About Us

Social Equity Group is a trauma-informed social work practice committed to challenging systemic disadvantage and promoting wellbeing for people experiencing marginalisation. We were founded in Melbourne in 2022 to respond to the gaps, silos, and inequities that prevent individuals from accessing the full range of supports they deserve.

We are proud members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and operate with a strong commitment to ethical practice, cultural safety, and client empowerment.

Who We Are, How We Work

Our Mission

We exist to promote social equity over equality by ensuring that every client receives the supports, services, and opportunities they are entitled to. Our mission is to channel all available resources toward improving wellbeing, autonomy, and dignity for those impacted by systemic disadvantage.

We prioritise:

  • Client-centred care
  • Trauma-informed practice
  • Culturally responsive service delivery
  • Advocacy for structural change

Our Model of Practice

Our practice is built on a foundation of trauma-informed care and our social model of care, both of which guide how we engage, support, and advocate for our clients.

We understand that marginalisation is not a personal failing — it is the result of structural inequities, systemic neglect, and social exclusion. Our role is to challenge these systems while walking alongside individuals with compassion, respect, and purpose.

Trauma-Informed, Client-Centred Practice

We understand that trauma can shape how individuals engage with services. Our embedded care teams are designed to minimise re-traumatisation by:

  • Reducing the need for clients to repeat their stories
  • Creating safe, respectful environments
  • Promoting trust, choice, and empowerment
  • Ensuring continuity across service providers

Social Model of Care

We reject deficit-based approaches and instead focus on dismantling the social, economic, and institutional barriers that impact our clients' lives. We recognise that marginalisation is often systemic — and our role is to challenge those systems while supporting individuals to thrive.

Our People

We are a multidisciplinary team of social workers, support workers, placement students, and lived experience advocates — united by a shared commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed care. Our staff bring expertise in mental health, disability, aged care, and community development, and reflect a wide range of cultures, languages, gender identities, and sexualities.

All team members are supported by external supervision to ensure accountability, reflective practice, and professional growth.

Transparency & Accountability

We believe that ethical practice requires transparency. Our team is supported by:

  • External supervision across all domains of practice
  • Clear referral pathways and service documentation
  • Ongoing professional development
  • Community feedback mechanisms

We are committed to continuous improvement and welcome collaboration, feedback, and partnership from clients, referrers, and sector peers.

Who We Serve

We work with individuals and communities who experience marginalisation due to disability, cultural background, gender identity, age, or intersecting systemic barriers. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each group, with a focus on cultural safety, accessibility, and empowerment.

Disabled Individuals

We provide comprehensive support for people living with physical, intellectual, sensory, and psychosocial disabilities.

CALD Communities

We support culturally and linguistically diverse individuals and families, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

LGBTQIA+ People

We offer affirming, inclusive support for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

Young People (12–25)

We support young people navigating transitions to independence, education, employment, and identity development.

Older Adults (65+)

We provide age-appropriate services that promote dignity, autonomy, and social connection for older adults.

All Marginalised Groups

We offer intersectional support for individuals who experience multiple forms of marginalisation.

Professional Registrations

AASW

Australian Association of Social Workers

Registered Social Work Practice

Community Work Australia

ACWA Member Provider

Ready to make a Referral?

We accept referrals from community organisations, healthcare providers, schools, and other support services.