Community Connections
Barossa, Light & Lower North and the Adelaide Hills
Lutheran Care is excited to introduce its Community Connections program for the Barossa, Light & Lower North and Adelaide Hills regions.
Funded by the Department of Human Services, Community Connections supports people to be more involved in their community and to connect to support networks and services.
Strong social connections and a sense of belonging can improve wellbeing and provide better health outcomes. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that around one in 10 people experience social isolation, and that this has a negative effect on their mental and physical health, and their ability to participate in the community.
Social connection and belonging are critical for our health and wellbeing.
Who Community Connections is for?
Community Connections is open to people who live in South Australia, and:
- are aged 18 to 64
- need short-term support to enhance their wellbeing by strengthening their connections with communities, social networks and services
- are not eligible for federal programs such as National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- people from new and emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- people who identify as being from the LGBTIQA+ community
- unpaid carers
- people who are financially disadvantaged
- people living in communities of persistent or location-based disadvantage.
How Community Connections works
Community Connections supports people who are not eligible for mainstream programs such as NDIS and My Aged Care to be more involved in their community and to connect to support networks and services.
It’s a short-term program (up to 12 weeks) delivered through a statewide network of partners. Each person is supported to establish and maintain meaningful social connections with community, supportive social networks and a sense of belonging.
Support through our Community Connections Program may include helping people to get involved in local community activities, find new support groups and/or meet their neighbours.
Locations
Lutheran Care Regional Coordinators
Barossa, Light & Lower North and the Adelaide Hills
Our Regional Coordinator will coordinate the program across their region, ensuring that all other partners work together to provide the most appropriate services and support for participants. These partners can work with the participant to find an appropriate service or community group to reach their agreed goal.
Lutheran Care Community Partners
Barossa, Light & Lower North
As a Community Partner in the Barossa, Light & Lower North we deliver community-based programs, services and activities to help participants gain independence and make strong, sustainable connections with family, communities and other networks.
Lyndoch, Mt Pleasant and Nuriootpa
Chatty Cafe
The Chatty Cafe program provides social opportunities for locals, giving people a safe space to make connections in the community.
We currently facilitate cafes in the Lyndoch, Mt Pleasant and Nuriootpa areas. These programs are open to people of all ages looking to connect over a weekly coffee, conversation and a free activity.
To find out more, please reach out to the Lutheran Care Barossa Office at communityconnections@lutherancare.org.au or call 8562 2688.
Get In Touch
How to contact us
Get In Touch
Community Connections
Whether you are looking for support for yourself, a friend or a family member, or you are a service agency wanting to refer somebody to the program, the Regional Coordinating Partner in your area is your first point of contact.
