Mercy Community’s new Social Work Services for Rockhampton are up and running – bringing even more joy and enrichment to the lives of our elderly.
Our mission? To not only enhance well-being but to foster social connectedness and empower every individual to embrace a life of fulfilment and independence.
Our dedicated team is focused on individual care, embracing a compassionate, trauma-informed approach.
We caught up with Mercy Community social worker Seniya Chitura to find out more.
What motivated you to become a social worker?
I arrived in Australia from Zimbabwe in 2008 where I worked as a teacher. Back there, I used to do a lot of counselling with the students at the school and so I always had a passion for helping vulnerable clients.
I decided to study social work as I thought it would be a good all-round profession where I could work in different areas helping people who are disadvantaged, vulnerable, and in need of support.
I did a social work degree in 2014 in Melbourne and then in 2021 I did a Master of Mental Health and Psychotherapy at the University of Queensland.
What does an average day look like for you?
I visit homes and centres to meet with clients and complete assessments, to help determine their goals and the resources and services that they need.
After writing recommendations, I then work collaboratively with other health professionals, clients’ families, and carers to support clients to achieve their goals.
As social workers we provide emotional support as well as advocating for clients and connecting them to resources.
I guess you could say social work is really a missing piece of the puzzle.
“It is very rewarding to make a positive impact in someone’s life and to witness clients overcoming their challenges. Helping people just gives me a purpose in life.”
What qualities do you need to be a social worker?
It’s actually a role that really requires a lot of empathy, resilience, and a lot of patience.
These skills enable social workers to build trusting relationships, understand clients’ needs and advocate for their well-being effectively.
What do you love about it?
The opportunity to make tangible difference in people’s lives. It is very rewarding to make a positive impact in someone’s life and to witness clients overcoming their challenges. Helping people just gives me a purpose in life.
Are there any challenges?
Systemic barriers and limited resources can hinder our ability to provide effective support to the clients.
It’s also difficult to cope with the loss of clients and it can be emotionally challenging to witness their pain and suffering.
What interests you about working with elderly people?
I’m motivated to be able to give elderly people the extra support they need and connect them to services that can help them.
Find out more about our Social Work Services
Mercy Community’s Social Work Services are only available in Rockhampton, and can be covered under STRC, HCP or FFS.
Services include:
- Comprehensive assessments: understanding your unique needs, step by step.
- Personalised care planning: crafting tailored plans with your voice at the centre.
- Counselling and therapy: a quiet space for your well-being journey.
- Care coordination and resource referrals: guiding you to available help.
- Advocacy: advocating for your rights and needs within the community and with other services.
Reach out today to start your path towards enhanced well-being!
