What We Do
Next Steps Australia supplies Starter Packs of brand new manchester items to families affected by domestic violence.
We also provide developmentally age-appropriate play boxes including activities to foster interaction and connection between the child and their caregiver.
When escaping family violence, most survivors (overwhelmingly women and children) are forced to leave their homes with few possessions and no basic household items.
Next Steps Australia supplies Starter Packs of brand new manchester items to families affected by domestic violence when arriving at a refuge or when transitioning to private accommodation.
Children exposed to family violence are at higher risk of developing behavioural and emotional issues. They may have experienced emotional or physical trauma or have been deprived of opportunities to develop secure relationships and engage in age-appropriate activities.
Next Steps Australia provide developmentally age appropriate play boxes which include activities to foster interaction and connection between the child and their caregiver.
Connecting and engaging with a parent or primary caregiver can alter the trajectory of a child’s experience and recovery from family violence.
STARTER PACKS
Our Starter Packs contain the basic manchester necessities for an individual including sheets, quilts, pillows and towels. All items are new. You can view the contents of our pre-packed Starter Packs here. The number of packs supplied to a family will be calculated according to the number of children a woman has in her care.
Our Starter Packs are distributed to families on an as-needs basis through our community partners in every state and territory in Australia.
From time to time, we supply sheet sets, single manchester items and other goods to refuges and organisations where there is a specific need.
The Cost
Basic manchester needs for one mother and a single child cost on average $600. If a woman has four children, these costs can easily exceed $1500.
Often families will go without basic manchester requirements until they are in a more stable financial position.
You can donate to Starter Packs here:
