Save the Children Australia has received $3 million in funding from the NSW Government to deliver a new Family Connect and Support program in the Murrumbidgee region of NSW, including the regional centres of Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga and Griffith and is ready to hit the ground running from New Year’s Day 2021.
Family Connect and Support is a comprehensive service for children, young people and families who are looking for assistance in NSW (see list of services below). Save the Children’s Murrumbidgee program is a mobile service which can reach every family and child in the region that is looking for support.
Family Connect and Support provides a single point of contact for families to access information, advice, practical assistance, and referral regarding parenting and child safety.
Family Connect and Support help people connect with local services that can help with:
- Managing a child’s behaviour (e.g. skipping school, running away from home)
- Building better family relationships
- Stopping any violence at home
- Budgeting and managing money
- Housing, health care or access to other community or government services
- Every family is different so when people speak with us, they will get advice and support specific to their situation
Catherine Harris, Save the Children’s Director of Southern States said: “We are thrilled to be launching this vital service across the Murrumbidgee region.”
“Save the Children Australia has a strong understanding of the region as we employ staff from the community. We are already active in the region through the delivery of our Play2Learn program and the provision of Child Friendly Spaces during the most recent bushfires.”
“Through this funding we will be able to work alongside the community to understand the unique needs and be able to support those in areas that don’t have access to as many services.”
“This will be a flexible and responsive service, focused on addressing the underlying needs and issues affecting families before they become worse.”
Save the Children Australia will leverage existing community partners and establish networks across the region to effectively provide advice, assessment, planning and referral for client support.
“Family Connect can help with a range of family and parenting challenges. We talk with clients about their situation and work out the type of support they need.”
“We provide individualised support to young people and families and adapt to their specific needs and interests. It is strengths-based, culturally safe and non-judgmental.”
“We'll do whatever it takes to keep kids safe and on track.”
Save the Children has been working in Australia for almost 100 years with the aim of making sure all Australian children have the capabilities, connections, and confidence for success in their future, regardless of their background, location or circumstances.
ENDS
For media inquiries contact Angus Smith on 0488 330 882 or media.team@savethechildren.org.au