Sarah Faulkner

Sarah Faulkner is the Project Lead for the Neighbourhood Circles Project in Adelaide, which aims to make neighbourhoods more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible spaces of belonging.

Previously, Sarah was a Circles Facilitator with the Community Living Project. In this role, she supported individuals with disability, alongside their families, friends, and allies, to acquire more valued social roles and freely given relationships in the community.

Sarah recently completed her PhD in Sociology and Human Geography at the University of South Australia. She currently lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband, daughter Darcy, and dog Jimmy.

Building bridges to neighbourhood: The role of neighbourhoods as sources of social connection, safeguarding, and support

Being connected to your neighbourhood has many benefits. However, many barriers prevent people with disability from connecting with neighbourhood spaces, groups, and initiatives.

In this presentation, Sarah Faulkner discussed the benefits of being part of one’s neighbourhood. She explained how neighbourhood connectedness can act as a critical safeguard against social isolation, loneliness, and ill health.

She provided ideas on how to

• support a friend, family member, or key loved one to engage more deeply with their neighbourhood
• act as the bridge to increased neighbourhood connection.

Learn about the other conference speakers and their presentations

Pre-conference webinars

• Webinar 1 – Decision-making in everyday life – Janet Klees
• Webinar 2 – Medical safeguarding – Jo Massarelli and Cathy Ludlum
• Webinar 3 – Now is the time for vision – Darcy Elks

Main conference

• Never too late to get a life – Cathy McMahon and Josey McMahon
• The secrets of fabulous skin self-direction – Margaret Ward
• What happens when I cark it? – Linda Hughes
• Planning ahead: Safeguarding decision-making – Helen Connolly
• The importance of trust and relationship in supported decision-making – Kim Roots
• Dream big! – Laura Esplin and Bernadette Esplin
• Building bridges to neighbourhood – Sarah Faulkner
• Safeguarding a Micro Enterprise for the future – Helen Neale
• Finding and safeguarding a job – Jan Kruger
• What’s the plan? Estate planning consideration for parents and carers – Stacey Bell
• Passing on the “How”: A sibling’s journey – Rebecca Altaffer
• It’s a long game: Planning for a great future for Valen in a constantly changing world – Ann Greer, Valen Litster, and Sally Aubrey
• How to set your Executor up for success – Stacey Bell
• Safeguarding the future: A sibling’s perspective – Libby Ellis
• Dispelling myths about the Disability Support Pension, Rent Assistance, and employment income – Paul Kruger
• Your money, your future – Carolina Albornoz
• Helping relationships flourish – Tim Bavinton
• Who is the person behind the behaviour, and what do they need? – Kane Morgan
• Safeguarding Isaac’s good life through a Service for One – Sheree Henley
• Emma Davidson MLA
• Planning future finances – Chris Oates
• Crafting and safeguarding a meaningful week for Cameron – Karen Caldwell, Cameron Zellner, and Markus Zellner