Partners in health
The
University of South Australia and Northern Adelaide service providers
have joined forces to improve the health and wellbeing of the northern
Adelaide community.
UniSA and a network of service providers signed a memorandum of understanding last month that will underpin an ongoing collaboration in health research and education which is already delivering benefits to the community.
Established as part of UniSA’s Northern Adelaide Partnership program, the MOU will provide a framework for a range of exciting health and wellbeing projects.
From health and fitness programs for children in local schools, right through to professional development opportunities for health services workers, UNAPP Director, Mike Elliott, said the agreement underpins action.
“We already have human movement students working with the Swallowcliffe schools to diagnose and treat coordination deficit disorder which affects about six per cent of children and can have long term impacts on learning, fitness and socialisation.
“We have psychology students working with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to help reduce the lengthy waiting lists for access to psychological support.
“And there are a range of other health and wellbeing projects at the coalface that involve UniSA physiotherapy, podiatry, and occupational therapy and education students.”
Elliott said in addition to the immediate benefits to the health and wellbeing of individuals, the example of young vibrant university students working in careers that make a difference in the world was helping to inspire the next generation of students in the area.
Signatories include Anglicare; Children, Youth and Family Services;
Children, Youth and Women’s Health Services; City of Playford; City of
Salisbury; Department of Education and Children’s Services; Drug and Alcohol
Services Council; Good Beginnings; Kids ‘n’ U Family Services; Lyell McEwin
Health Services; Lyell McEwin Health Services – Mental Health Division;
Northern Areas Community and Youth Services Inc; Northern Metropolitan
Community Health Services; Sexual Health Information; and Networking and
Education SA Inc.