Over the last year at Lou’s Place, we reached record numbers of women seeking support—women from diverse backgrounds, many facing homelessness, financial hardship, or deep loneliness. Overwhelmingly, the vast majority have experienced domestic or family violence, or other traumatic events throughout their lives. Their experiences remind us daily why our work is so essential.
Read MoreLou's Place stood up again this year—raising awareness about Domestic and Family Violence and demanding real change. We partnered with the 2024 NSW Vigil Collective for our No More Empty Shoes campaign at Martin Place on 26 November, as part of the UN's 16 Days of Activism.
Read MoreLaura joined Lou’s Place in September 2024 as our Philanthropy Manager. She brings over 10 years of experience in business development, sponsorship and corporate partnerships, along with a strong background in leading diversity and inclusion programmes.
Read MoreWhen Mary* first came to Lou’s Place in 2022, she was in crisis. She faced severe mental health challenges and substance use, and exhibited behaviours that had led to exclusion from multiple services. She had been sleeping rough for some time, which made it incredibly difficult to access support and maintain stability.
Read MoreThe Always Mum programme is a 10-week programme which provides support and guidance through to mothers whose children are in out-of-home care. Its core offerings are community, shared experience, and essential knowledge. Our most recent programme engaged 29 mothers and 63 children.
Read MoreThe Connecting Through Change programme supported 59 women through its core 7-week programme and its 5-week outreach programme at WHOS. Additionally, 90 women received over 350 hours of domestic and family violence case management support. Key services included brokerage for accommodation and phones, food assistance, counselling, advocacy and referrals to other services.
Read MoreThe drop-in centre at Lou’s Place offers a safe and welcoming environment for women in crisis and seeking support. It provides essential services, including breakfasts, lunches, takeaway meals, emergency clothing and toiletries, as well as laundry facilities and showers.
Read MoreThe Drop-In Case Work Programme is designed to provide one-off or short-term case management support to women coming to Lou’s Place. Unlike traditional support models, there is no restriction on how many times a woman can seek assistance.
Read MoreDeb is a volunteer who provides massage once a week. She has been part of the volunteer team for four years. She answered a few questions about her volunteer role.
Read More
This year, Lou’s Place hit a major milestone— its 25th birthday. And like any great celebration, there was plenty of cake, fun and reflection. During the day, we celebrated with clients, serving up a special BBQ lunch and cake, culminating in a few rowdy games of Bingo.
Read MoreBuilding on the success of Lou’s Place “Empty Shoes” campaign, which honoured the victims of Domestic and Family Violence in November 2023, we are proud to announce our collaboration with the NSW Vigil Collective 2024, “Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes".
Read More
The Always Mum programme continues to be a vital source of support and empowerment for mums with children in out-of-home care. During the first two terms of 2024, 20 mums successfully completed our core 10-week programme.
Read More
This year marked the 14th Lou’s Closet, held for the first time at The Tramsheds in Forest Lodge. The event showcased a stunning selection of designer and high-quality second-hand women’s clothing. The venue buzzed with the lively energy of the community, which always make Lou’s Closet such a success.
Read More
In May, we had the pleasure of hosting a special evening to celebrate our incredible team of volunteers. The night was filled with delicious nibblies, refreshing drinks, and the warm company of those who generously give their time and energy to Lou’s Place.
Read MoreIn July, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) held a Hepatitis C and Women's Health Clinic at Lou's Place. Fifteen women were tested for Hepatitis C, and seven women accessed care from the women's health nurse.
Read MoreLou's Place proudly nominated its team of activity volunteers for the annual NSW Volunteer of the Year awards. Several Lou's volunteers attended the regional ceremony at Paddington RSL on 12 August, including Katharina Arms (jewellery), Tanya Nasti (karaoke) in the Young Volunteer category and Amanda Lawson (creative writing).
Read More
Lou's Place is thrilled to be the recipient of a City of Sydney grant as part of their summer round of Food Support Grants.
Read More
Are you looking for an activity to get into the Christmas spirit? We're decorating gingerbread houses the evening of Tuesday, 3 December at Lou's Place.
Read More