Country agency ac.care will host a Limestone Coast Showcase on May 16 to highlight the social issues affecting the region, what services are available and how the community can support people in need.

Key staff working in family services, emergency relief and homelessness support, foster care and community partnerships will give insight into the current situation within the Limestone Coast and how ac.care is working to achieve positive outcomes.

Held at Mount Gambier City Hall from 5.30pm, the two-hour presentation will also include guest speaker Glyn Scott, a domestic violence survivor who now uses her experience to support other victims.

ac.care chief executive officer Shane Maddocks said the free, public event would provide insight into the issues affecting country South Australians and help educate residents on what support services are available in their area.

“ac.care is focused on early intervention and prevention services to support our mission for all country people to have a safe home, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships,” Mr Maddocks said.

“We hope that by showcasing our agency’s Limestone Coast services, we can help educate our community, learn from members of the public and build on new and existing relationships we have in the region to increase our impact and break cycles of disadvantage.”

Mr Maddocks encouraged civic leaders, professionals and interested community members to attend the showcase and meet with staff of the organisation, which formed in 1986 due to a lack of teenage foster care services in Mount Gambier.

“ac.care is currently embarking on engaging our communities around a long-term vision and strategy focused on providing earlier support together to break cycles of disadvantage for vulnerable people,” Mr Maddocks said.

“Public forums such as this are a great place to learn more from our communities about the issues residents face and how we can all play a part in empowering and supporting country people.

“We know ac.care cannot make this change alone and that is why we invite all members of the public to attend this showcase event so they can learn from us and we can listen to them.”

Tickets for the ac.care Limestone Coast Showcase are available at www.bit.ly/accareshowcase

Attendees are warned the presentation will feature strong themes, including family and sexual violence.

The event qualifies as a Continual Professional Development activity.