A PILOT program supporting survivors of domestic violence has commenced in Moree.
Supporting Recovery, a partnership between Anglicare, Healthwise and Moree Family Support, is being rolled out across the New England north-west and aims to support persons who have experienced domestic violence and are no longer in crisis, but are moving forward.
Supporting Recovery in Moree is being led by Hunter New England Health and Central Coast Primary Health Network on the central coast.
The program, initiated as part of a national pilot program, aims to establish an intensive and fully subsidised mental health program catering to women and children who have experienced domestic, family, and sexual violence.
It seeks to implement a community-designed, whole-of-family mental health and care for victim-survivors.
Supporting Recovery in Moree had a dedicated local care team to help co-ordinate and manage recovery journeys using evidence-based therapies.
The team can also connect victims with a range of services such as legal, financial and housing support.
Ongoing care from social workers, trained psychologists and counsellors is available for up to two years.
Support may also be available to children and other family members directly or indirectly impacted by domestic violence.
(at back from left) Fiona McPherson Tuckey, Claire Dunlop, Lis Strahan and Jamalla Williams and (seated from left) Donna Boughton, Candy Malcolm and Jacque Todd.
Regional head, Claire Dunlop, said Anglicare New England North West was committed to delivering Supporting Recovery.
“Providing compassion that transforms and walking side-by-side with the vulnerable people in our Moree community is an integral part of who Anglicare is,” she said.
“This program represents a significant step forward in supporting survivors as they move beyond crisis and towards a brighter future.”
The local care team includes Anglicare case manager Donna Boughton, Moree Family Support case manager Jacquelyn Rowe, intake worker Lis Strahan, Supporting Recovery manager Candy Malcolm and Aboriginal cultural advisor Jamalla Williams.
A referral is made from the local care team to Healthwise if people accessing the service require mental health services.
Anglicare Supporting Recovery program manager, Candy Malcolm, said the program’s chief objective is to enhance care co-ordination and provide mental health therapies for victim-survivors.
“Domestic violence is a shocking crime that is sadly on the rise,” she said.
“Different people need different things from their support network. One person may need accommodation while another may need financial independence.
“Many people will need emotional support or ways to reconnect with their own family after time without connection.
“The different types of support workers will work with people to identify their needs, and then work with them to achieve healing,” she said.
Earlier this year, workshops with stakeholders and young people were held in Moree and the Central Coast.
The workshops supported the implementation of Supporting Recovery by gaining feedback from various stakeholders, including First Nations people, specialist services, Local Health Districts and other relevant parties.
Supporting Recovery is aligned with the ‘recovery and healing’ domain of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.
The program is funded by the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network, and underscores the importance of community and governmental support in tackling domestic violence.
With a community-centric approach the program is part of a national pilot and aims to deliver a community-designed, whole-of-family mental health care model.
The local care team in Moree is equipped to co-ordinate and manage recovery journeys using evidence-based therapies, ensuring a holistic approach to healing.
For more information about Supporting Recovery, phone 6701 8200 or email tamworth@anglicare.org.au.
