Newsletter - Issue 4 - October 2021
Our news
We have terrific news to share with you this edition, with the launch of our Play and Chat program to begin in the coming months. Thanks to a generous funding commitment from the Bowral District Children’s Foundation, Pop In has hired a Childhood Educator to run a twice-weekly supervised playgroup for preschoolers.
Mothers and carers will visit Pop In with their children, to play together and connect in a safe, trusting and non-judgemental environment. We’re very proud of this announcement, which aligns perfectly with Pop In’s values.
The playgroup will take place in our new playspace in the backyard, which is now complete, and the surrounding sensory gardens, which are part of our continuing program of works.
Play and Chat will create opportunities for meaningful connection, as well as work towards our long-term goal of reducing childhood trauma and, consequently, intergenerational domestic abuse and violence.
Read on to meet our Play and Chat facilitator and Bowral District Children’s Foundation.
Re-opening: Covid update
With the state starting to open up again, Pop In’s staff and volunteers have come back to the cottage at 2 Mona Rd. We’re looking forward to opening our doors to drop-in visitors once more.
During the lockdown, our professional caseworkers and trained volunteers continued to support the women of the Wingecarribee, with video and phone counselling sessions, and some pre-arranged face-to-face meetings. Those remote options will continue, and for now we’re asking visitors, where possible, to make appointments before they drop in.
Vicki Kelley,
Chair
Our results
As lockdown has eased, we’ve seen an increase in the number of women accessing Pop In, with the majority seeking legal support in relation to family and property matters. Our caseworkers continue to support women to engage with the specialist services and information they need to review and resolve these issues. Our professional caseworkers walk alongside Pop In’s visitors to offer day-to-day support at a pace that suits their individual circumstances.
The number of women making direct contact with Pop In for support and assistance is increasing as knowledge of the services offered grow within the community.
In coming months our focus will be on renewing and strengthening relationships with the local services, particularly those focussed on financial, legal and housing support, and making sure they have the information they need.
Our community
We’re grateful for the support Pop In has received from the local community. It’s especially touching when people get in touch to offer something they’ve made themselves, to help the women and children who come through our doors.
That’s what Blankets of Love did, donating two beautiful quilts to Pop In. Run by a group of volunteers out of the Wollondilly Anglican Church in Thirlmere, the organisation gets together to make beautiful quilts from mostly donated materials. Anyone can go along and learn how to quilt (and we hear it’s a chatty, all-day morning tea kind of affair!)
Eila Diffley told us that Blankets of Love quilts are donated to anyone in need. Some go into police cars to comfort families rescued from dangerous situations, and some have gone as far as Haiti to help with the earthquake recovery.
Thank you to the volunteers who donated this beautiful quilt to Pop In. It will be put to good use!
Our people
Lauren Barnes
Childhood Educator
We’re delighted to introduce Lauren Barnes, our new member of the Pop In team. Lauren is a childhood educator, and she’ll be setting up and running the Play and Chat group - an opportunity for mums and carers to have some time out, relax and connect over a cuppa and morning tea. Her role will also take her to local parenting programs and educational groups.
With degrees in education and counselling, Lauren is a terrific fit for the role. “I am a strong advocate for positive change concerning violence against women, abuse and repression of any kind.”
“Pop In’s vision to get women back on their feet means, to me, systematically building a woman back up - helping and supporting to restore her strength, confidence and dignity - empowering women to take back control and make their own life choices for a safe and positive future.”
As a published author of memoirs that explore abuse, relationships and wellbeing, Lauren knows that knowledge is power. She says that reading other people’s true stories is an engaging and powerful way to share experiences, relate and learn. “Reading memoirs can show us that we are not alone and that there is a way forward.” she said. She recommends Domestic Violence Memoirs: A Collection of True Stories of Domestic Abuse by Kaitlyn Riley.
Our partners
As mentioned above, the Bowral District Children’s Foundation are generously covering the cost of a childhood educator to work with Pop In. Initially established to support the Children’s Ward at Bowral Hospital, the Foundation now addresses the mental health and wellbeing needs of local children and adolescents. With strong community support, the initiative bridges the gap between professional services and community members living with mental health concerns.
Herbert Smith Freehills provide pro bono legal advice to Pop In, as well as financial support. As one of the world’s leading professional services businesses, it’s a privilege to have them on board to help Pop In walk with women on their path to safety. Herbert Smith Freehills also aim to be a leader in the attraction, promotion and retention of women, as part of their commitment to inclusion across the spectrum of diversity.
