Newsletter - Issue 10 - May 2022

Our News

We’re pleased to report that, over the last month, Pop In has actively helped 30+ women - with casework and through our Play and Chat and Black Box Parenting programs. Our team of professional caseworkers and trained volunteers have supported these women on their journey.

To date, local service providers have referred 150+ women to Pop In.

It’s wonderful that word is getting out to our community of health providers. Our Manager, Michele Lanigan, has been working hard to make sure that support services in the community know what Pop In is about and how we help women who have experienced domestic violence, abuse and coercive control. She has regular conversations with community workers, allied health providers, health workers and volunteers.

Would you like Pop In to visit your organisation, or book a call with Michele? We’d love to hear from you.

Walk with Pop In

While we were getting ready for the Bowral Creek to Peak, the Pop In team started a weekly walking group. The rain got in the way a little bit, but we're optimistic about continuing. And you're invited to join us! Simply contact Michele by email or phone 02 4872 1229.

We're looking forward to reporting on the Creek to Peak, a brand-new, charity fun run for the whole community. Pop In was one of the charity partners for this course with a cause held late in May, an exciting event that we were proud to get behind. Stay tuned to our socials for more!

Vicki Kelley,
Chair

Our Results

When Denise* first came to Play and Chat at Pop In, she was a reluctant participant. With the help of her community support worker, our facilitator Lauren and our friendly volunteers eased her into the program.

And now? Denise is one of Play and Chat’s greatest advocates. She tells other new participants all about what Play and Chat does, and how it has helped her. 

Thank you, Denise. We’re so glad to have you as part of the Pop In community.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Our Community

This month we’d like to send a shout-out to our incredible volunteers. They do everything from cleaning and cooking to helping behind the scenes with admin and marketing. They even hosted a special Easter-themed Play and Chat.

In fact, our volunteer workforce is so strong that we’ve recently set up a newsletter just for them. If you’d like to subscribe, please contact Michele by email or phone 02 4872 1229.

All our volunteers commit to a comprehensive training and induction program. To find out about the next round of volunteer training, please register your interest by filling in the volunteers expression of interest form on the Pop In website.

Our People

Sue Campbell

Sue Campbell is the Deputy Chair of Pop In, and she’s been involved right from the beginning. “It started for me in October 2018, at a Red Cross breakfast at Bendooley on a freezing morning. We heard about women sleeping in their cars then going up to the service station at Pheasant’s Nest to shower.” As a nurse, Sue says, she tries to help where she can. Soon, she was sitting at her dining room table with the people who would go on to form the board of Pop In.

Since then, she has gained enormous knowledge about domestic and family violence and abuse. “Domestic violence impacts people in every postcode and every socioeconomic class, not discriminating at all. Bringing it out into the open is very powerful,” she said.

“My vision for Pop In has always been to have a house that feels like home, where women can feel safe and comfortable, as though we are wrapping our arms around them - where they can get professional help for as long as it takes to get them back on their feet”

After working hard to find a premises and set it up with a conservative budget, Sue is now taking a lead role in fundraising. She and the team are planning a charity golf day for June and a gala event in September (watch this space for more information!)

Our Partners

Thanks to the Southern Highlands Evening Branch of the CWA, who recently hosted a Trivia Night at the Mittagong RSL, with proceeds going to Pop In.

We're looking forward to sharing photos and a wrap of the event in next month's newsletter.