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Project Update: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mission Grants
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| These young girls are enjoying the lunch they had cooked during their session with Hope for Life, one of the projects supported by ABM’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mission Grants. |
March 2019
Hope for Life Teenage Pregnancy Support
During 2018, ABM supported Anglicare Northern Inland’s ‘Hope for Life’ project as part of its grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mission. This was a three year pilot project which Anglicare started in late 2015, and was aimed at providing accompaniment and individualised support for teenage mothers in the Moree, northern New South Wales area. Some ABM supporters may have also supported this as a specific project during 2016.
ABM recently received a final report on the project from Anglicare Northern Inland’s Claire Dunlop. A majority of the teenagers referred to the program were Aboriginal. Although the program has now ended, participants have been invited to join another Anglicare program that focuses on mental health. Mental health is something the girls have struggled with throughout their short life journeys.
During the past year, Hope for Life engaged with the girls, teaching essential life skills such as cooking, sewing, cleaning, what to expect during the birth of their baby, baby-care, self-care, signs of post-natal depression and how to get help, first aid, friendship and confidence-building.
Claire reports that the girls’ confidence has grown, along with a realisation of their self-worth. For some, this has resulted in the confidence to leave domestic violence relationships to make a better life for themselves and their baby. But Anglicare also continues to support those who have not yet been able to take the step to leave violent situations.
Claire comments:
“We truly appreciate the support that has been given by ABM to Anglicare’s Hope for Life Program.”
ABM would also like to thank those who supported this project through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mission Grants.
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