 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
CEO Update
A local agency totally focused on the Northern Territory.
Anglicare NT was formed in the Northern Territory over thirty years ago to respond to the needs of our many diverse communities. Our Board is comprised of volunteers with business, legal and finance skills, service delivery expertise and lived experience who commit many hours a year to guide and lead this dynamic organisation. We couldn’t operate without our many dedicated volunteers.
At a recent meeting, the Board were asked to read a 180 page report from managers on all aspects of the organisation, covering services, finances, people management and plans.
As you know, Aboriginal people make up 30% of the population of the Northern Territory. The Board have set two important goals:
- Our Aboriginal workforce should increase by 5% every year. It is currently at 17%.
- We establish an advisory group directly to the Board made up of Aboriginal Elders and leaders from across the Northern Territory.
These are important decisions that strengthen our services and our commitment to reconciliation and Aboriginal self-determination.
The diversity of the work of Anglicare NT was reflected at the Board meeting. Discussions covered our work with families, mental health and financial counselling to name a few. This newsletter captures many stories of this work – our focused, considered and professional response to the needs of our Northern Territory communities.
Kind regards,
Dave Pugh
Chief Executive Officer |
|
HASI creates stability, connections and hope
The Housing Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) supports people with a mental illness who live in public housing to maintain their tenancy, access psychosocial supports, develop life skills and enhance quality of life.
The outcomes of a two-year external evaluation of HASI confirm the program is creating positive change for participants by improving stability, connections, security and physical health. People have been connected with services that address their needs, allowing them to live more independently and securely at home. Others have been supported to access higher and more appropriate levels of support. Importantly, no participant has been evicted since the program commenced.
Liz has lived with a long-term mental health condition and was persistently worried about letting down her three adult children, that someone might hurt her family and that she couldn’t organise her life properly.
After a referral from Territory Housing, our HASI Key Worker visited Liz regularly, supporting her to attend medical appointments and organising practical ways to manage daily life such as cleaning, scheduling bills and preparing for house inspections. One year into her participation, Liz has reconnected with her oldest daughter, is more positive about the future and says she feels “a lot less scattered”.
|
|
 |
Intensive family and parenting support
The Intensive Family Parenting Support service (IFPS) helps families in Greater Darwin Region and Gove Peninsula area in East Arnhem strengthen their capacity to care for children and reduce the likelihood of intervention from child protection services and of children being taken into care.
Families often experience a combination of issues that affect their capacity to parent and keep children safe, including domestic and family violence, substance misuse, mental health concerns, overcrowding and other housing problems.
IFPS coordinates supports for families, provides practical in-home assistance and helps families establish routines and access specialist services. Our IFPS staff support families to build networks, develop safety plans, participate in parenting courses and group activities that grow confidence and knowledge of how to meet children's developmental, nutrition, safety and learning needs. We walk alongside parents, hear their stories, share the journey and celebrate achievements.
|
|
 |
 |
Engaging young Territorians
Anglicare NT provides a range of supports and opportunities for young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, locations and circumstances across the Northern Territory.
In Darwin, young people recently enjoyed free school holiday activities through Youth Trax, an initiative funded by Territory Families. Young people printed artworks in a collaborative activity with artists from Proper Creative. Skateboard lessons were offered at Leanyer Water Park and two days of beach games and fishing were held at East Point. Young people worked together to write songs and record a mixture of lyrics and beats at music workshops. A catch of fish, periwinkles, mangrove worms and mud crabs were cooked up on the edge of the mangroves on bush trips.
In Palmerston, staff support monthly Urban Jam nights. Young people love these drug and alcohol-free events, where they share a free meal, learn hip hop, join basketball and volleyball games, play e-sports and create street art. During school holidays in Katherine, a large group of young people and their families enjoyed two days of Mini Golf and other activities.
In East Arnhem, weekly hunting trips have been organised for a group of young men. The trips offer safe, healthy and culturally appropriate activities, as well as opportunities for young people to connect and build relationships with staff and other service providers.
|
|
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Coordinating Prison Chaplain Tim Johnson worked with a number of Darwin churches and groups to raise money and arrange gifts to be given to men at Darwin Correctional Centre.
Over 1,000 gifts were distributed, bringing joy to many who struggle at Christmas being separated from their family and friends.
We thank Prison Fellowship, the Salvation Army, Casuarina Uniting Church and the Northern Territory Council of Churches for their donations and support.
|
|
 |  |
Children in Darwin and Katherine recently celebrated their graduation from the Home Interaction Program for Parents & Youngsters (HIPPY). The children worked with their families for two years to complete activities at home and in groups to prepare them for primary school.
In Katherine, ten graduates and their families celebrated their achievements at a pool party. Each child received a book and everyone shared fun activities, food and a delicious cake.
In Darwin, fourteen children celebrated their graduation with an end of year party. Families gathered at the Malak Community Centre and enjoyed craft, food and activities. Hyper the Clown entertained everyone with balloon twisting and clowning around.The Honourable Ngaree Ah Kit MLA individually congratulated each child with a certificate and handshake or elbow shake.
|
|
 |  |  |  |
International Care Day is marked annually on 19 February to celebrate children and young people with a care experience.
At Anglicare NT, we are always motivated and inspired by the resilience, tenacity, courage and strength of the children and young people we meet and work with.
On International Care Day, we shared the care experiences of some young people in the Northern Territory through images on social media. We stand alongside young people as they acknowledge their care experience, celebrate achievements and advocate for change.
|
|
Individual Placement Support (IPS) at headspace Darwin helps young people who are experiencing mental health issues find and keep a job or engage in study. The team has made positive impacts on many young people's lives, including Lucy and Sam.
Lucy has been supported to find her true career passion in supporting disadvantaged young people. Having lived through her own experiences of trauma, Lucy felt she would be a good mentor for other young people going through similar life experiences.
The IPS team supported Lucy to find suitable study options and local education providers, address financial and budgeting concerns, learn conflict management skills, engage with local employers and attend monthly youth networking groups.
Sam was referred to the IPS team in June 2020 after asking his headspace Case Manager for vocational assistance. After graduating from Year 12, Sam picked up odd jobs in warehousing and customer assistance but none of these roles provided the financial security or job satisfaction he was chasing.
After completing a survey matching personality traits and interests to different work roles, Sam agreed that a career in Community Engagement would suit him. IPS arranged networking opportunities in the industry, helped Sam develop skills, complete a police check, get his Ochre card, develop his resume and learn ways to cope with work-related stress.
|
|
 |
Partnership Support Service
The Partnership Support Service (PSS) is a social enterprise that works together with Aboriginal organisations to deliver stronger services for community. Built on genuine partnership, the service supports Aboriginal organisations with their aspirations, long-term independence and sustainability.
Recent highlights from the PSS were being awarded a philanthropic grant from the BB & A Miller Foundation and the employment of several new team members. The PSS will engage with potential partners, assist with tenders and business proposals, and develop communication tools and forums for connecting leaders across organisations.
With the employment of a new Senior Service Development Officer, the team have expanded their work alongside Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation. Several initiatives are underway including the development of a new service to strengthen family relationships and children’s wellbeing.
In Tennant Creek, the PSS continues to work with Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation, supporting implementation of the new Child and Family Centre and exploring opportunities for new areas of operation in response to the needs of local children and families.
|
|
Supporting the Uluru Statement
Anglicare NT is proud to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We accept the invitation from the Uluru Statement to all Australians to support constitutional and structural reform so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can take their rightful place in our nation.
We support the proposal for a Voice to Parliament enabled by the constitution that gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say on matters that impact their communities.
The Uluru Statement was delivered to the Australian people in 2017, after extensive dialogue with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The call for a Voice to Parliament through the Uluru Statement from the Heart remains just as important as it was in 2017. It is a fair and practical reform that will make a real difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Anglicare NT believes now is the time for our nation to make this change happen.
Anglicare NT is also proud to support the From the Heart campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the Uluru Statement from the Heart around Australia.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2021 Anglicare NT
|
|
|
