Vasudhara Foundation Supports Vulnerable Women in Byron
Words by Kate Love
Funding from Vasudhara Foundation will help ensure that a case worker from the Byron Community Centre continues to support the most vulnerable members of the Byron community, particularly disadvantaged women.
The foundation is funding Community Case Worker Ianna Murray (30 hours/week) with a donation of $86,400 and adding another $43,200 for an additional Case Worker role (15 hours/week).
Byron Community Centre General Manager, Louise O’Connell said this would help with the overflow work and ensure that quality of care was upheld at the Community Centre.
‘We are extremely grateful to the Vasudhara Foundation for their generous support in providing funding for our Case Worker roles to continue vital outreach programs, focusing on vulnerable women,’ Ms O’Connell said.
Outreach Work for Homeless Locals
Ianna is currently running all Rough Sleeper projects, Feel Good Fridays and providing emergency relief and assertive outreach casework to those who require support to move out of homelessness.
Feel Good Fridays was set up at the Byron Community Cabin as an informal women’s group to provide customised support and also as a women’s only shower and pamper day.
‘I am particularly interested in advocacy for social change for vulnerable women,’ says Ianna. ‘Being frontline enables me to increase community connection and see the needs and what matters most to people. My role is fundamental in ensuring all our community members feel seen and heard.’
Challenges for Women Sleeping on the Streets
Women sleeping rough face a range of challenges including lack of safety, uncertainty, exposure to the elements, psychological distress, and difficulty accessing services.
‘We’re thrilled to continue to support the fantastic work of the Byron Community Centre, and in particular, the invaluable work they are doing to assist women in the Byron area,’ says Tara Nelson Carnegie, Founder and Executive Chair of Vasudhara and Wildwomen, A Fund for Women and Girls.
The Community Centre helps women who are sleeping rough with temporary accommodation, links to services, travel assistance, Centrelink access, administrative assistance and hair cuts.
Donate to the Byron Community Centre to support these vital caseworker roles.