Wellsprings for Women in partnership with Casey Council has devised a community-based program that aims to reactivate community connections in Hampton Park neighbourhood.
The program kicked off with a celebration for Eid El Fitr on Tuesday 18 May at Arthur Wren Hall with over 80 women and children attending.
Activities included henna painting, balloons, colouring, and children’s activities
Guests shared a delicious banquet of food cooked by Wellsprings Cultural Cuisines team.
The program will continue to operate every Tuesday from 12pm to 2pm for the next 9 weeks.
“Bouncing Back is about re-engaging communities after prolonged periods of lockdowns,” said Dalal Smiley, CEO of Wellsprings.
“We need to encourage our communities to re-connect socially and overcome the hesitations and fears that crept in during the Covid lockdown.”
Bouncing Back also aims to create opportunities to support communities in Hampton Park to deal with the challenges that the pandemic and lockdown have resulted in.
“We know that families and especially mothers and children have been impacted by isolation, uncertainties and anxieties about the future, loss of income and employment, challenges with children’s home education and behaviours, increased family conflicts and unrest, loss of loved ones and unresolved grief – all of which are now issues that communities are carrying and which need a holistic approach to address,” Ms Smiley said.
Each week the program will be offered to mothers and children.
“We will be there to share a meal, build rapport, and trust and offer help. Our Women’s Support Team are qualified case workers who assist women struggling with various issues including, poverty, homelessness, family violence or mental health,” Ms Smiley said.
For more information on Wellsprings for Women’s programs, visit www.wellspringsforwomen.com
