McAuley Community Services for Women will share in $100,000 in grants given to 10 local Melbourne organisations by Metro Trains.
Metro Trains announced the winners of their Back on Track Community Grants on Thursday, June 22, giving back to crucial organisations across the state.
McAuley Community Services for Women provide 24/- crisis support and temporary accommodation, independent housing and supported community care.
It also works with women needing support who have experienced, or are at immediate risk of, serious harm: through physical and emotional violence, threats, sexual assault, and stalking.
McAuley Community Services for Women plans to implement a peer support program with its $20,000.
The program will improve the mental health of women who have experienced homelessness and trauma as a result of family violence.
The winning not-for-profit organisations all focus on mental health initiatives including supporting women who have experienced homelessness and trauma.
All as a result of family violence; workshops for women, men and teens going through cancer treatment and literacy tuition for Aboriginal students whose schooling was disrupted during COVID.
Felicity Pringle from McAuley Community Services for Women said she is delighted to have Metro Trains support for this important work.
“This grant will allow McAuley to train women with lived experience to deliver a peer support program to improve the mental health of women who have experienced homelessness,” she said.
“Peer workers greatly benefit mental health recovery through the formation of trusting relationships where people share their experiences and help to support each other.”
Other winners from the west include Youth Projects in Sunshine and Wyndham Netball Association in Werribee.
Over the past four years, Metro’s community grants program has provided $360,000 to community organisations.
Jennifer Pittorino
