Creating Social Change Leaders

Family Life has recently rolled out its first delivery of newly developed program Here4U to library staff in the local government area, Cardinia.

Here4U was developed in the first half of 2018 after Family Life was approached by a supporter asking us to develop a Community Advocate Program. A lot has transpired since then.

Here4U is an bystander intervention program, arming participants with the tools to identify and respond to Family Violence in our community.

Developed by Family Life, the program offers organisations and groups the opportunity to inform their members about community inclusion and gender equality with the view to reducing family violence.

Family Life Deputy CEO, Allison Wainwright said the program responded to the alarming statistics around family violence in Australia.

“One in four Australian women experience partner violence,” Ms Wainwright said.

“While statistics like this are unacceptable and alarming, it is important that people realise that they can make a difference. They can become informed and help contribute to social change for the benefit of our community.”

The program provides participants with knowledge as how to support women and children experiencing family violence, support men’s behaviour and attitude change, challenge social norms that maintain violence against women, educate participants about elder abuse and support people experiencing abuse.

The material in this program is relevant to everyone from community groups, sporting clubs and other organisations to businesses with public facing members, staff and volunteers.

“Here4U is not a program for victims or perpetrators of violence,” she said.

“The message is relevant to every individual, business and organisation. Knowledge and understanding about these issues can empower individuals and as a result create change agents around Family Violence in our community.”

Training is delivered by Heartlinks, the training and development arm of Family Life. For more information, view the Here4U Bystander Intervention Program or call 8599 5433.