Compass Report
This year has seen some change in trends in the client issues. While my core work supporting survivors of family violence issues remained a priority, we saw an increase in clients experiencing mental health problems and women in long term relationships experiencing financial abuse and situational hardships.
The Compass Program uses a Strength Based Approach, which aims to empower clients to focus on their strengths while they navigate through their issues. Often it can help them recognise what they may have forgotten about themselves and gives them the ability to make changes even if those changes seem small.
The Covid 19 pandemic has come with its challenges, most notably the inability to work with clients face to face. The clients that enter the program are some of our most vulnerable and not having that physical connection can mean that vital non-verbal ques are missed. With client needs at the forefront we were able to adapt to utilising technology and become creative when delivering services; for example, providing clients with a summary of discussion points and goals to send to the client after our meeting.
Looking to the future, I would like to transfer my passion into some reform to see long term support offered to survivors of family violence. Immediate needs are being addressed to ensure the safety of women and their children, however assistance with long term issues such as permanent housing and financial stability can often be overlooked. I am also looking forward to being able to return to court, supporting our Family Violence Lawyers and working alongside the Covid Legal Service.
The Compass Program uses a Strength Based Approach, which aims to empower clients to focus on their strengths while they navigate through their issues. Often it can help them recognise what they may have forgotten about themselves and gives them the ability to make changes even if those changes seem small.
The Covid 19 pandemic has come with its challenges, most notably the inability to work with clients face to face. The clients that enter the program are some of our most vulnerable and not having that physical connection can mean that vital non-verbal ques are missed. With client needs at the forefront we were able to adapt to utilising technology and become creative when delivering services; for example, providing clients with a summary of discussion points and goals to send to the client after our meeting.
Looking to the future, I would like to transfer my passion into some reform to see long term support offered to survivors of family violence. Immediate needs are being addressed to ensure the safety of women and their children, however assistance with long term issues such as permanent housing and financial stability can often be overlooked. I am also looking forward to being able to return to court, supporting our Family Violence Lawyers and working alongside the Covid Legal Service.
George's Story |
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BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
Many images of Ballarat and surrounds by photographer, Andrew Thomas. Visit Andrew's website to see more of his beautiful images - http://www.andrewthomasphotographer.com/