ANGLICARE Sydney supports the 2020 initiative
CEO of ANGLICARE Sydney, Peter Kell, welcomes Prime Minister Rudd’s announcement of a 2020 Summit to brainstorm ways to solve the nation’s long-term problems.
“The Summit promises to be a valuable opportunity for people with a positive vision for strengthening communities, supporting families and addressing social inclusion to share ideas.
“ANGLICARE Sydney’s work with the homeless, the hungry, victims of abuse, the elderly, people with a disability and those with mental health issues, has led us to call for a national strategy to address social inclusion,” said Mr Kell.
Some key issues which have emerged through ANGLICARE Sydney’s work with clients include:
• Work life balance, often related to mortgage stress; long working hours; child care costs; and support of ageing parents - all of which can lead to relationship and family breakdown.
• Young people on the streets supported by our Street Outreach program are often escaping domestic violence and sexual abuse. Pathways off the street need to be provided through crisis and medium term accommodation, counselling, education, training and employment.
• Those accessing emergency food relief frequently skip meals, often for a whole day and sometimes children in these families are going to school hungry with parents anxious, stressed and ashamed that they cannot provide food for their families. Going without food is a common experience for those living on the margins, as are accessing basic services; safe and secure housing; and finding social support.
• Those caring at home for the elderly are dealing with frustrations in accessing respite at short notice. Two areas needing special attention are appropriate short-term accommodation for those with dementia; and the development of staff to work with elderly members of Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
“Our current research into poverty indicates that for social inclusion to be achieved there needs to be a broad-ranging, multifaceted policy approach by government,” said Mr Kell.
“ANGLICARE Sydney applauds the 2020 Summit initiative and the promise it holds for an integrated, national approach to a policy agenda, informed by both community expertise and understanding”.
Media Contact: Leonie Savage on 0411 779 337
