10 ways Southcare’s Aboriginal Family Support Officer can support you this NAIDOC Week
At Southcare, we’re proud to have walked alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our local community for more than 40 years.
Our Aboriginal Family Support Officer, Beverley, is a proud Noongar woman with extensive experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. Whether you need someone to advocate for you, connect you with services or simply have a yarn over a cuppa, Beverley provides culturally safe, respectful support every step of the way.
Here are 10 ways Southcare can help:
1. Have a yarn
Sometimes the best support starts with a simple yarn.
Whether you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed or just need someone to listen, Beverley offers a welcoming, culturally safe space where you can have a yarn without judgement.
With a cuppa in hand and a listening ear, you’ll leave knowing someone is in your corner.
2. Get you registered for Southcare’s Mobile Foodbank
Southcare’s Mobile Foodbank visits every Monday between 11.30am – 12.30pm and offers a variety of nutrient rich, low-cost items including free fruit, vegetables and bread, plus discounted pantry staples. You need a Foodbank referral card to access this community service, and Beverley can register you in person on the day, with no appointment needed – just bring along your ID and concession cards.
3. Organising Emergency Relief
If you are in immediate crisis and live within the City of South Perth (Manning, Como, Karawara, Waterford, Kensington, Salter Point and South Perth) you can have a yarn with Beverley about accessing vouchers for food or essential medications. This service is open between 10am – 1pm Monday – Thursday and appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
4. Referring you for financial counselling
As part of Southcare’s Community Support team, Beverley works alongside an accredited financial counsellor, who can offer you free financial advice in a caring, non-judgemental and private way.
Southcare’s financial counsellor can make assessments of your financial situation, provide information and options to address financial problems, assist with resolutions if necessary. advocate and negotiate with creditors, make referrals to other useful services in the community, provide information about government assistance, offer support to develop budgets and manage finances and provide information about consumer credit and bankruptcy.
5. Help you navigate housing issues
Housing challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.
Beverley can advocate on your behalf with the Department of Housing, helping with rental arrears, inspections, maintenance concerns or requests for more suitable accommodation. She can make phone calls, attend meetings with you and help ensure your voice is heard.
6. Write support letters that tell your story
Sometimes putting your situation into words is the hardest part.
Beverley will have a yarn with you to understand your circumstances and prepare support letters that clearly explain your needs. These letters can help when applying for housing, financial assistance, employment support, benefits and other community services.
7. Connect you with the right people
You don’t have to know all the answers.
Southcare has built strong relationships with organisations across Perth over the past four decades. Beverley can connect you with trusted services, make referrals and introduce you to the right people so you receive the support that’s right for you and your family.
8. Stand beside you at appointments
Appointments with government agencies or other services can sometimes feel intimidating.
Beverley can come along with you, help explain information, ask questions and advocate on your behalf so you feel confident and supported throughout the conversation.
9. Help you understand your options
Life can be complicated, especially when you’re trying to work out what support is available.
Beverley can explain services in plain language, help you understand your choices and work alongside you to find the support that best suits your situation.
10. Walk alongside you
Support isn’t just about solving today’s challenge.
It’s about building trust, creating connections and walking together. Beverley welcomes you anytime, and as often as you need it.
At Southcare, our caring hands are here to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel supported, respected and empowered to achieve their goals.
We’re here when you need us
Southcare’s Aboriginal Family Support Service is based in Manning and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Como, Karawara, Kensington, Manning, Salter Point, South Perth and Waterford.
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome.
If you’d like to have a yarn with Beverley, call 9450 6233 or visit here to apply online.
Happy NAIDOC Week
As we celebrate 50 years of deadly, Southcare proudly acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and honour the wisdom, culture and strength they continue to share with our community.