Wellsprings for Women has won ‘gold’ accreditation for mental health first aid skills.
The Dandenong service provider achieved a Gold Mental Health First Aid Skilled Workplace from the Mental Health First Aid Foundation.
Chief executive Dalal Smiley said it recognised the “significant achievements in developing Mental Health First Aid skills in our staff and volunteers”.
In 2020, Wellsprings’ two qualified MHFA instructors held 14 training sessions for 156 people.
Other workplace training at Wellsprings includes a self-paced online course for tutors on trauma-informed adult education and a free self-care course.
Wellsprings has also helped Monash Health set up a pilot model peer-support MHFA program in the South East.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A cash-strapped family violence service in Dandenong has a “glimmer of hope” after a meeting with Family Violence Prevention and Womens Minister Gabrielle Williams.
Wellsprings for Women recently called for $330,000 to help its case management service to continue supporting more than 100 women and families.
Chief executive Dalal Smiley said the meeting with Ms Williams on 5 March was “very positive”.
“Wellsprings will be meeting next with Family Safety Victoria to discuss our funding opportunities
“So nothing is in concrete as yet, but a glimmer of hope is definitely there.”
Ms Smiley said Wellsprings stressed how it was different to other service providers. The service argues that it is able to uniquely reach migrant women, overcome cultural barriers and make them comfortable enough to ask for help.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The keenly-awaited Orange Door Network is set to open in Dandenong – with the challenge of reaching across its diverse community.
The network will offer free and ongoing family violence support services under one roof by the end of 2021.
Two other sites will also open in Casey and Cardinia municipalities to form the Southern Orange Door Network.
“One of the core principles of the Orange Door Network is that there is no wrong door for those seeking support,” Dandenong MP and Prevention of Family Violence Minister Gabrielle Williams said.
The network provided “support for everyone regardless of age, gender and background – and support that is culturally safe, respectful and responsive”.
By Gabriella Payne
Dandenong not-for-profit Wellsprings for Women has been recognised with not one, but two awards at the annual learn local awards ceremony, held virtually by Neighbourhood House Victoria at the end of last year.
Winning both the publicly voted ‘people’s choice award’ and the ‘innovation in a time of Covid acknowledgement award’, the team at Wellsprings were commended for their dedication and outstanding work throughout the year, despite all the challenges they faced.
The chief executive officer of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, Nicole Battle, said that despite celebrating virtually, it was fantastic to take a moment to reflect on the incredible community work that many had done throughout the state.