Spiritus’ Social Services clients will benefit from the co-location of four services groups into a single premise on Logan Road at Buranda in Brisbane.

Centrally located in close proximity to public transport, the new building provides ease-of-access for clients seeking a range of services including Counselling and Education Services, Child Protection and Youth Services including TRACC South (Foster Care), Positive Directions (a co-ordination, information and referral service for People Living With HIV/AIDS in Queensland), and Homelessness Services for Women and Children.

The co-location of these groups is supported by spoke-sites across southern Queensland.  The move marks a new era in service delivery and was celebrated on Friday 14 October when colleagues from the private and public sectors attended the opening of the premises, which included a blessing by the Archbishop of Brisbane, The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall, assisted by Spiritus’ Coordinating Champlain, Linda McWilliam (see photo).

The event, attended by the Premier of Queensland, Honourable Anna Bligh, focussed on the numerous benefits the central location delivers including promoting greater service integration and resource sharing, cross-program referral and streamlined client access to services.

The fit-out of the facility is largely open plan to provide optimal resources for maximise client outcomes and facilitate counselling.  

The Anglican Church first became involved in the delivery of counselling and education services back in 1971 when a group of army chaplains noted with concern the increasing incidence of divorce in both the Australian Defence Force and the general population

Spiritus’ Social Services division administers a wide range of social support programs throughout Brisbane and southern Queensland including supporting children in foster and residential care, counselling and relationship education, mental health, homelessness, disability support, employment services and family support.