“Cost of living and housing availability issues continue to be big topics of discussion. We are absolutely committed to helping find solutions to these pressing issues.”
CEO JENNY HALL, 2024
WELCOME
Welcome to the Winter edition of Flourish for 2024, bringing you highlights from across UnitingSA and some of the stories and events that have taken place in our vibrant community over recent months.
We also highlight just some of the impactful work carried out daily by our dedicated teams, supported by strong community partnerships and our generous donors.
Cost of living and housing availability issues continue to be big topics of discussion and we are working hard to help find solutions to these pressing issues.
In this edition we look at all the incredible work UnitingSA is doing to answer the urgent call for more homes. We already provide 600 social and affordable homes to South Australians and, as you’ll read in the pages that follow, we have at least a decade’s worth of innovative developments either underway or in planning.
We bring you the story of mother of six Christine on page 22, who lost her husband in a tragic accident last year. Her story shows how the pressures of the cost of living crisis affect our most vulnerable.
On pages 12 and 13 we share an update on our former aged care home Regency Green. Instead of leaving the 80-bed site vacant while we consider its future use, we chose to repurpose the site as a short-term housing solution for both NIDS participants and refugees.
This edition also shares stories from the Taperoo Community Centre, where learning and friendships
are helping to tackle the increasing rate of loneliness, which is affecting so many in our community.
I was delighted to visit the Centre earlier this year and meet the wonderful, warm and friendly women who come together regularly at the Over 50’s Women’s Friendship Group. They come from all walks of life and have bonded through the fun and interesting activities the Centre provides.
Finally, I want to give a shout out to our incredible donors. Calls for help to our homelessness and emergency relief services are ever increasing and much of our work is made possible by our highly valued donors and partners.
Donors like Kay and Lindsay, who wanted to do their bit in helping to solve the homelessness crisis. They have changed lives through their kind offer to provide a vacant home to people in need. You can read their story on page 10.
In June we launched our annual Winter Appeal to help families, individuals and rough sleepers get through the cold months as comfortably and safely as possible.
I hope that if you are able, you’ll give what you can. As always, we are humbled by the support received. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
Sincerely,
Jenny Hall Chief Executive Officer, UnitingSA
4
Answering the housing crisis
14
Everyone is welcome at Taperoo
20
Green thumbs and happy hearts at Westminster
12,583
PEOPLE SUPPORTED
UNITINGSA ANNUAL PROFILE
2022-23 Financial Year
1,030
EMPLOYEES
WINTER APPEAL 2024
Help support South Australians experiencing homelessness this winter.
Your donation will provide hope in the form of food, warm clothes and a safe place to sleep.
65
VOLUNTEERS
1,584
PEOPLE SUPPORTED ACROSS AGED CARE
2,426
PEOPLE PROVIDED EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
BIG THINGS ALREADY UNDERWAY
UNITING ON DEVONPORT PROSPECT – $15.6 MILLION
z 40 dwellings over four levels
z 27 affordable housing apartments
z 4 social housing apartments
z 2 high disability support apartments (see story Page 7)
z Seven townhouses for private sale (SOLD OUT)
The construction of UnitingSA’s largest housing development to date is well and truly underway, and will welcome its first tenants in late 2024.
Located on a 2,240sqm site on the corner of Devonport Terrace and Gurr Street in Prospect, the development will replace six outdated properties (pictured below left) with a four-level, 40-dwelling development.
Built around a stunning internal courtyard with vertical gardens, the design encourages a healthy outdoor lifestyle and interaction among residents.
The apartments are designed to cater for a diverse mix of tenants of all ages, from single occupants to small families on low to moderate incomes.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
As South Australians continue to battle a once in a generation housing crisis, UnitingSA is working quickly to answer the urgent call for more homes.
Ben Moore, UnitingSA’s Senior Executive Development, Property and Housing says at least a decade of developments are underway or in the planning.
“We see the impact of the housing crisis every day through our
“UnitingSA already provides 600 homes to South Australians, and we’re working fast, collaborating and innovating with our partners, to get projects off the ground as quickly as possible.”
BEN
homelessness, emergency relief and mental health services.
“We know having a safe, secure home close to schools, transport and services is integral for both individuals and families in building the foundations for a brighter future.
“We are committed to playing our part in solving the housing crisis, while creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Pictured right: Ben Moore, Senior Executive Development, Property and Housing, UnitingSA Below: Artist impression of Uniting on Devonport Left Page (clockwise from top): Artist impression, during demolition works, and before works began
T wo High Physical Support Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartments will be available soon to NDIS participants with significant physical impairment who require very high levels of support.
HIGH PHYSICAL SUPPORT
COMFORT
SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE
ENHANCED INDEPENDENCE AND WELLBEING
FEATURES & SUPPORT
UnitingSA is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider. Our specialised Housing team offers a tailored tenancy management service for individuals residing in SDA.
Our large housing development, currently under construction at Prospect, includes two High Physical Support SDA apartments available for high-support NDIS participants with the appropriate SDA funding approved in their NDIS Plan.
A first floor outdoor community area, along with UnitingSA’s Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coordinator will provide ample opportunities for community engagement and the opportunity to build relationships with neighbours.
A weekly rent charge will apply in line with the maximum reasonable rent contribution as determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency.
Both the apartments meet the NDIS High Physical Support standards, which include:
y External doors and outdoor private areas accessible by wheelchair.
y Bathroom vanity/hand basin accessible in seated or standing position.
y Power supply to doors and windows/blinds for retrofit of automation as necessary.
y Provision made for ceiling hoists.
y Assistive technology-ready.
y Heating & cooling.
y Emergency power solutions to cater for a minimum two-hour outage where tenant welfare is at risk.
y Doors with 950mm minimum clear opening width to all habitable rooms.
EVEN BIGGER THINGS TO COME
BOWDEN
UNITING ON SECOND
UnitingSA is partnering with Renewal SA to build 70 new affordable apartments right in the heart of Bowden.
The seven-storey building (pictured above) will be located in a thriving central neighbourhood close to public transport, Adelaide’s CBD, and high-quality local amenities.
Featuring a mix of affordable rentals and affordable sales, the Uniting on Second development meets the 5-star Green Star Buildings rating - the highest Green Star rating in Australia - and will include additional environmental features to enhance sustainability.
The affordable rentals at Uniting on Second will feature a mix of apartment types and will be leased to tenants at under 75 per cent of the market rate. Apartments nominated for sale will qualify under the affordable housing criteria and be sold to eligible buyers through HomeSeeker.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
While UnitingSA is excited to be involved in creating bigger housing projects, creating smaller, close-knit communities is also a priority.
By demolishing old, out-of -date homes on large blocks, we are reimagining the way we build on the large blocks of yesteryear through innovative housing design.
We are also delivering energy efficient homes in communities close to schools, transport and shopping centres.
For more information about our upcoming housing developments, scan the QR code.
UP & COMING
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Uniting at Northfield
Six, three-bedroom townhouses are currently under construction in Northfield following the demolition of two 1960’s houses earlier this year.
Located in an established community within a short walk to
Uniting at Kidman Park
schools, parks and shops, the Northfield development is being delivered as part of a partnership with the South Australian Housing Authority.
UnitingSA already owns six two-storey townhouses in Kidman Park, and late last year completed five townhouses adjacent to this site (pictured below).
After purchasing another neighbouring block, there are now plans to build another six townhouses to create a community of 17 dwellings.
Uniting at Kilburn
A property in Kilburn (right) is earmarked for demolition to make way for at least four new dwellings (far right), which will be UnitingSA’s first small housing development with an 8-star energy efficiency rating.
A FRESH START FOR PEOPLE HIT BY THE HOUSING CRISIS
When Hawraa’s landlord abruptly decided not to extend her lease, her family was thrown into Adelaide’s competitive rental market.
With little time to find a new home and a limited budget, Hawraa applied for many properties, only to be met with silence from real estate agents.
Eventually, she applied for a UnitingSA affordable rental property and earlier this year her family moved into one of our newest homes.
The four adjacent townhouses are now also fully occupied with both social and affordable tenants, including a tenant who was able to transition from the emergency
homeless accommodation at Peppertree Place.
The homes, located in Kidman Park (pictured left), also include solar panels to help keep energy costs low for tenants.
“I have a young family and securing a home here in Adelaide has been literally one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do,” Hawraa said. “It was almost impossible.”
“But now we have a roof over our heads, close to family, friends, and a hospital. Plus, a small backyard where our son can play.”
“Some of my friends and family are also struggling to find an affordable rental.”
“It makes me really happy that, because of organisations like UnitingSA, there will be more families like mine able to find a home.”
HAWRAA
FINDING SOLUTIONS
HAMILTON HOUSE –HOW DONORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Without the support of our generous donors and corporate partners, UnitingSA simply could not deliver meaningful programs and support to more than 12,000 South Australians in need each year.
Donations come in many forms, including financial and in-kind
contributions, and each donation, regardless of monetary value, makes a difference.
Last year we were honoured and thrilled to be contacted by Kay and Lindsay, who wanted make available a vacant home in Adelaide’s northern suburbs as an affordable rental property for people in need.
As a result of their generosity, three women at risk of homelessness now have a place to call home. Now known as Hamilton House, this share house model allows tenants to share the cost of maintaining a household in an expensive rental market, where securing a property is almost impossible.
Kay and Lindsay explained that getting the project off the ground had been a rewarding journey involving friends, family, real estate agents and UnitingSA.
With a daughter working in community services interstate, the couple knew they wanted to be able to provide a roof over the heads of people in need.
With the help of UnitingSA’s Homelessness Services Manager, Jody Sachs, and her team, as well as Vanessa Munday and the
UnitingSA Housing team, the dream became a reality.
We offer heartfelt thanks to Kay and Lindsay and everyone who joined them on their amazing and generous journey.
The new share house model is being piloted by UnitingSA’s Homelessness Services and the Adelaide North West Homelessness Alliance (ANWHA).
PICTURED: Above – Kay (centre) with Vanessa Munday (Senior Manager, Housing Services), Jody Sachs (Manager - Homelessness Services), Jacki Done (Chief People, Partnerships & Quality Officer), and Trisha Perelman (CoordinatorHomelessness Services). Pictured left are Kay and Lindsay at Hamilton House.
Over the past two years, calls for assistance to our homelessness and emergency relief services have increased by almost 60 per cent.
This winter, please join us in supporting South Australians who would otherwise go without the basics.
All donations of $2 and above are tax deductible and make a real impact.
You can make a donation at unitingsa.com.au/WinterAppeal
PEPPERTREE PLACE…
UPDATE ON OUR INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION
While UnitingSA is committed to building more affordable homes in the long term, we are also acutely aware that we need more immediate solutions that answer the current housing crisis.
Today there are more and more South Australians finding themselves in extreme financial distress, homeless, and escaping domestic violence.
The number of nights desperate, homeless South Australians spend in emergency accommodation is growing every day, forcing many families to call motel rooms home.
Peppertree Place, supported by the South Australian Housing Authority (SAHA) and the Adelaide North West Homelessness Alliance (ANWHA), is providing an alternative accommodation solution.
One year into the two-year pilot project, we have successfully provided a secure home to 14 families and 30 children in crisis –almost halfway to the original goal of diverting up to 32 families from motels. The overall aim is to provide a more positive outcome for families and a public pocket saving of more than $500,000.
Many of the families have received positive rental references to support their future housing pathways.
Among the families who have lived at Peppertree Place, two have moved into private rental
accommodation and three have moved into long-term community housing.
A mother and her teenage son who spent six months at Peppertree Place were able to secure finance to purchase a property with their extended family. It is now their forever home.
Peppertree Place is a community of eight self-contained units with fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, two bedrooms, a family living area and laundry facilities. Importantly, they also have access to the outdoors and plenty of space for children to run and play safely.
It gives families their own space to help them stabilise, retain dignity and prepare for long-term rental accommodation. Integral to the model is on-site case management provided by ANWHA. In addition, visiting community services provide wrap-around support focused on wellbeing, mental health and independent living skills.
Each unit is leased on a 12-week short-term arrangement, giving tenants the chance to establish a positive rental history which improves their ability to secure permanent housing in the future.
Human Services Minister Nat Cook is a strong advocate for innovative housing solutions and has been highly supportive of the project.
Older women remain most vulnerable
Across Australia, women aged 55 years and over remain the fastest growing population experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
The Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce recently conducted extensive consultation to find how we can turn the dial on this disturbing trend.
The Taskforce identified that older single women on low-incomes were especially vulnerable to circumstances beyond their control which caused them to be susceptible to housing insecurity. This included domestic violence, relationship breakdowns, financial insecurity and disadvantage, and market forces like housing affordability, accessibility and availability.
UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall was a representative on the Taskforce and she is committed to finding real and impactful solutions.
“Our pilot program at Hamilton House supports women of all ages who are at risk of homelessness. This means that older women will also have a place here, which is so important as these are women who often find themselves at risk due to circumstances beyond their control.”
The full Taskforce report can be accessed at housing.sa.gov.au/hsfow, and we look forward to sharing more updates in future editions of Flourish.
“Every night hundreds of people are in hotels because of he housing crisis. We know the families experiencing the stress of homelessness aren’t best served in motel rooms.”
MINISTER COOK
THE ONGOING STORY OF REGENCY GREEN
When the former Regency Green Aged Care home closed in 2022, UnitingSA began to look at the best ways to reuse the large site.
Through a partnership with the SA Government and South Australian care provider Community Living Options (CLO), the vacant facility is now providing short-term housing and supported care solutions for NDIS participantshelping solve bed blockage and ramping at SA hospitals.
Participants were previously stranded in hospital – some for as long as 12 months – due to a lack of suitable accommodation.
After just one year, the Regency Green initiative has already provided the equivalent of 5000 nights of hospital bed care.
Across the other side of Regency Green is another short-term housing solution. Through collaboration with refugee support agency AMES Australia, the remaining units now provide
a temporary home for refugees escaping war-torn countries.
Regency Green has now provided a home for more than 500 refugees from countries like the Ukraine, helping families make a new start in Australia.
PICTURED: Above – CLO recently celebrated its first anniversary at the former Regency Green Aged Care. Pictured below is UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall, Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton, MP, Community Living Options’ CEO Mel Kabisa and Minister for Human Services Nat Cook.
Fourteen-year-old refugee
Aaron is just one of the grateful residents at the former Regency Green Aged Care site, where he is being supported by AMES Australia.
When his older brother was shot and killed as a bystander in an armed hold up, his family decided it was time to leave their home in Venezuela.
Aaron was a promising soccer star in his homeland and is now making a mark as an elite junior player in Adelaide.
He and his team from the Croydon Football Club, in Adelaide’s north, recently won the U14 JPL championship.
Aaron says soccer is his life and he hopes to make it his career. The family fled their homeland amid escalating violence, political
AARON FINDS SAFE HAVEN AND SOCCER
“Soccer has helped me settle in Adelaide. I have met people, and made friends and the soccer club and players have made me and my family feel welcome.”
AARON
turmoil and an economic collapse, and were welcomed to Regency Green.
“It was very dangerous for us in Venezuela. My family was not safe,” Aaron says.
More than five million people have fled Venezuela in recent years in what is the largest
refugee crisis in the history of the Americas.
The UN says crime in Venezuela is widespread, with violent crimes such as murder and kidnapping increasing for several years. Ninety-eight per cent of crimes go unpunished.
Venezuelans have also faced a worsening economic crisis and humanitarian emergency since 2014. The country’s northern coasts have been particularly hard hit due to lack of tourism and the impact of organised crime on small-scale fishing.
A recent UN report says 2.5 million Venezuelans face severe food insecurity, and a third of the population needs food assistance.
Article supplied by AMES Australia.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT TAPEROO
I
t’s 10.30am on a Thursday morning and in the heart of the Lefevre Peninsula, Adelaide, a group of locals gather around a table, cups of tea and coffee in front of them, the warm flow of friendship between them.
It could be any group of friends catching up, but today these regulars at UnitingSA’s Taperoo Community Centre are discussing healthy food choices with group leader and volunteer, Janet Ockenden.
In the background, the Centre’s long-time Coordinator, Kathy Miller (pictured above), is busy
greeting everyone who comes in the door, taking calls and checking emails.
Kathy knows everyone’s name, stories and passions.
It’s no wonder everyone agrees she is the Centre’s lynchpin.
“She’s the best,” regular attendee Belinda says.
“She looks after us,” NDIS client Susan adds.
Indeed, Kathy’s motto is “enter as strangers, leave as friends”.
Kathy’s been managing the Centre since 2004. She says her
work is a labour of love. She is thankful for the volunteers who help her run a huge program of activities from painting, cooking and book appreciation, to men’s counselling, meals on a budget and independent living skills. Their kindness and support constantly motivate her.
“I consider myself a creative person and the Centre gives me so many opportunities to come up with ways to engage people,” Kathy says.
“I feel lucky.
“Working in this community is just wonderful. The people living on the Lefevre Peninsula have such a strong
“I get such joy watching people grow and develop.”
KATHY
spirit and there are so many interesting people living here.”
There are many heart-warming success stories among those who have attended the Centre over the years, including a current participant who learned to read and write at the age of 74.
Others who were once reticent and shy, have blossomed in confidence as they’ve learned new skills. Others who live alone and were uncertain about trying something new, have made important new connections and friends.
“We have people who come here every single day and others who just attend for a particular group.
“Everyone is always welcome.”
Taperoo Community Centre, located at 14/20 Yongala Street, Taperoo, offers people of all ages and all backgrounds low-cost programs, workshops and accredited training courses.
For more information, drop in or call (08) 8248 2122. To download a timetable, visit unitingsa.com.au/tcc or scan the QR code below.
A CUPPA AND FRIENDSHIP CAN CHANGE A LIFE
With its blue and white theme, Taperoo Community Centre’s cheery Café Des Amites – Café of Friendship – opens its doors each Tuesday from 10am –11.30am.
For the cost of a gold coin donation, café visitors can enjoy a hot cuppa, cake and the opportunity to catch up with old friends – or, better still, make new ones.
Dee is one of those who has done both, thanks to the Centre and regular attendance at the café.
“This whole place has such a lovely, homely feel,” she says.
“I moved to this side of town recently and really didn’t know anyone.
“I became very isolated and really fell into a slump. I came here and was shown such kindness – it really feels like a second home. It’s
“NDIS participants… can be very isolated, but we love to come (here) and everyone is very accepting of one another’s differences.”
STACEY
changed my life.”
NDIS carer, Stacey, says the café and the Centre are a destination in themselves.
Centre Coordinator, Kathy Miller, agrees and says everyone pitches in to help out.
“We sourced a lot of the café furniture and old china from an op-shop and we did the old dresser up ourselves,” she says. “It gives everyone a sense of involvement.”
My mother bought me a hat one day
And it looked just like my cat - a stray!!
So begins a poem written by the Taperoo Community Centre Poetry and Performance Group.
It’s one of many illustrated poems included in the first volume of poetry books written by the creative participants and writers, which has also included members of Karrarendi.
Karrarendi is a culturally focused program for Aboriginal people of different abilities. It comprises an adults program of activities including art and craft and performing arts.
Centre Coordinator, Kathy Miller, says the volume of work produced by the group has been impressive.
FINDING THE INNER POET
“It’s been a wonderful and creative way to improve literacy and everyone illustrated their own work with a painting. We’ve been able to make up three booklets now to celebrate everyone’s achievements.”
KATHY
PICTURED: A Taperoo Community Centre Poetry and Performance Group participant with the Group’s first poetry book.
TWO-WAY BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
When long-time Taperoo Community Centre volunteer, Janet Ockenden (pictured above), retired a decade ago, she quickly realised that sitting at home wasn’t an option for her or for her mental health.
A former domestic violence shelter counsellor, maths and science teacher, Janet decided to teach herself to paint.
Initially, she was part of a painting group at the Centre – a group of locals who liked to get together regularly to paint.
“Then people started to ask if they could learn to paint, so I started running painting classes, and we now have two classes here on a Monday which I run.
“It’s been wonderful to see people develop. We cover everything from what brushes to use and
“I’ve learned a lot about myself from volunteering and I’ve learned to be more patient and understanding.”
JANET
how to mix paints, to brush techniques and building your picture.”
In addition to painting classes, Janet runs a lifestyle and personal development program geared toward making healthy choices and improving quality of life.
Janet describes the Centre as a real community treasure, a lifeline for so many community members who benefit every week by learning new skills and, perhaps more importantly, a way for people to make connections with others.
“I absolutely love it,” she says. “I feel useful and engaged and if I didn’t come here, I’d just sit at home.”
The benefits of volunteering are much more than giving back to the community, she says. It’s also about personal development for volunteers, human connection and positive mental health.
Truly
FRIENDSHIP AND FUN
Each Thursday afternoon just before 1.30pm women start trickling through the gate, ready to share news of the past week, show photos of grandchildren and try something new.
These are the women who take part in the Taperoo Community Centre’s Women’s Over 50 Friendship Group.
Volunteer Janet Ockenden says the local women wanted a group for themselves, where they could make new connections and take part in fun and interesting new activities.
“We’ve done all kinds of things – aromatherapy, macramé, learned to ferment vegetables… today we’re doing chair yoga.”
Margaret, who describes herself as the ‘oldest one in the group’, explains her husband passed away six years ago and the group of women have become good friends.
Helping parents get back to work or study
When you’re the parent of young children, getting five minutes to make yourself a coffee can be a challenge, let alone finding the time to prepare to get back to work or study.
That’s where UnitingSA’s ParentsNext Participation Officer, John Gray, is able to help.
Through ParentsNext, John helps parents with children aged under six years to plan and prepare for future study or employment.
“It can be tough if you’ve got young children, if you’re a single parent or been out of study or the workforce for a while, to find your way back,” John says.
“It’s easy to lose your confidence, or your skills, or just to know where to start.”
Through the program, John can do any of the following to help:
y Set study and work goals
y Meet with participants regularly one-on-one
y Assist to access services in the local community
y Help access financial support, including towards the costs of starting work or study.
“It’s rewarding being able to help people find their pathway, identify their strengths, where they can go or what they’d like to do.
“It was hard,” she says. “I come to this group every week. It’s a lot of fun and we all get along so well. I’ve made connections I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
“I’d encourage anyone who’s feeling a bit flat or lonely to give it a try. We’re very welcoming.”
“They don’t have to look for work right now. But it’s important to think about study and work goals for when their children are school age.”
John himself had a significant career change when he went back to TAFE to re-train after 30 years as a tradesperson.
He says more people now realise they don’t have to stay in the one career or one job for life, and that the younger Australians of today are now more job mobile than ever.
“Most of the people I see are in their 20s and 30s, and the majority are women.
“I enjoy helping people who want to work or get more skills – it gives me a buzz. This program helps parents with the skills and assistance they need to get into the workforce, leading to better outcomes for their families.”
PARENTSNEXT UPDATE
While the Federal Government has recently announced changes to the ParentsNext program, UnitingSA wants to assure parents who are currently participating in ParentsNext that they will still receive help to plan and prepare for employment, including accessing financial assistance to undertake education or training.
Work is currently underway to contact all affected participants, and the Government encourages parents to continue to access these supports. To find out more about ParentsNext call (08) 8440 2270.
STARRING ROLE
Taperoo Community Centre has a starring role in a brand new Netflix series shot in the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Desert King is a six-part neo-western and a drama about power, family, land and legacy, based around the fictional Lawson family who own the world’s largest cattle property.
So what’s it got to do with Taperoo?
The Centre was used as one of the film locations and when the production team converged on-site last year, it caused quite a stir, according to centre coordinator Kathy Miller.
“There were about 100 people here,” she says.
As a result, a stunning new mural was painted by local First Nations artist Scott Ratham, and it serves as a lasting reminder of the day Netflix came to town. The series will be released later this year.
GREEN THUMBS & HAPPY HEARTS
R
esidents at UnitingSA’s Westminster Village Aged Care home are putting their green thumbs to good use as part of new gardening group. The Westminster Green Thumbs Garden Group gather together weekly in one of Westminster’s beautiful courtyard gardens.
Here they enjoy the company of each other and share the love of gardening. Jacqui Bishop (pictured above left), who leads the group, works as an Executive Assistant at UnitingSA’s head office in Dale Street, Port Adelaide. She volunteers at Westminster Village every Saturday.
“When I learnt that so many of the residents once had beautiful home gardens that they missed being in, I wanted them to have that experience again,” Ms Bishop says.
“Residents actively participate, as much as they can or wish to. Everyone is welcome to get involved in the activity, even if it is to just come along to sit and observe the activities or have a chat.”
So far the group has created glass terrariums, painted succulent pots, and made birdseed feeders, dried flower pictures and flower lanterns. Two vertical wall gardens were also created by the group, and six more
are in the process of being installed, with residents helping to pot up plants.
Jacqui has studied horticultural therapy and believes gardening is one of the most beneficial and positive activities to have in a residential aged care home.
“Gardening and gardening-related activities create opportunities for increased physical activity, social connectivity through the group activities, and it enhances psychological wellbeing through a reduction of stress and emotional regulation,” she says.
“It also provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment for those residents living with dementia.
“Increasingly, medical evidence is proving that incorporating gardening activities into residents’ lives contributes to better quality of life outcomes as they age.”
Jacqui is inviting other volunteers to join the Westminster Green Thumbs Garden Group.
“We are always looking for volunteers for the garden group. By having the group on a Saturday it also allows those who work full time, like myself, and want to volunteer on a regular basis to have that opportunity, every Saturday or even just once a month.”
To find out more, contact UnitingSA’s Lifestyle Manager Renee Farrell at UnitingSA@unitingsa.com.au or (08) 8440 2200.
“There is no experience necessary. Just that you have an interest in gardening, and able to assist the residents with a simple garden-related activity. We would love to hear from you.”
JACQUI
A doorway to a new life
HFor more information about our mental health support services, scan the QR code.
aving a safe place to live, someone to talk to and lean on is a privilege many take for granted. For Hugh and Jane, it was a vital stepping stone to recovery from mental health challenges. At Avalon, they were able to have their own space in a self-contained home, in a group of units with other people who were facing similar issues.
HUGH
Now aged 32, Hugh came to Avalon through the help of his GP and a mental health worker.
For many weeks he wouldn’t even answer the door.
“When I first came here I was nocturnal. I’d just sleep all day. I’d be awake all night,” Hugh says.
“I couldn’t interact with anyone. I just needed my space. I just needed the space and grace, and just have a place to be.
“Eventually things changed, slowly.”
With the help of the onsite support provided by UnitingSA Mental Health team members, Hugh gradually became more confident, and was able to participate more in life.
“I started getting out for walks. I remember I went to the sea. Just getting out and sitting on one of the benches was a really, really important thing for me to try.
“At first, it was so difficult. Now I go
ABOUT AVALON:
walking every day.”
Staff at Avalon helped Hugh access NDIS supports, and he was also able to attend equine therapy, join a fishing group and develop cooking and gardening skills. He’s even learning how to play the cello.
He also learnt bell ringing skills, visiting Adelaide churches and learning how to ring each bell.
“Things have changed a lot for me since I’ve been here,” Hugh says. Today, he lives next door to Avalon in his own community housing unit, but he remains a regular visitor to the program.
JANE
Four years ago, Jane was in a mental health rehabilitation centre before coming to live at Avalon.
She says Avalon gave her an environment where help and support was always available.
Avalon is aimed at supporting people with mental health challenges, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to build the skills and confidence needed to live independently in the community.
To access the service the person needs to be supported by Southern Mental
NEW MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING
“I liked the groups that we had, and that it was a very safe environment and very supportive,” Jane says.
“We were always encouraged to seek help. Anything we needed was taken care of.”
Jane also helped paint the iconic butterfly mural that marks the gateway into the Avalon site.
She spent 18 months at Avalon, getting the support she needed to get back on her feet, and today she also lives independently.
“It’s beautiful. I have a potted garden… I’m growing spinach and Brussels sprouts. Everything is growing really nicely.”
Jane also transitioned into the NDIS, and she goes hiking or kayaking each fortnight. An NDIS support worker takes her to a national park or garden, and she also does Reiki each week.
“The support from Avalon helped me… settle down my mental health,” Jane says.
“I’m feeling much stronger and more grounded.”
Health Services and be approved for Category One Housing by Housing SA.
To discuss a referral, please get in touch with your SA Health Southern Mental Health Services worker.
Find out more about UnitingSA’s mental health support services at unitingsa.com.au/mental-health
UnitingSA has won nine years of funding to be one of South Australia’s largest individual providers of psychosocial support.
UnitingSA plans to increase mental health support in regional areas by establishing new services in Renmark, Port Pirie, Murray Bridge, and the Barossa, Hills and Fleurieu regions.
HELP FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
Christine is just one of a growing number of vulnerable South Australians facing the impossible task of meeting the rising cost of living, as she struggles to raise six children following the tragic loss of her husband.
But luckily for Christine and her beautiful family, UnitingSA and financial counsellors like LynneMarie are here to help.
Lynne-Marie was able to negotiate payment of an enormous energy bill on compassionate grounds, taking away the extra financial strain from the family’s already stretched budget.
“I was so happy, I was crying,” Christine said.
“She is like an angel sent to my family, and I am so grateful for that.”
Lynne-Marie said more and more families were reaching out for assistance.
“At this time, we are seeing severe energy stress with unaffordable electricity and gas bills,”
Lynne-Marie said.
“We also get referrals from council due to rates arrears, which in extreme cases can result in properties being sold.
“Mental health conditions are also often a factor.
“All of these pressures add to a person’s inability to be able to create reasonable living conditions. They also often accept accommodation which is in poor condition, not
“Housing affordability is a prominent issue, along with the impact of the rising cost of living.”
LYNNE-MARIE
requesting maintenance or repairs for fear of not having their lease renewed.”
Lynne-Marie said financial counsellors can help in several ways, which can include:
y Negotiating with creditors
y Assessing eligibility and help to access financial grants
y Where eligible, helping clients access superannuation
y Help to access State Government concessions
To find out more about UnitingSA’s financial assistance services go to unitingsa.com.au/emergency-assistance
Building futures… from the ground up
Meet the Little Bean Machine –the mobile coffee van with heart.
Little Bean Machine is an initiative of UnitingSA’s Wesley Social Enterprises (WSE) and gives South Australians with a disability the opportunity to obtain valuable hospitality skills in a supported environment.
The coffee van offers meaningful employment as well as providing
delicious meals and drinks to the community and local businesses.
As well as practical skills, trainees build confidence and independence.
Wesley Social Enterprises is a registered NDIS provider and disability employment support service, offering a range of employment opportunities.
At WSE, all supported employees work in a safe and fully supported work environment in a positive workplace that values equality, dignity, diversity and fairness.
Wesley Social Enterprises offers all valued employees a Supported Employment Services Award
wage with conditions including paid leave and superannuation.
To join WSE you must be an NDIS participant and willing to undertake a police clearance.
Find out more about WSE and the Little Bean Machine at unitingsa.com.au/wse
70 Dale Street • PO Box 3032, Port Adelaide, SA 5015 P. (08) 8440 2200 E. unitingsa@unitingsa.com.au W. unitingsa.com.au Follow us on social media @unitingsa © Copyright 2024 UnitingSA
UnitingSA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout South Australia, their spiritual heritage, living culture, and our walk together towards reconciliation.
