Housing for the long term
A grant of $9,450 was given to the Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC) in May to support women and their children who have recently moved into independent housing after being homeless. A new Outreach Support Worker started in August this year who is an experienced social worker with a background in outreach case management for newly housed women with mental health issues. The worker has attended 13 home visits and provided support for nine women at appointments with Housing NSW, Mental Health Support, Department of Immigration and Alcohol, and Other Drug Treatment. All clients have successfully maintained their housing, three of which have fairly complex issues. Support has been successfully provided to implement safety strategies for a domestic violence situation, parenting support, financial management, referral to mental health services, referral to health services, and to set up and maintain the homes.
As a result of this grant, the project has received further further investment from a Private fund , who is also one of the Sydney Women's fund donors. The project will be expanded into the Inner Western suburbs of Sydney and will be funded for the next three years, providing much needed support to women and their children at risk of returning to homelessness.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence
Joan Harrison Support Services for Women has been working to provide safe, secure and supported accommodation for women who are escaping domestic violence or are homeless. The Aboriginal Women Against Violence project will continue work already undertaken to conduct a series of education programs specifically designed for Aboriginal women. The aim is to reduce the incidence of violence and increase the capacity of the community to deal with violence against women and children. It is envisaged that like the previous groups, they will learn about the effects of domestic violence, where they can get help, and which services they feel comfortable using and recommending to other community members.
Parenting support for vulnerable mothers
Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS) has had an increase in cases since a change in NSW legislation has meant the Department of Community Services (DOCS) will only deal with children at risk of “significant” harm. CAPS are taking up the cases that DOCS turn away. Through the Practical Parenting project, CAPS will support vulnerable mothers with evidence based parent education sessions, face-to-face counseling and the provision of support groups. The aim is to improve the parenting confidence and capacity of mothers and give them an open forum to openly and safely discuss challenges and strategies for change.
Peer support for children of prisoners
SHINE for Kids (SHINE) primary purpose is to work in partnership with children and young people with a parent in the criminal justice system to overcome social and educational barriers and realize their individual potential. The SHINE project is for peer support groups which will directly address the needs of children of prisoners. A Group Facilitator will take children through a series of structured and fun activities, working with them to develop the insight and skills of each child and reducing feelings of stigma and isolation. At the same time, the Group Facilitator will work with the presenting issues in each child’s family, putting appropriate support structures in place and reducing family crisis and distress.
We have one wonderful project still to be fully funded
Project spotlight
Bringing down barriers to mental health
St John of God Health Care recently opened a Raphael Centre in Blacktown to offer information, support and intervention services to mothers affected by anxiety or depression during pregnancy and in the four years following childbirth. Blacktown has a culturally and linguistically diverse community, with more than 184 countries and 156 languages represented. “Breaking down barriers to mental health services for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is one of our greatest challenges,” says Michelle Haling from St John of God Health Care. The Sydney Women’s Fund is calling for donors to invest in this important project. For more information view the Sydney Women's Fund Inaugural Projects Booklet.
We at the Sydney Community Foundation and the Sydney Women’s Fund are proud to be involved with these worthy projects and look forward to sharing with you all the results which will be posted on our website as they come in. There are still some amazing projects that are awaiting their final donations to make them possible. To view the wonderful booklet of the Sydney Women’s Fund Inaugural Projects which was created by the talented staff at Mahlab Media, please click here. If you wish to make a donation to one of the projects please click here for a donation form.
