Newsletter - Issue 20 - August 2023
Our News
Since our last newsletter we have been full steam ahead at the new premises in Moss Vale. The deck is now complete, the outside of the house has been painted, new fencing installed and the inside is currently being renovated and new floor coverings laid. Next on the agenda is building the car park and landscaping the gardens.
We look like we are on track to open our doors in September and are so grateful for all the people who have worked so hard to get all the works completed so far.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
Movie night a huge success!
On Thursday 3rd August we held a fundraising movie night to raise funds and awareness for Pop In. The event was a huge success with all 180 tickets selling out the week before.
We raised $4,500 from ticket sales and donations given on the night which will be used towards the gardens at our new premises to make it an inviting and welcoming place.
We'd like to say a big thank you to The Empire Cinema, Bowral for all the help and support with the organisation. Artemis Winery for donating the wine which was served and The Fold for helping us spread the word about our event.
To our team of amazing volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure it was a guaranteed success, we could not have done it without you! and finally, thank you to everyone who came along to support us, we hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did.
Some of the photos that were taken on the night will be available in the next issue of High Life Magazine, so keep an eye out for those.
We would also love to thank those people who may not be on our email list, so if you came along with a friend, please forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up to our mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter.
Raising Awareness
Wingecarribee Shire Council's new bin stickers raise awareness about domestic violence.
Residents of the Southern Highlands can pick up new domestic violence awareness-raising stickers for free from the Council’s Civic Centre and local libraries. These stickers have been created by the Southern Highlands Domestic Violence Forum (SHDVF).
You can do your part to get conversations going about domestic violence and advocate for a safer, more respectful community. Pick-up a sticker today and start spreading the word. It’s a simple way to show that you’re standing with your fellow community members, to see Wingecarribee become a safer and more supportive place for all.
Photo credit: Southern Highlands News
‘Empower You’ App
Anti-domestic violence app 'Empower You' launched by NSW police
NSW Police released an app called 'Empower You' in late July, which is aimed at helping victims of domestic violence to discreetly document abuse and access support services.The app will include: a private diary, a coded emergency signal feature, which can also send their GPS location, simple connectivity to Triple Zero for emergencies, and links local support services.
It will also ensure the functionalities comply with legislation, which allows the data to be presented at court as evidence.
"The App has the potential to provide great support to those in our community impacted by domestic and family abuse, it is convenient and appears to be easy to use. Anything that simplifies the process of recording, protection and connection is valuable. The App has the potential to provide more accurate and immediate recording of matters which supports building a legal case.
Apps such as this empower the individual to be able to record and control their narrative which is of great value. The convenience and immediacy of the collection of information and the ability to have that with you at all times can potentially take a huge burden off the individuals shoulders in carrying documents, diaries etc around with them. Facts and information are often diluted over time so being able to record in real time is a great advantage." - Michele Lanigan, Pop In Southern Highlands.
The 'Empower You' app is available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, and NSW Police officers have QR codes on their MobiPOL devices to link to the app in the stores to download.
Our Results
As told by Sophia - a Pop In Counsellor:
Andrea rang the Pop In door bell at 1.30pm on a Monday afternoon, she was in a highly distressed state, the previous evening she had made the decision to leave her partner following a volatile, abusive argument with her partner, which their 2 children were witness to. Andrea stated that she felt extremely unsafe and wanted to pick up the children from school and return to her parents’ home in Sydney.
I worked with her to understand the logistics of this, including contacting the school to alert them about the situation (with Andrea’s permission). Andrea picked up the children and went to her parents’ home.
Upon arrival in Sydney, Andrea attended a Police Station where an AVO was issued and referred to the Southern Highlands Police, her partner also attended the police station and reported that she had removed the children and requested an AVO be put in place. He also commenced emailing and texting demanding that the children be returned to school the following day. A child protection report was made the children were deemed as high risk.
I worked with the school to understand requirements, legal responsibilities and put in place processes and procedures to support the school to help them protect the children when they returned.
I am also working closely with Police to ensure Andrea and her children are supported and safe and I am in daily contact with Andrea to support her through the next steps.
Our People
Grace De Voy
- Casual Caseworker
I have now completed my Diploma in Counselling. I chose to do my work experience at Pop In as I felt drawn to supporting women navigating complex challenges involving DV, safety, and empowerment. Pop In’s mission, model, and values were exactly what I was looking to experience in a workplace.
One of the biggest pieces I’ve been able to witness from working at Pop In is the strength and resilience in women experiencing DV. The Pop In team have been excellent mentors in my professional development, and seeing the positive impact Pop In has in the community supporting women and families to know that they do not have to navigate DV alone, creating safety and connection in what can be a very isolating experience.
Important Information
A reminder that our direct deposit bank details for donations have now changed. The Bendigo Bank Donations Account for Pop In Southern Highlands Limited details are now:
BSB: 633 000
Account Number: 200 104 925
