The Effects of Pastoral Care Workers on Student Wellbeing in Regional and Metropolitan Schools

This investigation of the effects of pastoral care workers on student wellbeing in regional and metropolitan schools is part of a larger suite of research. It is the twelfth output of a partnership between Uniting Country SA (UCSA) and and the research team at the Centre for Social Impact, Flinders University. That body of work exists under the umbrella title of Hearing Country Voices, and it is an ongoing commitment to evidence informed practice which aligns with UCSA’s vision of just communities where all people flourish. This project was also supported by funding from the Department for Education.

Latest

Farewell to the National Student Wellbeing Program

After eight years, Uniting Country SA will wrap up delivering the National Student Wellbeing Program at the end of 2023. We've grown over the years to provide the program to 16 schools across regional and remote South Australia, with 14 staff working 8-12 hours each week with the support of two Team Leaders. We want to say a big thank you to the Department for Education and the 16 schools for choosing us to be a provider for this program. We also wish our amazing Wellbeing Support Officers all t
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Favourite Recipes from Our Staff

From Our Kitchen to Yours: Favourite Recipes from Our Staff
Annual Report 2022-2023

We are pleased to release our Annual Report 2022-2023 with the theme Investing in a Brighter Future. We celebrate another year of service delivery to country communities, a year marked by the challenge of rising living expenses and a shortage of housing.
2023 Early Childhood Australia National Conference

Some of our team members recently attended the 2023 Early Childhood Australia National Conference with the theme "Kumarninthi: Becoming One - Old Ways, New Wisdom." We found it valuable to learn about new approaches in early childhood education while also reinforcing our understanding of the significance of providing children with the best possible start 🚸 We would like to express our gratitude to the keynote speakers, particularly Dr Jools Page.

'How can connectedness be achieved in hub-and-spoke organisations?'

The findings in this report provide insights into strategies that UCSA could develop to build staff connectedness and to enhance staff training outcomes.
‘YOU HAVE TO LOVE IT’ What does it take to work in remote community services?

For community and social service workers, practising in regional, rural and remote (RRR) areas presents distinctive challenges and requires a different set of skills from urban practice. Key additional factors that remote workers may encounter include: sparse populations, long distances, few transport options, limited travel routes, isolated living conditions and, in many places, poor telecommunications access.
Country Children in Care

What are the experiences of children in care in the country and what would help them flourish? This investigation of the experiences of children in care in the country is part of a larger suite of research. It is the eleventh output of a partnership between Uniting Country SA (UCSA) and the research team at the Centre for Social Impact, Flinders University.
‘To do this job you have to have to have the heart for it ’

This investigation of good practice for working with people with multiple and complex needs in country settings is part of a larger suite of research. It is the tenth output of a partnership between Uniting Country SA (UCSA) and The Australian Alliance for Social Enterprise (TAASE) at the University of South Australia.
Young country women’s perceptions of intimate partner violence

Research undertaken by the University of South Australia in collaboration with Uniting Country SA has sought to uncover the perceptions young women in regional areas have about this issue.
Fast track – a protocol for a seamless service journey

Research undertaken by Flinders University in association with Uniting Country SA aimed at developing an engagement model to enable person-centred practice in community services
‘It’s not charity’

Research undertaken by Flinders University in association with Uniting Country SA, evaluating UCSA's Micro Credit Loan Scheme and client outcomes.
Enabling children to flourish

Research undertaken by Flinders University in association with Uniting Country SA, studying the effectiveness of UCSA's Child Aware Approach in educating staff and community members on how children develop mentally from birth to adulthood.
Connecting Our People

Research undertaken by Flinders University in association with Uniting Country SA (Then UnitingCare Wesley Country SA) exploring the concept of a "Hub" and "Spoke" approach to team work in regional NGO's
Evaluation of the Indulkana (Iwantja) Youth and Community Shed

Research undertaken by Flinders University in association with Uniting Country SA (Then UnitingCare Wesley Country SA) exploring the benefits of the Indulkana Youth and Community Shed to the local community. Research released September 2016

Careers
Providing services in regional South Australia
Domestic & Family Violence

Uniting Country SA's Domestic Violence services provide support to people in regional South Australia who are dealing with domestic and family violence in their lives.
Escaping Violence Payment

Money worries should not stop you from leaving a violent partner. The Escaping Violence Payment is available to anyone who is experiencing violence from their partners.
Our Mission and Values

Uniting Country SA is a not-for-profit social services and community organisation operating in country South Australia. We are the local experts, trying to make a difference in your community. With over 100 years of experience servicing regional communities, Uniting Country SA is dedicated to Caring for Country People.
Uniting Country Housing (UCH)

Uniting Country Housing is a community housing provider with a number of properties across the region for eligible clients. Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals.
Whyalla
Port Augusta
Main Office Port Pirie
Homelessness Services

The Yorke and Mid North and Coober Pedy Generic Homelessness Services provides support and housing / accommodation options for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness in regional South Australia. Families, single adults, youth and couples can access support from the service