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. Collectively, these mothers have 55 children. The impact of the programme is clear in the participants’ positive feedback:

"I grew as a person and as a woman. I loved these last 10 weeks."

"I have absolutely enjoyed this program. I have grown so much, and I am inspired and looking forward to the future with my children."

Data gathered before and after the program shows that it consistently meets and exceeds participants’ expectations, offering a space for growth, connection and hope.

Always Mum continues to build strong relationships with the community and sector. Notably, 33% of the women self-referred, demonstrating the programme’s growing reputation as a trusted community resource. Meanwhile, 38% of referrals came from local government and non-government services, including WAGEC, NSW Health, Mudgin-Gal, and residential rehabilitation services. Additionally, 28% were referred by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

One particularly inspiring story comes from an Aboriginal mother who joined Always Mum in October 2023. Despite experiencing social anxiety and a mistrust of services, her strength and resilience shone through, and she completed all ten sessions. Recently, she began our Connecting Through Change programme and has become an active, engaged participant, offering advice to other women in Always Mum and encouraging them to continue to persevere through the program’s challenging content. Witnessing her transformation has been a privilege.

We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the Ruth Ritchie Foundation which enables Lou's Place to run this vital programme.

Connecting Through Change

Connecting through Change continues to grow and develop, with 17 women completing our core 7-week programme during the first two terms of the year. This term, 67% of the women attending the programme were self-referrals, highlighting the growing recognition of the program’s value within the community. The remaining 33% of referrals came from local services such as Women and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC), the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), Mission Australia, residential rehabilitation services, and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

One participant shared: "I am not alone, I am important, I can say NO!"

We also ran another outreach group at WHOS, which provides a range of evidence-based therapeutic programmes aimed at achieving recovery from alcohol and other drug dependence. Eleven women completed the tailored programme, and participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

"This group exceeded my expectations; the information was relevant and extremely helpful, and the group was incredibly well run and nurturing."

Another participant reported that the programme helped her understand her reactions to trauma and develop essential coping skills. As Connecting Through Change continues to evolve, we remain committed to empowering women through connection, education, and support.