Aerobed and the Community
NSW Womens Refuge Movement
After the 1974 International Women’s Day celebration, a group of women established the first women’s refuge in Australia, now Elsie Refuge for Women and Children, a member refuge of the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement (WRM). Other refuges were soon established, funded solely by community donations. It took until January 1985 for refuges to receive secure funding.
Throughout its history, the WRM has had significant input into improving the overall responses to women and children escaping domestic violence and sexual abuse through representation on government and interagency working groups, steering committees and advisory councils to provide advice and influence policy and legislation.
The WRM is now a statewide representative body of 57 refuges with a specific focus on providing consistent quality support for women and children escaping domestic violence. The WRM has been used as a major advocate and resource for women and children’s refuges in NSW.
About the NSW Women's Refuge Movement Resource Centre (WRMRC)
The NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Resource Centre (WRMRC)was established in 1986 and is the point of contact for the WRM. The WRMRC resources, educates and informs the sector, community and government on issues affecting the delivery of effective services to women and children escaping domestic violence and sexual assault. The WRMRC also provides resources and support for the WRM.
http://www.wrrc.org.au
Bear Cottage
"Bear Cottage is a special place where children with terminal illnesses and their families can take a physical and emotional break. They receive individual specialised support in a medically supported home away from home and whilst we can’t provide any miracle cures or treatments, we can provide the opportunity for families to spend quality time with one another and create special memories."
Bear Cottage is the only children’s hospice in NSW that provides support, respite and end-of-life care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. It is the only hospice in the world affiliated with a paediatric hospital and works closely with the Hospital’s Pain Management and Palliative Care Service.
Palliative care for children is distinctly different from palliative care for adults and the needs of children with life-limiting illnesses are unique. The period of terminal care for children is often longer, a large number of people are often affected by a child’s illness and respite care and support for the whole family is important.
Children cared for by Bear Cottage often have illnesses including neuro-muscular and neuro-degenerative conditions, rare metabolic and genetic disorders, chronic liver and renal conditions and cancer.
Families of children with terminal illnesses are under a great deal of stress, providing continuous care for their sick child and battling with emotional and financial issues. Respite time at Bear Cottage can help assist with some of these challenges and allow families to spend quality time together to create special memories. They are able to form friendships with other families who are facing similar challenges and they often feel a renewed sense of strength and empowerment after visiting Bear Cottage.
Services offered at Bear Cottage focus on improving the well-being of every family member and incorporate play therapy, sibling support, parent groups and bereavement support.
Bear Cottage is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility located in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It was designed to create a homelike environment while allowing optimal care to each child and their family. Bear Cottage is equipped with individual children’s rooms, two family suites, spa, multi-sensory room, multi-media room, parents retreat and multiple play and relaxation areas.
Receiving no government funding, the uniquely compassionate services, facilities and atmosphere of Bear Cottage are testament to the power of the community. By dedicating their time, effort and financial assistance, volunteers and donors ensure that Bear Cottage is able to continue to give the very best in care and support to families in need. For Bear Cottage to continue to provide services for children and families it needs to raise over $2.5 million per annum.
http://www.bearcottage.chw.edu.au