The University and the network of service providers will sign a memorandum of understanding on Monday May 9 (at the Playford Function Centre, Elizabeth at 1 pm) that will underpin an ongoing collaboration in research and education which is already delivering tangible benefits in the community.
The agreement builds on an ongoing engagement UniSA has in the region, spearheaded since 2002, by the foundation of the UniSA Northern Adelaide Partnership program.
Director of UNAP, Mike Elliott says the signing of the MOU will consolidate some important work being carried out in the community that is already providing significant health outcomes especially for children and young people.
"The agreement will offer a framework in which to expand some exciting work happening right now - from student health and fitness programs in local schools, right through to professional development opportunities for health services workers," Elliott said.
"The UNAP program focuses a `whole of university' engagement with the Northern Adelaide community so that the relationships formed have a long term benefit.
"And there are some excellent examples in this health and well being initiative.
"We 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 (CAMHS) to help reduce the lengthy waiting lists for access to psychological support.
"And there are a range of other health and well being projects at the coal face that involve UniSA physiotherapy, podiatry, and occupational therapy and education students."
Elliott said in addition to the immediate benefits to the health and well being 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 generations of students in the area.
"We also find that many of the uni students who become involved in these projects decide they want to start their careers in these communities where they can make a big impact," he said.
"The relationships we are developing here provide enormous opportunity for the community to benefit on many levels."
The Memorandum of Understanding encourages these key outcomes:
- Professional placements for UniSA health sciences students in Northern Adelaide agencies to help extend and support the services available to the community.
- Undertaking collaborative research and evaluation based on the strategic priorities of the Project which may involve both UniSA academic staff and/ or students.
- The participation of Northern Metropolitan Agency staff in the education of UniSA students through involvement in tutorials, workshops and lectures - to expose students to real-life issues and contribute to the understanding of future practitioners in their field.
- The provision of professional development, higher education pathways and post graduate degrees to agency and services staff.
Key speakers at the event include UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Denise Bradley and CEO of Children, Youth and Women's Health Services, Heather Gray. Other speakers include Associate Professor Sheila Scutter, UniSA's Dean of teaching and learning in the Division of Health Sciences; Liesl Christie CAMHS senior psychologist; Principal of Swallowcliffe Primary School, Sue Mittiga; and Janny Maddern, project leader for the Northern Health and Wellbeing project.
Signatories to the MOU include Anglicare, Children, Youth & Family Services, Children, Youth & 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, Networking and Education SA Inc.
