Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

More to Reach than meets the eye

Anglicare's new social enterprise, Reach Technology, is designed to bridge the digital divide between people who can afford to access information technology and people who can't.

But Reach's manager, John Rowland, said that Reach offered services to organisations as well as individuals.

'We provide quality, low-cost computer equipment, computer repairs, servicing, internet services and website development,' he said.

'And we specialise in providing professional and affordable IT support and services to community organisations and other non-profit groups.

'Small, community-based organisations with limited budgets often fall behind or make do with inadequate computer equipment because they can't afford to upgrade their systems.  We're able to offer non-profit groups access to everything they need at prices they can afford.

'Community organisations may also be eligible for our computer re-use program, which refurbishes pre-loved computers donated by individuals or businesses and makes them available to eligible clients at low cost.'

Reach Technology is a social enterprise, which means that while it operates as a business, the services it provides address unmet social need, and any profits are directed back into the community, in this case through Anglicare's services.

'This means that by giving your business to Reach, you're also supporting the community,' said Mr Rowland.

For more information email: info@reachtechnology.com.au.

Help wanted for innovative program

If you're non-judgemental, have a sense of humour and enjoy spending time with young people, then you could be just what Anglicare's Placement and Support Service (PASS) is looking for.

Heather Brookes, manager of Anglicare's counselling and family support services, said that PASS clients are young people who are unable to live at home and need a safe alternative.

'We're looking for volunteers who have spare bedroom and could provide accommodation to a young person on a bed-and-board basis,' she said.

'We also have a number of clients who are able to live semi-independently in a unit or granny flat.

'And if you aren't able to provide accommodation but do want to help out, you could mentor a young person who needs a bit of extra support.'

Ms Brookes said volunteers could be anyone. 'What matters is that you like being with young people,' she said.

'In return for helping out, you'll have the chance to make a real difference to someone's life.  You'll get to build communication and problem-solving skills, and gain experience in working with people from a range of backgrounds.  And you'll get to meet some really special young people.

'Every volunteer involved will receive comprehensive training and have access to 24 hour support from PASS workers, who also provide ongoing support to the young person.

A Fellowship for social justice

Over the past few years, Anglicare's Social Action and Research Centre has benefited from the wisdom of a small group of leading Tasmanians.

SARC Manager Jo Flanagan said that Anglicare had decided to establish the SARC Fellows as a way of opening up public debate and raising awareness of social justice issues.

'Contributing to the creation of a just Tasmania is central to Anglicare's work, and the Fellows have all demonstrated a commitment to social justice and social change.'

The current Fellows are Tasmanian historian Dr Alison Alexander, former politicians Michael Field and Professor Margaret Reynolds, designer and artist Patrick Hall, poet, writer and academic Dr Pete Hay, indigenous writer Greg Lehman, Justice Pierre Slicer, and psychologist and priest Dr Jim Young.

'The Fellows have in the past contributed to publications on various aspects of social justice, released to tie in with our annual social justice lecture,' said Ms Flanagan.

'In the future we're looking to build on that contribution and even expand their ranks.

'The concerns of ordinary low income earners in Tasmania can easily be pushed off the agenda by more sensational issues.  Working with our Fellows is one way we can keep those concerns in the forefront of public debate.

'We thank our Fellows for their commitment, and we look forward to building on our partnership.'