Lutheran Care recently co-delivered four information sessions across the Northern Territory on the new Central Intake Service (CIS), which is set to transform and streamline access to homelessness support when it launches next month.
Delivered in partnership with Yilli Rreung Housing, The Salvation Army and Supportlink, and with the support of NT Shelter, these sessions provided key information and updates on the CIS’s development and implementation, while also offering an opportunity for attendees from the sector to offer localised feedback and questions.
Earlier this year, Lutheran Care was awarded multi-year funding from the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Children and Families to deliver the CIS in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and established community sector providers.
It means that Territorians experiencing or at risk of homelessness will soon have a smoother, culturally safe and trauma-informed way to connect with support, while also providing a single-entry point for those seeking assistance.
Importantly, the CIS will ensure individuals and families only need to share their story once. With place-based hubs in Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine, and outreach into Tennant Creek, as well as phone and digital access, the service connects clients to the right supports through warm referrals and culturally safe pathways.
The first information session was held in Tennant Creek on September 24 and was followed by events in Alice Springs, Darwin and Katherine over the next week.
The sessions were well attended as key Lutheran Care staff met with local service providers to discuss information and share updates about the delivery of the new CIS.
Lutheran Care’s team enjoyed listening to the valuable feedback from the sector as we work to shape a more inclusive and effective support system across the Northern Territory together.
We thank those that attended and generously shared their insights on the barriers and challenges to homelessness in the Northern Territory. Lutheran Care believes the Central Intake Service presents a real opportunity to address these challenges through collaboration and innovation.
We also thank John McBryde, ex-CEO of Community Housing Central Australia, for supporting the facilitation of these successful sessions.
“It was inspiring to see so many service providers come together at our information sessions, actively sharing their insights,” Lutheran Care’s Executive Manager Families and Community Services Susan Richards said.
“By listening to the voices of the sector, as well as those with lived experience, we can shape a service that truly connects people to the support they need, when they need it.
“I’d like to thank the sector for taking time out of their busy days, and our partners from Yilli Rreung, Lhere Artepe, Salvation Army and SupportLink for joining the sessions.
“This engagement is so encouraging to the success of the service and helps ensure the CIS approach is culturally safe, community-informed and client-centred.”
The new Central Intake Service comes on the back of Lutheran Care’s more than 15 years’ experience delivering community services in the NT, and developing strong connections across Central Australia’s Barkly region, including in Alice Springs and 28 remote communities.
Lutheran Care is excited about our expansion farther into the Territory and is proud to be partnering with experienced and trusted local organisations to drive meaningful systematic change.
To find out more about the Central Intake Service, visit our website.