Remembrance Day

“There are rules and expectations here – it’s all about getting them ready for independent life outside of the house,” Nathan says. “The young people help plan the meals, work out what is needed at the shops, and then on a Saturday morning a worker will take them all to do the weekly shopping. “Then when they cook there’s an expectation they cook for everyone in the house. “We look at what we need to teach them to give them the best opportunity of being able to transition to living independently in the community.” Over the past year, the average length of stay for young people was four months, but it varies considerably depending on each person’s needs. When exiting, young people are supported along the housing continuum. Youth accommodation programs, such as Foyer Port Adelaide, along with transitional and supportive housing are common next steps. Their ‘graduation’ from the service frees up space for another young person in need of shelter, support and a guiding hand. The 24-Hour House is staffed by a team of 12 youth workers, who are rostered around the clock. Several are stalwarts of the house, having been drawn in by the diversity of the work and sticking around because despite its challenges, it’s a hugely rewarding place to be. For Senior Youth Worker Abbie, it’s the young people themselves who have kept her working at the house for seven years. “Meeting so many young people and getting to know them has got to be the best part,” she says. “We are living here with them essentially – we see them when they’ve just woken up, we see them when they go to bed at night. “We really get to see their personality and find out all their intricacies. “Every single young person is great in their own way.”

Celebrating Resilience & Achievement

Here are just a few of the amazing outcomes achieved by young people at the 24-Hour House over the past 12 months.

A 17-YEAR-OLD…

Moved into the house last year after a difficult family life led her to become homeless. She stopped going to school and had spent a period of time couch surfing before being referred to the service. The team supported her to pursue her creative talents and complete a jewellery making course. She is now back at school completing year 12 and is also learning hospitality skills through an apprenticeship program. Late last year, she transitioned to another youth accommodation service as the next stage towards independent living. The 24-Hour House team plans to help her transition to housing within the community later this year.

AN 18-YEAR-OLD…

Spent four months at the house last year after a situation of family violence meant he no longer felt safe at home. While living at the house, he was supported to complete year 12 with incredible results. He also secured an AFL traineeship in nutrition and dietetics, which he is completing this year. He has now transitioned to supportive housing in the community and plans to attend university to pursue a career in dietetics.

A 15-YEAR-OLD…

Left home last year escaping an unsafe family environment and was referred to the house. Over the past six months, the team has supported her to move schools and she is now on track to complete high school next year. Now aged 16, her life is full of diverse activities including being a member of the Navy Cadets, learning to swim through the local Surf Life Saving Club, and receiving two Youth Opportunities scholarships to support her education. She was also sponsored by the local Rotary Club to take part in a five-day voyage to York Peninsula on the One and All sailing ship earlier this year. She is about to commence a hospitality apprenticeship after discovering a love of cooking through the 24-Hour House, and hopes to become a chef in the Army after completing school.

“Coming here has given me so many opportunities. I like that I get to cook for the house and they enjoy my cooking. The workers are very nice and they help me with my school work. The kids are nice as well. They have become my family.”

NEW CHAPTER IN AGED CARE

We have marked the end of an era at Regency Green Aged Care, which closed in May after almost 20 years supporting older people in Regency Park.

“We are excited about this new chapter for our residents, families and team members.”

UNITINGSA CEO JENNY HALL

Regency Green residents and staff were supported to transition to an alternate UnitingSA Aged Care home of their choice. UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall commended the entire Regency Green Aged Care community for coming together to support a positive transition process. “The way everyone has worked together during this time of significant change has been remarkable and is testament to our incredible community of residents, families and staff,” Jen says. “Regency Green Aged Care has provided a wonderful home for many years and those memories will be cherished by those who have lived and worked at the site. “However, Regency Green was never purpose-built for aged care and as an organisation we have other homes that are better able to meet the ongoing needs of residents and families. “We have also been delighted to be able to transition Regency Green staff to other sites, where they will be able to continue their important work supporting older members of our community.” UnitingSA opened Regency Green Aged Care in 2003 following a refurbishment of the site on Days Rd, which had previously been occupied by the Crippled Children’s Association. It was a pioneer in multicultural aged care, with a strong representation of bilingual staff to ensure the delivery of culturally appropriate care and support to its diverse community. A vibrant event was held with residents and staff at Regency Green in April, to give the site a fitting farewell. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Regency Green story.