All families will experience challenge at some time which will impact on their capacity to cope and be resilient. These challenges may present in the form of a significant event such as an accident, injury or loss of life, the breakdown of a spousal relationship, a downturn in the economy which results in job loss, or the effects of drought which can particularly affect families living in rural communities.

Alternatively, some families experience ongoing, daily stressors or hassles, such as caring for a child with a disability or chronic illness, unstable accommodation, lack of transport, poverty, or parenting post-separation. Families who are refugees or migrants to Australia have the challenges of adapting to life in a new country.

All such challenges and events will put pressure on families, even families which in the past have appeared resilient. When faced with adversity, individuals and communities are required to draw on their existing resources and previous experiences with life challenges in order to cope. 

A family which is finding it difficult to cope with life’s events is more likely to experience social isolation which further impacts on wellbeing.

UnitingCare Community delivers a range of services to families across the state which:

• provide information and referral;
• assist families to address specific issues  which may be impacting on the family’s wellbeing;
• reduce social isolation; and
• build on their existing resources to enhance resilience for the future.

To find out more about these and other services, please visit the Family Relationships Online website.

• Family Support Programs - Cairns, Townsville, Ipswich, Bundaberg, Emerald, St George, Dalby, Charleville.
• Multi-cultural / Refugee Program - Cairns.
• Refugee Settlement Program - Toowoomba.
• Refugee Claimant Support Service - Brisbane
• Supported Accommodation - North Brisbane.