In Port Augusta’s Aboriginal Communities, some Grandmothers have become sole carers for their grandchildren.

These ‘Nana’s’ were seeking support and friendship from peers as ‘times have changed’ since they were parents. Uniting Country SA’s Advancing Families and Communities (AFC) program commenced a weekly Nana’s group in July 2019. This group provides support, guidance and information about programs, agencies, and services available to them.

Participants have had regular guest speakers exploring topics such as family relationships, addictive behaviours and health. The Nana’s have provided a great deal of positive feedback and say they have learnt a lot about services they can access which they weren’t aware of previously.  The women are now informing others in the community of the service and are sharing their knowledge with families and friends.

The Nana’s have also begun advocating for a drop-in centre for Port Augusta and are in the process of organising sessions with the AFC after school girls’ group, to share their skills and knowledge in bush medicine and traditional arts and crafts. 

Find out more about the Advancing Families and Communities program by clicking the button below

Advancing Families and Communities