Newsletter - Issue 16 - April 2023
Our News
As we approach Easter, I want to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has supported us along the way. We are humbled by your kindness and generosity, and we are committed to continuing to work together to create positive change in the lives of women and children in need.
I read a new study recently where the research shows that women who have experienced violence or abuse by an intimate partner in their lifetime have an increased risk of developing a mental health disorder by almost three times and a chronic physical illness almost twice, which is more evidence as to why services such as Pop In are becoming essential in today's society.
It’s fair to say that the Southern Highlands community has overwhelmed us with their generosity, financial support, in-kind support, and most importantly, their friendship and commitment to supporting the women and children who come to Pop In. We have now supported over 440 women and children, something we could not have achieved without the critical role that our community has played in making Pop In a reality.
When we established Pop In in 2020, we recognised that for our long-term success, we needed to engage all members of our community in our plans, activities, and projects. We wanted to create a space where women and children impacted by domestic violence could feel supported and empowered, and we knew that this vision could only be achieved with the help from the generous people and businesses in the Southern Highlands.
Ways to support
Pop In could not keep its doors open without the generous support from our Southern Highlands community. Please consider making a donation to Pop In so we can continue to support the women and children in our community that do not have a safe and happy home.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
Our Results
Stacy - mum of two school-aged children - arrived at Pop In distressed, seeking advice on how to leave her abusive partner. Stacy was immediately supported to speak with police and relevant crisis services to ensure her and her children's safety.
Pop In contacted the school and worked with them to understand the situation and ensure their safety. Once Stacy and her children secured temporary accommodation, Pop In continued to work alongside the family; identifying next steps; connecting them to relevant services; and ensuring clarity on what was happening next.
Stacy is now participating in our Blackbox Parenting program, helping her better understand how her experiences have affected herself, her children, and her parenting. Pop In continues to work with Stacy and her children's school to help them engage in the school community and protect them.
Pop In will continue to provide Stacy with specialist, community and personal support for as long as she needs it.
Play and Chat
There have been a couple of very exciting and fun-filled Play and Chat sessions over the past few months. In February there was a teddy bears picnic morning where everyone got to have some delicious morning tea, play some bear-themed games and go on a bear hunt.
On Friday 31st March, Play and Chat held an Easter themed morning where bunny ears were mandatory, yummy easter treats were served and the children (and grown-ups) enjoyed some egg-citing games and an easter egg hunt.
We would like to say a huge thank you to the amazing staff and volunteers who make each session so welcoming and joyful, they really do put their hearts and souls into making these sessions so wonderful.
And a huge thank you to BDCF - Bowral District Children's Foundation, who along with Pop In, work really hard to enable the Play and Chat Program.
Play and Chat is on every Monday and Friday from 10am - 12pm and is a safe space for women and their children affected by domestic violence to come together, play games and chat, empower and support each other while having fun.
Our Community
International Women's Day
On 8th March, Pop In worked alongside Circles Wingecarribee, Southern Highlands Community Centres and Creative Space Southern Highlands to help host a creative and community day to celebrate International Womens Day. It was a great success and Pop In were so delighted to be a part of this community event.
Stories from the Pop In - Mindful Photography Project
In 2022 Community Links Wellbeing and Pop In engaged Folkal to run a six week therapeutic photography program for women from the Pop In Community. The program’s overarching aim was to re-engage participants with the community through the therapeutic benefits of the arts, specifically by teaching them how to use photography as a tool for self reflection and exploration.
There is still time to view the selection of their beautiful work on the walls at Creative Spaces Southern Highlands, who we thank for hosting the exhibition.
STORIES FROM THE POP IN
Mindful Photography Project
Wed – Fri, 9:30am – 3pm until Friday 14th April 2023.
Sponsor Thank you
Pictured above: Sue Hoffman and bridge players presenting the donation to Pop In board member Sue Campbell.
We'd like to say a big thank you to Sue Hoffman and the bridge players from Tricks and Trumps who kindly donated over $4,250 to Pop In. Tricks and Trumps have been collecting money each week for the past 12 months.
Sue said "Tricks and Trumps was born out of the passion and enjoyment of those wishing to learn more, connect with others and improve their brain function. The decision to support a charity was a combined one and it's with much pleasure that we can make a donation to Pop In."
