(L) Tammy Elvin – Junction Regional Manager, Fleurieu and KI and (R) Tahnay Fleming – Skylight Team Leader, Community Connections.

Junction has been appointed to help deliver a key program supporting people in the Fleurieu to connect, or re-engage, with the community.

Junction will work in partnership with Skylight Mental Health to drive the Community Connections Program (CCP), a Department of Human Services initiative, across South Australia’s south coast region including Kangaroo Island.

The CCP involves a dedicated community worker getting to know and understand a person’s goals and interests to link them with longer-term, sustainable and supportive community, social, and service networks.

Dr Alisa Willis, Head of Impact at Junction, said the program was critical to helping people who could otherwise “fall through the gaps”.

The CCP is open to people living in the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island region aged 18 to 64 and who are not eligible for Federal Government programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care. Priority is given to unpaid carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, those from new and emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities and those who are financially disadvantaged. The CCP works with participants for up to 12 weeks and connects them with longer term support where needed.

Alisa said current economic and social conditions meant the CCP was more important than ever.

“Rising living costs have forced people to prioritise discretionary spending, stopping some from taking part in programs and activities or even, informal catch ups,” she said. “In some instances, people haven’t resumed social activities that stopped during the pandemic.

“Loneliness is one of the greatest challenges we face as a community – and one of the most pressing public health concerns globally. Overwhelmingly, research shows that without social and community connections, we are more likely to suffer poorer mental and physical health. This, in turn, adds increased pressure to systems including hospitals and other public services. Interrupting this cycle, as early as possible, is critical to positive outcomes for the person, as well as the broader community.”

Alisa said Junction, as a key provider of housing and services across the Fleurieu, was ideally positioned to deliver the program in the area, alongside Skylight Mental Health.

Tahnay Fleming, Skylight Mental Health Team Leader – Community Connections program, said the Junction-Skylight partnership would increase capacity to support participants.

“We are really looking forward to working together,” Tahnay said. “Both Junction and Skylight have strong relationships with local groups, organisations and communities. This will be pivotal to our ability to impact people’s lives through the program.”

Minister for Human Services Nat Cook encouraged all South Australians to cultivate and establish strong relationships with those around them.

“We know that persistent loneliness will very likely lead to poor health and wellbeing, which is why we are always looking to invest in initiatives that prioritise opportunities for meaningful social connection that are accessible for all South Australians across their lifespan,” Minister Cook said.

“Make use of those local spaces, including community centres, where communities get together for activities, whether it be the arts, sport, gardening or just having a yarn. Many of these opportunities are free. If you feel you need extra support in getting connected to those around you, whether it be things like anxiety or your circumstances holding you back, reach out to some of the wonderful Community Connections services available in your area.”

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from connecting with community in the Fleurieu, local services, and/or is in need of strengthening their social connections, contact Junction on (08) 8392 3070 (Fleurieu) or (08) 8553 2809 (Kangaroo Island).