About Us
Relationships Australia (SA)
The Australian Institute of Social Relations is a division of Relationships Australia (SA) which has been supporting South Australians for almost 60 years.
As an independent, non-profit organisation, Relationships Australia (SA) is committed to providing services which reflect the changing needs of individuals, families and communities.
In 2001 Relationships Australia (SA) merged with the Centre of Personal Education (COPE) to form a new, stronger and more responsive organisation offering a wider variety of services. The former COPE was an independent, non-profit, education and training centre with a history of over 27 years of service provision in adult and community education and professional training.
COPE's extensive experience and expertise – both in improving services for disadvantaged groups and also in working in partnership with agencies to ensure that training is appropriately targeted – now underpins the learning hub that is the newly formed Australian Institute of Social Relations.
The work of Relationships Australia (SA) involves improving the wellbeing of people; improving the relationships that are fundamental to personal and relationship wellbeing; and empowering people to have control over and make changes that improve their lives. We facilitate the conditions in which people can make choices in relation to their own sense of wellbeing, in their personal and family relationships, in their work context and in their participation in their local community.
Our work involves contributing to the development of relationships which are respectful and fulfilling:
- At home
- At work
- In the community
- Between communities.
We believe that the environments which best support people are ones in which diversity is valued, where relationships are respectful, where people have a sense of connection and belonging and an opportunity to learn and develop.
Our organisational values
Relationships Australia (SA)’s work involves:
- Improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities by providing counselling, education and information services
- Providing services to those who are most disadvantaged
- Ensuring workers and agencies who work with disadvantaged groups have access to training that is industry relevant
- Working in partnership with others to change the societal factors which can limit people’s health and wellbeing.
As an organisation, Relationships Australia (SA) works with a wide range of people and we are committed to ensuring that all people have access to services, without discrimination. The following statement of principle underpins our services:
We recognise and support the diverse nature of our society and believe in the right of all people to a dignified, socially valued and secure life.
In our work we are therefore responsive to the needs of different groups and we specifically aim to redress systemic discrimination on the basis of gender, age, sexuality, disability, race, creed and nationality. Implementing these values involves a commitment to:
- Person centred services
- Bridging the equity gap
- Accessible and appropriate services
- Participation
- Community development
- Partnership and co-operation
- A positive and proactive workplace
- Effective and accountable management.