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Community Services

Community Connections

Community Connections supports people to establish and maintain meaningful social connections with community, supportive social networks and a sense of belonging.

The program supports people aged 18 to 64 who are not eligible for the programs funded under NDIS and Aged Care, to be more involved in their community and connect to support networks and services.

Emergency Relief

Anyone holding a concession, student or Immi card can apply for Emergency Relief, which includes food, pharmacy vouchers, bus tickets and essential items.

Just visit the BaptistCare reception at 11 Millers Court, Adelaide and speak with a member of our friendly team.

Reception is open Monday to Thursday, between 9 am and 1 pm.

Remember to bring your concession, student or Immi card with you for identification.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, our team can talk this through with you when you visit.

Family Wellbeing

The Family Wellbeing Service supports children and young people aged 0 to 18 years who may be experiencing challenges with emotional wellbeing, relationships or behaviour. We provide support for a range of concerns including friendship and social difficulties, bullying, emotional and behavioural regulation, family dynamics and routines, as well as other challenges that may impact a young person’s mental health and overall wellbeing. Family involvement is central to this service. Parents and carers are expected to attend sessions and work in partnership with their child and our team to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Support is available to families living within our funded areas, including Adelaide, Burnside, Campbelltown, Charles Sturt, Holdfast Bay, Marion, Salisbury, Mount Barker and the Adelaide Hills. Eligibility is based on residential postcode, and our team can confirm whether the service is available in your area. Please note that we are unable to accept referrals where another mental health service is already involved.

The Family Wellbeing Service is provided free of charge. Sessions are delivered face to face at our Wayville and Salisbury offices, as well as in schools and selected community venues. In some circumstances, video appointments may be available for families who are unable to attend in person.

Flexible Learning Options

Flexible Learning Options (FLO) support young people who have disengaged from school, or are at risk of disengaging, to reconnect with education and build essential life skills. Through individualised case management, blended learning and practical training opportunities such as the Bean Buggy program, we create adaptive learning environments that encourage participation, independence and renewed confidence.

We work closely with students, families and schools to identify strengths, interests and areas where additional support may be needed. Together, we develop flexible learning and transition pathways that may include accredited subjects, further education, training or apprenticeships — creating meaningful, achievable steps toward stability and future opportunity. Our approach combines school-based, outreach and learning centre models to ensure learning feels accessible and supportive.

FLO is available to students enrolled in a South Australian government school who are in at least Year 8, aged 21 years or under and experiencing ongoing attendance concerns.

We provide FLO programs across Adelaide’s north, east, west, south and north-east regions.

Out of Home Care

Out of Home Care provides 24/7 trauma-informed support for children and young people who cannot live with family, offering stable, therapeutic environments that promote safety and healing.

The service includes emergency, short-term and long-term care. It also incorporates Stabilisation, Assessment and Transition support, helping young people develop essential skills, strengthen capability and prepare confidently for greater independence in their future lives.

Delivered with the Department for Child Protection.

Tumbelin Farm

Tumbelin Farm is a residential adventure therapy program for young people experiencing alcohol or drug-related challenges, combining therapeutic support with structured outdoor activities.

The program creates a supportive environment where participants build resilience, develop personal insight and strengthen relationships. Through guided routines and purposeful experiences, young people learn practical skills, gain confidence and establish a foundation for healthier choices and positive long-term change in their lives.

Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors

The Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors program provides accommodation and tailored support for children who have arrived in Australia alone on Refugee or Humanitarian visas.

The program offers safe, culturally responsive environments that support healing, stability and adjustment. Young people receive guidance with daily living, community connection and emotional wellbeing, helping them build confidence and settle securely into their new surroundings.

Delivered on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

Urban Education

Urban Education is designed to inspire young people to get involved with their community by promoting empathy and a holistic approach to social issues.

Aboriginal Cultural Awareness
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are estimated to be 3.8% of the Australian population. However, statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show make up 20 per cent (or one in five) of the number of people experiencing homelessness on Census night in 2021. In this cultural awareness session, students will hear from Baptist Care SA Aboriginal staff.

Weekend City Retreat
An opportunity for young adults to consider mission to those on the margins. In the safety of Baptist Care SA’s WestCare Centre courtyard, participants sleep outside overnight to get an idea of what it would be like to live on the streets and participate in a range of empathy-building activities. Dinner and breakfast included.

Service Learning Opportunities
Students experience day-to-day life at the WestCare Centre through hands-on learning opportunities.

 

Community Services - Homelessness

Baptist Care SA is proud to be a member of the Toward Home Alliance, working alongside Lutheran Care, Mission Australia, The Salvation Army, Sonder, Hutt St Centre and Aboriginal Family Support Services- working together to give hope, and prevent and end homelessness.

If you are experiencing homelessness, please call Toward Home on 1800 809 273 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday or Homeless Connect SA 1800 003 308 (freecall 24/7).

Bowden Lodge

Bowden Lodge provides a stable and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men with exceptional needs who are experiencing homelessness, by offering everyday support that helps people regain confidence, safety and direction.

The service focuses on practical assistance, community connection and opportunities to build skills for independent living. Through steady support and a home-like setting, Bowden Lodge helps residents work toward long-term housing stability and a renewed sense of control and wellbeing.

Provided in partnership with the Exceptional Needs Unit (ENU) and NDIS. 

Wardli-ana

Wardli-ana offers a culturally informed space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Guided by deep listening, relationship and cultural understanding, Wardli-ana (Kaurna for “Toward Home”) provides wraparound support that honours identity, community and connection. As part of the Toward Home Alliance and our broader homelessness services, this shared learning helps create environments where people feel recognised, supported and connected. Wardli-ana walks alongside individuals as they strengthen wellbeing, explore housing options in ways that respect each person’s circumstances, strengths and culture.

 

Youth Accommodation

Youth Accommodation supports young people aged 15–25 who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness by providing safe housing and structured pathways to independence.

Through 24-hour support and tailored case management, young people develop essential life skills, secure stable accommodation and pursue education or employment opportunities. The program focuses on capability, resilience and connection, ensuring homelessness is brief, non-recurring and replaced with stronger, more sustainable futures.

Let’s chat

If you ever need to chat to someone, we’re always here.
Drop us a line using the contact information below and we’ll get things moving in the right direction.

If you need support or feel overwhelmed, we’re always here to help

Get in touch today for friendly obligation-free advice, supportive guidance, or just for someone to listen.

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Always here and happy to help

Our team is available Monday to Friday from:

  • 8:00am to 6:00pm ACT & NSW
  • 9:00am to 5:00pm SA
  • 9:00am to 5:00pm TAS & VIC
  • 8:30am to 5:00pm WA

Our services