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An important part of the care network

Rosy stands smiling in front of a park bench and some greenery and plants. She wears a short sleeve khaki blouse.

Respite care is crucial for foster children and their carers – providing a supportive environment for one and a much-needed break for the other – however few people are aware of that need.

Rosalie became a foster carer seven years ago when a young girl Amy*, aged nine, came to live with her.

Reflecting on her time as a full-time carer, Rosalie recognised the importance and impact of respite care.

“It’s so useful for the full-time carer to have a break,” Rosalie said. “A lot of young people that we’re going to come in contact with have trauma-based backgrounds so they require specialised type of care.

“I’ve learned a lot of that through AnglicareSA providing me opportunities to complete study in this field, which is great because knowing what to do is invaluable.

“Usually respite in a family that doesn’t have a child in care in it is usually done by family members, or friends, or a babysitter.

“But I think in fostering it’s better to have someone who’s specifically there to do respite and have some understanding of the background.”

While Amy self-placed back with her biological mum when she turned 16, Rosalie remains connected to her and part of her life.

“I see her every two weeks when I take her to appointments and we get to hang out, have something to eat and keep our connection,” Rosalie said.

“She’s young and has a lot of friends that she likes to hang out with, so it’s nice that I still get time with her.

“Plus, it’s a bit of respite for her mum as well which is great.”

While no longer a full-time foster carer for, the last year and half Rosalie has been continuing to make a difference in the lives of young people and their carers.

“Once a fortnight I visit a family who care for a five-year-old boy and his 18-month-old sister and spend time with them in their home while their carers can take a break and go out.

“I also spend time with another young boy picking him up from childcare while his carers are at work and walking him home and playing.

“It’s full-on attention for five hours straight and, quite frankly, most kids love that!”

Respite Foster Carers provide children regular or occasional time with another trusted adult within their support network giving primary foster carers a meaningful break from their caring role.

They become another member of a child’s extended network. The length of care can vary from a day or a weekend, to a short break over school holidays, and can be provided in a long-term foster carer’s home or as an outing.

AnglicareSA Manager Northern Foster Care, Marsha Lynch said some people may not be in a position to provide care in their own home but want to help a child or young person by being a part of their village. 

“This can be a way for people who are interested in fostering and may not have the space to provide care in their home to become involved in fostering and be a part of a team that supports children in care” Marsha said.

AnglicareSA is one of South Australia’s largest foster care providers, if you are interested in finding out more about becoming a carer, please visit anglicaresa.com.au/foster-care/

*Amy’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.

Celebrating decades of service

They’re the trio that has given a collective 75 years of their lives volunteering at AnglicareSA’s Magdalene Centre.

But now, long-serving volunteers Adrienne, Jane, and Helen have decided it’s time to retire.

“I enjoy being able to help people.”

Jane, Volunteer, AnglicareSA

Employees and volunteers – both past and present – gathered to farewell the women, sharing stories of their generosity not just with those needing assistance at the Magdalene Centre, but also with training and mentoring employees and other volunteers over the years.

Even after decades working at the Magdalene Centre, Adrienne, Jane, and Helen have never lost sight of their altruistic motivations for volunteering.

“Every week, I get a highlight from volunteering and being able to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Helen, who has been volunteering at the centre for nearly 20 years.

Jane, who volunteered as a receptionist for 25 years said: “I enjoy being able to help people.”

Adrienne, a parishioner at St Michael’s Mitcham Anglican Church, started volunteering at the Magdalene Centre three months after it opened 30 years ago.

She said that while she had seen changes in location and services over the years, one thing had remained the same – the impact that being there for someone could have on their wellbeing.

“Listening can seem like a tiny thing, but it truly makes a difference in someone’s life.”

Adrienne, Volunteer, AnglicareSA

Emergency Assistance Coordinator Jill Rivers said that the women had a heart for the community, and this, coupled with their years of service, would be why they will be so missed.

“The ladies are always responsive to those in need,” Jill said.

“They have a wide reach in the community and love interacting with the people who come in for assistance. With the ladies moving on, a large part of the history of the Magdalene Centre will be lost.”

Emergency Assistance Team Leader Sonyia Cannon echoed the impact of the retiring trio.

“They’ve got hearts as big as Australia – just huge hearts.”

Sonyia Cannon, Emergency Assistance Team Leader, AnglicareSA

“They are here for the community and make the world better. They’re a smile a minute.”

What are the trio’s plans now that they have hung up their volunteering boots?

“Sleeping in on Tuesday mornings,” Helen said.

“We all have busy lives and have plenty to do,” Jane said.

At AnglicareSA, we’re proud to have around 300 volunteers who give their time to support people experiencing vulnerability.

We have lots of great volunteering opportunities across our services. If you’re keen to help others, then click here.

Fostering a sense of respite and care

Respite care is crucial for foster children and their carers – providing a supportive environment for one and a much-needed break for the other – however few people are aware of that need.

Respite Foster Carers provide children regular or occasional time with another trusted adult within their support network giving primary foster carers a meaningful break from their caring role.

They become another member of a child’s extended network. The length of care can vary from a day or a weekend, to a short break over school holidays, and can be provided in a long-term foster carer’s home or as an outing.

“Foster caring can come at a cost,” said Donna, one of AnglicareSA long-term foster carers. “I’ve given up work and all those adult conversations you get with the freedom of working. This is why respite is so important.

“Respite is a form of self-care and is as important as the care given to our young ones.

“Not only does it give us time to give one-on-one time to each child in our family, but also the opportunity to regroup and refresh so the level of care doesn’t waiver.

“These can be seen as sacrifices to our lifestyle and relationships, but we have the greatest support from our AnglicareSA care team and the Department for Child Protection, they’re always there making sure our support systems are nurtured.”

AnglicareSA Manager Northern Foster Care, Marsha Lynch said some people may not be in a position to provide care in their own home but want to help a child or young person by being a part of their village. 

“This (becoming a respite carer) can be a way for people who are interested in fostering but may not have the space to provide care in their home to become involved in fostering and be a part of a team that supports children in care” Marsha said.

AnglicareSA is one of South Australia’s leading foster care providers, but more respite carers are needed. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a carer, please visit anglicaresa.com.au/foster-care/

Getting the band back together

Music has the power to connect people of all backgrounds and generations and AnglicareSA home care customer Ric is keen to get the band back together.

Ric is a regular at several social groups run by AnglicareSA, however the absence of a music group is off key for the passionate musician and karaoke enthusiast so he’s now working with Social Activities team in putting the call out for others to join him.

“When you think about the number of AnglicareSA customers across home care, aged care, and other programs and how many of them are old musicians,” Ric said.

“How many of them played in bands or orchestras and have instruments in the cupboard just collecting dust.

“I want to get them together, get their gear out of the cupboards and join a big band – there would be singers out there too.”

Growing up with a love of music, Ric got his start in the industry at the age of 15 doing sound and lighting at the former Palais Royale on North Terrace.

A move to Sydney saw him immersed in the booming music scene travelling with bands throughout the 1960s and ‘70s as a backing vocalist for the likes of Max Merritt and The Meteors, Dinah Lee, and Ricky May.

“Music brings people together and provides a sense of purpose,” he said. “It’s helped me beat cancer twice – it’s just always been a part of my life and still is.”

Social Activities Coordinator Tash Burczyk said the benefits of social groups went far beyond just remaining active as they also ensured AnglicareSA customers had opportunities to remain connected socially with significant friendships often formed via the groups.

The potential for a new music group, she said, would fill a growing gap in the social calendar.

“We had a choir before Covid that was around 30 strong,” she said. “During Covid it stopped, and a lot of members didn’t come back to the group – even a singing group that replaced it has seen numbers dwindling.

“With Ric coming along with his new ideas around turning it into a music group has just been fantastic.

“We’ve got fliers out now so we’re just waiting for feedback from other customers around who will be interested in that we can start to build that group again.”

Costs of social activities vary depending on your government funding package and the specific group activity, with co-contributions ranging from $1.50 through to $14.50 – still great value for a day out all expenses included.

For more information about how to get involved with the Social Activities please contact 8209 6626.

Helping build a new life in a new country

When 17-year-old Marah arrived in Australia from Syria six years ago, she found it difficult to adjust to her new home.

“I did not speak any English when I first arrived, which made it hard to attend school, communicate with people, and get used to the new environment.”

It can be stressful and isolating for a young person from a migrant or refugee background like Marah to handle these challenges on their own.

“I needed someone to support me. I was not confident to ask for help from my teachers,” she said.

Marah didn’t know where to go for support until a friend told her about AnglicareSA’s Newly-Arrived Youth Service (NAYS).

NAYS is a free, specialist service that supports newly-arrived young people aged 12-21 years to shape their lives in Australia.

The program offers early intervention to help new arrivals engage in the community and overcome the barriers they might face. Support can range from helping them to stay in school, participate in the local community, find employment or, if necessary, find somewhere safe to stay. 

Marah said program activities, such as social events and a homework group, have helped to shape her identity in Australia.

Marah (left) with case workers Kashindi and Rosaria.

“When I first joined the program four years ago, I did not have the skills or language to communicate with others or get involved in my local community,” she said.

“I now feel more confident about settling in Australia and getting to know people from different backgrounds.”

NAYS Case Worker Rosaria Sng said that successful settlement not only benefits the new arrival, but the wider local community as well.

“New arrivals bring fresh perspectives to the community,” Rosaria said.

“Having positive interactions with them can help to build a more tolerant and understanding society. Listening to a new arrival’s story and connecting with them on a deeper level has always been a positive learning experience for me.” 

Currently in her final year of high school, Marah is on track to pursue a career in medicine – an aspiration that was supported by the NAYS team.

“I developed a passion for science through attending the homework group,” she said.

“NAYS has helped me to plan for the future and what I need to do to follow my chosen career goal of being a surgeon.”

To be eligible for NAYS, you must be aged 12-21 years and have been living in Australia for less than five years.

For more information about the program, click here.