with food and blankets, to helping them secure emergency and long-term accommodation.

WINTER APPEAL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

This year, the need in our community is even greater than usual and we are seeing people who have never needed our help before.

The COVID-19 pandemic, an increasingly competitive rental market, rising utility bills and a lack of affordable housing mean more people are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

All it takes is a rent increase, relationship breakdown, illness or an unexpected job loss for someone’s life to plunge into crisis.

Our Winter Appeal aims to help alleviate the financial hardship experienced by many across our community.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

W

e are seeking urgent monetary donations, of as little as $2, to help us purchase items of critical need.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, has a positive impact in our community.

By donating to our Winter Appeal you could be providing a warm meal for someone in need, help us keep the heater on for a family struggling to pay the bills, or ensure someone sleeping rough on a cold night has access to a warm swag and blanket.

y Call our friendly team on (08) 8440 2200

In-kind donations of non-perishable food items, warm beanies and socks, blankets, sleeping bags, toiletries and personal hygiene products are also gratefully received at our Emergency Relief Centre (58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide) between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.

y Send a cheque payable along with your contact details to: UnitingSA, PO Box 3032, Port Adelaide, SA 5015

You can contact the centre on (08) 8440 2299. Please note that we can only accept new and unused in-kind donations.

y Make a secure donation online at our website – unitingsa.com.au/donate

Thank you for helping us to help others this winter!

You can donate to our Winter Appeal in a number of ways:

UNITINGSA

8

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

From homeless to home: one mother’s story

K

ate feels at peace as she looks across the backyard towards her son, Eli, who is playing happily under the shade of a tree.

It is the first house with a backyard they have lived in, and it brings them a great sense of happiness.

But not long ago, Kate and Eli were in a very different situation.

A few weeks before winter, they were facing homelessness.

The lease on their private rental property had come to an end and, despite applying for dozens of properties, they had been unable to find a new home.

On the final day of their tenancy, with boxes packed but nowhere to go, Kate approached Western Adelaide Homelessness Services in Port Adelaide for help.

The team quickly placed Kate and Eli into crisis accommodation to ensure they had a safe place to sleep that night.

Alarmingly, Eli stopped speaking and started only mumbling sounds, which Kate knew was his way of showing his distress.

“It was because he had no safe zone – he had no environment he could call his home,” she says.

Throughout this difficult time, Kate met with the team at Western Adelaide Homelessness Services weekly.

“They weren’t just helping me find a home,” Kate explains.

Then came the phone call that changed everything.

After almost a month spending every day searching for a home, Kate was contacted by SAHA to say a property was available.

The relief brought Kate to tears.

“As soon as they called, things happened really quickly, which I was very grateful for,” she says.

Within a few days, she and Eli had the fresh start they so desperately needed.

“They would give me food and emotional support.

“They helped to make me feel human again when I wasn’t feeling that at some stages.”

KATE

They then began working to help the family find a more secure, long-term housing option.

Kate started applying for more than 50 rental properties a week in a bid to find a home.

affordable rental through SA Housing Authority (SAHA).

In the background, the team was also advocating strongly on behalf of the family to try to obtain an

They moved in to their new home and haven’t looked back.

“The most important thing is that Eli is very happy,” Kate says.

“Every day he gets home from school and races straight up to his bedroom or outdoors to play.

“Even his teachers at school have told me that they see him feel much more comfortable … much more relaxed and settled.”

And Kate says the ultimate way she knows Eli has found security in his new home is simple: “He is now using his words again, which tells me he is very comfy.”

Despite a strong rental history, the competitive market meant she kept getting knocked back.

“I was going to seven or eight open inspections a day,” Kate says.

“That was a lot of rejection, so that was really difficult for me.

“It was very degrading and it started to take its toll emotionally.”

During this time, Kate and Eli remained in crisis accommodation, which comprised of a one-bedroom motel room alongside many other families in a similar situation.

While grateful to have somewhere to sleep, Kate says a motel is not an ideal setting for families.

Eli, in particular, struggled.

“Eli is autistic and not having a comfortable space was really difficult for him,” she says.

“He has a big issue with food and not having a kitchen to cook for him was a real struggle.

“His eating habits, his sleeping habits, everything – I could see it all declining very fast.”

UNITINGSA

9

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

change over time. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of long days, but we really did move the organisation forward.

Q: What have been some of the biggest achievements during your time here?

A: As an organisation, I would say some of the biggest achievements have been establishing our Mental Health Services, growing our Community Housing portfolio and redeveloping some of our Aged Care facilities so they meet or exceed contemporary expectations.

END OF AN ERA: LIBBY CRAFT

Q: What have been the highlights?

On the eve of her retirement, we sat down with UnitingSA CEO Libby Craft to talk about the highlights of her career, which has spanned more than 25 years with our organisation. From joining as a Youth Housing Worker in 1986, returning in 1996 as a Senior Project Officer, and then becoming CEO in 2007, Libby has remained focussed on pursuing our vision for a ‘compassionate, respectful and just community in which all people participate and flourish’.

Q: What are some of your earliest memories of working here?

A: When I started in 1986 it was the Port Adelaide Central Mission and at that time, most of our services were operating out of 70 Dale Street.

I was running Youth Accommodation Services, we had Family Services running out the back of the building and we had Emergency Relief downstairs. We had an Employment & Training program called Port Unemployment Program (PUP) which ran training courses, such as driver’s licences, forklift driving and brick laying. At that stage, we had three Residential Aged Care facilities – Westminster Village, Wesley House and Seaton. One of my earliest memories was meeting with the Superintendent, Rev. George Martin.

He asked, ‘What is it that you are looking for working at the Mission?’

It was really easy for me. I said, ‘I want to make a positive difference to people’s lives and I want people to be able to live safely in the community.’

Q: After a few years working with the Mission as a Youth Housing Worker, you left the organisation for a short time.

What made you want to come back?

A: It sounds simple but for me it has always been about the people. Sometimes I walk through the car park and it would take me half an hour to get into the office.

Staff would say, ‘Hi, how are you going?’ and we would have a chat. I don’t think many people in higher management have that opportunity but for me it’s been about always being available for staff, clients and volunteers.

A highlight for me each year has been Staff Recognition Day, where we get to recognise our staff milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and even 35 years. The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is also always a highlight, acknowledging the value-add that volunteers bring to our organisation.

Q: What about the biggest challenges?

A: I had finished my Honours Degree and I reflected on which organisations make a big difference and the Port Mission was one of those; connected to community and always working to have a positive impact on people’s lives. The organisation’s values of compassion, respect, integrity and courage really resonate with me and I think that’s what has always drawn me to this organisation.

A: The biggest challenges come from the external environment in which we work; the lack of clear government policy at both the State and Federal Government levels; the increase in demand for our services; and how we can support as many people as we can with limited resources and do that in a professional, caring and compassionate way. What is most important is that we provide quality services to our community.

Q: What was it like when you returned in the mid-1990s?

Q: What do you hope for the future of UnitingSA?

A: When I came back in 1996 it just felt like a hub of activity here at Dale Street. The Employment and Training program had grown, we were discussing how we could respond to the needs of people with mental health issues, we had 30 Community Housing properties which has since grown to over 400. It was also a time when the government was outsourcing a lot of programs, so I did a lot of tender writing and a lot of negotiating of contracts. We didn’t have a Strategic Plan, so I worked in consultation with staff to develop what was called an Improvement Plan. It outlined where we wanted to go, what we could change quickly and what we could

A: I hope that UnitingSA can continue to build on its foundations and continue to provide support where it’s needed – not growing for the sake of growing but growing because there are needs in our community. I hope that we remain a values based organisation and that we take up opportunities to implement innovative models of service. I think there will be some opportunities to look at different models in NDIS, mental health, employment, homelessness services and aged care. I hope that our housing portfolio will have the opportunity to grow further because affordable housing is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing. And I hope everyone can support each other… actually,

UNITINGSA

10

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

I know people will support each other, throughout the good times and some of the challenging times.

Q: What would you say is your legacy from your working life?

A: I actually think it’s our people – that’s my legacy. I will be leaving knowing that the thousand staff that we have are committed to making a difference. I truly believe we are a values based organisation and I think that’s my legacy.

Q: What would you say to the incoming CEO? A: I would say congratulations and welcome.

You are leading one of the most incredible organisations. Be true to our values and our vision, as I am sure you will. People will support you. Learn from others and share your learnings. Support your staff and your volunteers. Be bold. Be courageous.

Use your courage in a compassionate way and always do that with integrity.

Q: What do you want to say to staff?

A: I want to say thank you so much for your support over the years. Thank you for contributing to UnitingSA and working towards our vision. And I want to say a special thank you to the Executive team and to Karen, Louise and Les for their loyalty, their team spirit and ongoing support. I’ve been privileged to be able to work with such great people. I will miss everyone and I wish you all the best into the future.

Q: What does retirement look like for you?

A: I look forward to walking, going to the beach, going up to the hills, and engaging with university, where I think I can be a participant as well as a leader. I am going to get into my garden and start doing rotation gardening with my vegetables.

I will probably get a dog but there’s a lot to consider, so I am just looking at the moment. I also hope to do some travelling when travelling is a safe option.

To start with though, I just want to sleep and refresh. I will leave with very fond memories of UnitingSA and the work that we do.

To learn more about Libby’s time with our organisation, read our Centenary edition of Flourish in which she wrote in-depth about her experiences over the years: issuu.com/ unitingsa/docs/flourish-100years-web

RECONCILIATION IN THE WEST SUCCESS

T

his year’s Reconciliation in the West was a resounding success, with more than 1,000 people attending Tauondi College on May 27 to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity.

Held each year during National Reconciliation Week, it was great to be able to stage a live event this year after last year’s event was moved online due to COVID-19.

Barriers to speak on the theme ‘More than a word… Reconciliation takes action.’ A speech was also delivered by the CEO of Reconciliation Australia, Karen Mundine.

Dozens of stalls, activities, arts and craft, free food and refreshments were enjoyed by people of all ages in what was an incredibly vibrant occasion.

The crowd was also entertained with live music performances by Nancy Bates, Vonda Last and Corey Theatre.

A big thank you goes to everyone who worked hard to stage this event and in particular, those from UnitingSA who were on the organising committee and helped in various roles on the day.

Our Executive Manager Community Services Dan Cox joined representatives from AnglicareSA and Life Without

UNITINGSA

11

As these pictures show, it certainly was a colourful event that really brought the community together for a meaningful day of learning, celebration and connection.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

“I hope that the research will be used in a positive way to influence organisations to be more inclusive in the services they provide, as well as reduce stigma and discrimination that has been attached to mental health diagnosis for so long.”

When developing the project, Verity says a priority was to ensure the research could be used in a practical way.

Over the coming months, she will draw on the data to develop an educational resource for non-peer workers aimed at improving their understanding and attitudes around lived experience workers.

Verity hopes it will increase acceptance of the role among non-peer workers and support positive integration within teams and across services.

“We will co-design an educational resource, pilot it and then evaluate it,” she says.

RESEARCH PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON LIVED EXPERIENCE

U

niSA PhD student Verity Reeves wants to advance the understanding and integration of lived experience workers within mental health services.

As the successful recipient of a PhD scholarship sponsored by UnitingSA, Verity is in the second year of her research project, ‘Understanding the context, influence and sustainability of the lived experience workforce contribution to mental health service delivery’.

Over the past few months, Verity has conducted interviews with mental health workers across Australia, and will publish four research papers between now and March 2023.

She is in the final stages of interviewing peer workers, who have a lived experience of mental health challenges, and their non-peer worker colleagues.

“If it can be used in mental health services that employ lived experience workers to support positive integration and sustainability of the role, then that would be a really positive outcome.

“I hope I can help create better working environments and, in turn, create positive change for people who utilise these services – that’s what really interests me.”

Verity has a background working in community services, including as a drug and alcohol counsellor and within foster care.

She says she is relishing the opportunity to combine her work experience and research skills to help create meaningful change.

“For me it is about not being able to just work in the system but have influence over the system,” she says.

“This research is about increasing acceptance of the lived experience role in mental health services and the integration and sustainability of the role.”

VERITY

UNITINGSA

12

“Essentially, if I can do something in my research that will have a positive impact on someone’s life, that’s enough for me.”

Verity’s work is part of UniSA’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research and Education Group.

Verity is still seeking mental health workers to interview as part of her research. If you are a non-peer worker, who works alongside peer workers, and would like to get involved, please email Verity at Verity.Reeves@mymail.unisa.edu.au

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

FISHING AND FRIENDSHIP GO HAND IN HAND

I

f you’re ever wandering past Largs Bay Jetty on a Wednesday morning, chances are you’ll see UnitingSA’s fishing crew in action.

“When they first started coming out they couldn’t even put bait on,” she says.

Colin, Trevor, Wayne and Justin have been dangling a line off the jetty each week for the past few years.

But, Pam adds, it is about much more than learning to fish.

Lending a hand are their NDIS support workers, Pam, Stacey, Jade and Yixian.

Together, the group enjoys fishing, chatting, laughing… and occasionally even having a little dance while their boom box plays tunes in the background.

They often spot dolphins frolicking in the water and they also enjoy hanging out with the jetty’s resident pelican.

Support worker Pam says the group’s fishing skills have grown incredibly over the years.

What Group Members said:

“Now we’ve taught them all that and they’re regularly catching fish and even crabs.”

“The group has been amazing for their mental health.”

PAM

“It has brought them out of themselves.

“For Colin who used to be non-verbal, he is talking with us now.

“It’s been wonderful to watch them all grow in confidence over the years.”

TREVOR: “I love being able to catch fish and speak with people. I love the social interaction.

I’ve made some good friends.”

UNITINGSA

13

Over time, the group members have also developed their social skills and are now enjoying chatting with other people along the jetty.

At times, they even use their fishing skills to help others who may be struggling to bait or cast.

Support worker Stacey says there is a steady group of jetty regulars who group members have developed a relationship with.

“A local nursing home brings a group of people out to fish each week, and the council has a fishing group on the same day,” she says.

“It’s become a really social thing, which has been great for their confidence.”

To find out more about UnitingSA’s fishing and other social activities supported under the NDIS, contact 1800 531 880.

WAYNE: “It’s great because I like getting to talk to people. I also like catching a crab on my line.”

JUSTIN: “I like catching fish and crabs. It’s also nice to look at the boats and the sea.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

Mental Health Services audit success

W

e are delighted to report that our Mental Health Services successfully achieved re-accreditation with the National Mental Health Services Standards in May. This is a great achievement and evidence that we are continuing to provide quality services that support people in the community to reach positive outcomes.

Importantly, it was wonderful to receive feedback that consumers feel respected by staff, find our services to be of a high standard, and that the support provided makes a positive difference in their lives.

Emergency Assistance Program changes

F

ollowing a successful pilot project, we have implemented changes to our Emergency Assistance program in Port Adelaide.

Since July 2020, we have trialled replacing our walk-in over-the-counter service with an appointment system, where people attending the centre receive one-on-one support with a qualified financial counsellor.

Based on a thorough review, we are now implementing the service model on an ongoing basis, with increased opening hours to support more clients.

Westminster Village redevelopment

I

t’s an exciting time at Westminster Village Aged Care, in Grange, with a major redevelopment underway to replace an outdated wing.

The project will include 37 new bedrooms with private bathrooms, modern dining and lounge areas, new staff facilities and an onsite café.

We are thrilled to be working with Walter Brooke Architects and Kennett Builders to create a wonderful, modern space for our residents and staff.

CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

W

e celebrated our loyal, compassionate and dedicated volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation lunch at West Lakes on May 19.

We look forward to continuing to work together to make a positive impact across our community.

The event was held during National Volunteer Week, with the theme this year being ‘Recognise. Reconnect.

Reimagine’.

Our volunteers fulfil diverse roles in aged care, housing and community services at our sites across South Australia.

The event was a wonderful chance to celebrate and reconnect with them after what has been a challenging year with many volunteering activities on hold due to COVID-19.

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers, who contribute so much to our organisation and those we walk alongside.

UNITINGSA

14

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

GIVING THE GIFT OF MUSIC

F

or more than 20 years, Colin has volunteered his time to play piano at Westminster Village Aged Care and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

His fortnightly show draws a crowd of residents who love to sing along and reminisce, as the music takes them back to years gone by.

“You might say an oldie plays for the oldies,” Colin, 84, jokes.

“I don’t hit every note right but I do my best.

“It’s a bit of fun and a bit of a laugh.”

It all began in the late 1990s when Colin’s mother-in-law, Jean, became a resident at Westminster Village in Grange.

Colin could see an opportunity to utilise his musicianship, which he had honed since first playing piano in primary school and later, through 50 years as the organist at Seaton Uniting Church.

He started volunteering to play the odd show for residents and it quickly grew into a regular gig.

Even after Jean passed away, Colin continued his fortnightly visits to entertain residents.

“At Christmas time we play Christmas carols and at Anzac Day, we play old wartime tunes,” Colin says.

“Music is a real joiner – it has been a big part of my life.

I am lucky to have a talent on the piano and I try to help people doing it.”

“One of the residents always cries when he plays Danny Boy.” Music is not the only area Colin volunteers in.

He is also a member of the Charles Sturt Grange Rotary Club ‘Toy Boys’, who make and distribute wooden toys to charities each Christmas – including to UnitingSA’s Christmas Appeal.

The wooden toys lovingly crafted are always among the most popular items selected by families from our Christmas Toy Room each year.

Colin says volunteering brings him just as much joy as those he helps.

“If I’m helping someone, I’m happy.

“It’s as simple as that.”

COLIN

Westminster Village Activities Officer Sam says Colin’s visits are both entertaining and a form of therapy for residents.

“There’s always those who sing along loudly and we always have a full room when he comes,” she says.

“Music is very good cognitively for them and I think it is always a good way to reminisce.

“There’s a few songs that really mean something to them.

UNITINGSA

15

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 12 | 2021

70 Dale Street • PO Box 3032, Port Adelaide, SA 5015 P. (08) 8440 2200 E. unitingsa@unitingsa.com.au W. unitingsa.com.au @unitingsa Photography: Catherine Leo at cathleo.com.au Editorial enquiries or feedback: (08) 8200 9213 © Copyright 2021 UnitingSA