Newsletter February 2024
Dear Supporter and Friend,
Like many people over the Christmas and New Year period I reflected on how challenging 2023 was for all of us. Many of our clients, in particular, struggled with the compounding pressures of rising living costs, increased mortgage rates, increasing rents, and the persistent lack of decent and affordable housing. These economic factors placed more stress on their situations, leaving them more susceptible to physical violence, emotional and mental abuse, and coercive control.
The stark reality of these circumstances manifested in our 2023 impacts. Pop In supported 173 women, with 46% of them with children. Notably, 56% of these women had never sought assistance from domestic violence services before, and a significant 67% took the courageous step of self-referral, underscoring the urgent need for accessible and responsive support.
Our philanthropic model ensures that our core services have the ability to provide support to our clients for as long as they need help navigating domestic violence, walking along side them to a place of safety, where they and their family can thrive.
Our small size means that we remain agile allowing us to move swiftly to meet the needs of our clients prioritising personalised, empathetic care, tailored to the unique circumstances of each individual. Despite limited resources, our close-knit team fosters a supportive environment, ensuring each client feels heard and validated.
I am pleased to share with you our 2023 Annual Report. In it you will find further information on our programs and impacts. All possible because of your continued support.
We are grateful that you have chosen to walk with us on this journey. Together, let us amplify voices, empower communities, and stand unwavering against domestic violence and abuse.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
Pop In Scores High on External Evaluation
At the core of Pop In lies a unique service model designed to empower our frontline staff with the flexibility needed to address the diverse needs of our clients without constraints. This model emerged through collaborative discussions with local community groups, including the Domestic Violence Forum Southern Highlands, consultations with various domestic and family violence providers and services across NSW and researching best practice globally.
Our service model revolves around five key objectives:
(1) Assisting Women and children to achieve safety and to feel more secure;
(2) Assisting Women with their legal, financial, Health, Accommodation, and Employment needs;
(3) Empowering and Helping Women and Children threatened by domestic and family violence and abuse navigate a future on their terms;
(4) Educating, supporting and empowering the community of the Southern Highlands to say NO to domestic and family violence and abuse.
(5) To develop an agile, innovative model responsive to the needs of the women we support.
To continually align with these objectives and enhance our model, Pop In actively seeks feedback from clients and partners. Additionally, we commissioned a comprehensive two-year independent evaluation through the University of Wollongong (UOW), generously supported by donors.
Working closely with Professor Nan Seuffert, Professor Trish Mundy, Dr. Pariz Lythgo-Gordon, and Dr. Fabiene Else, our evaluation in December 2023 yielded overwhelmingly positive results.
While affirming our impact, it also offered valuable insights for operational refinement, enhanced community engagement, and strategic positioning.
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, our focus remains on continuous improvement through feedback and evaluation, ensuring an optimal service model to support women and children navigating the complexities of domestic and family violence.
Dr Louella Grattan-Smith - Director Operations
International Women's Day - Exhibition at Ngununggula
Pop In is delighted to announce a wonderful art therapy partnership with Ngununggula Gallery in recognition of International Women's Day. Pop In clients have been invited to participate in art therapy workshops with the amazing Artist Louisa de Haas. Workshops will be conducted over 4 weeks with each client guided through the creation of their own piece under the guidance of Louisa.
The program will culminate with an exhibition to be hosted at Ngununggula Gallery on International Women's day - 08th March, 2024.
Wellbeing at Pop In
This year's theme is "Inspire Inclusion" and incorporates yoga, meditation, brunch and art workshops.
Wellbeing at Pop In is being held on 06th March, 2024. Booking are essential so click on the button below to register.
In celebration of International Women's Day Pop In is hosting a free wellbeing day supported by Creative Space and Community Circles.
Pop In Golf Day 2024
Join us for the 2024 Pop In Golf Day at the Bowral Golf Club on 24th March, 2024!
We’re pleased to welcome back players for our 2nd annual golf day, playing 18 holes on the beautiful Bowral Golf Club course in the Southern Highlands.
Registered players are invited to join us at the Club House at the end of play for a sausage sizzle lunch and an update on how Pop In is supporting women and children navigating domestic violence.
Plus there’s an opportunity to win prizes - everything from a new vehicle from Moss Vale Motors for a Hole in One; to a prize for the Golfer with the most divots!