Midlas taking social support services to a new level

Published on 26 May 2021

COVID-19 has really taught us all to consider more innovative and flexible ways of delivering services to our community. 

One local service provider is taking innovative social support services to a whole new level, and is making their outreach more accessible than ever. 

Midlas Mobile launched on May 21 with a goal to better support the most vulnerable community members in the City of Swan.  

It is a purpose-built truck with mobile offices inside allowing Midlas staff and partners to deliver services to the street-present and transient communities who normally struggle to access legal, financial and health services. 

Midlas operates from Midland and provides family law, financial counselling, tenancy and disability advocacy and emergency relief services to the local community.

Operating for more than 30 years, Midlas have experienced challenges reaching out to the City’s most vulnerable community members. 

Midlas Chief Executive Officer Sarah Patterson said the Midlas Mobile concept was developed as a result of the fact that many community members have been unable to access essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The Midlas Mobile is a unique way to bring free and essential, health, financial and support services to people where and when they need it,” she said. 

“The City of Swan COVID-19 grant scheme supported the project, which involved creating and customising the infrastructure.

“We have secured partnerships with Connect, Street Law, Street Doctor, Midland Police, Wungening, Swan City Youth Centre, and other local not-for-profits who will all be going out in the truck to provide essential community services to people doing it tough.”

Street Doctor Senior Manager Lisa Winter said they have a long history providing services to the community and are aware of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. 

“Street Doctor is primarily a medical service and has limited resources to support to the social interventions our clients need,” she said.

“Midlas will help to fill this gap, by joining us as a mobile service.” 

The City of Swan's Covid-19 Community Response and Relief Grants Scheme was developed for community organisations providing essential solutions that support local resilience and community wellbeing during, through and beyond COVID-19 restrictions. 

The Midlas Mobile will be providing services across various locations Monday to Friday. For more information, visit www.midlas.org.au/contact