Domestic violence (DV) is a growing issue on the Central Coast with the region reporting NSW’s second-highest number of incidents between 2019 and 2020.
Local charity group, Beauty for Ashes, is playing a key role in the community working alongside other frontline services to provide essential help to families impacted by DV.
They are now looking to expand their services after receiving $2000 for winning the December round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterCentralCoast community funding program.
The Beauty For Ashes program is run out of Central Life Church in Wyong and aims to restore dignity while bringing hope to those whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence.
The group holds quarterly community support days that promote awareness and education on domestic violence. They also put together care packs for women and children who have fled domestic violence shelters.
According to Faye Kowalski, Program Manager at Beauty for Ashes, the demand for domestic violent support services on the Central Coast is at capacity, and their programs aim to complement other service providers that operate in the region.
“Beauty For Ashes is a small charity that is trying to do big things to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence,” Faye said.
“The statistics around DV on the Central Coast are telling and demonstrate the enormous need for education and awareness for all people around this community issue.
“The funding we have received through the #GreaterCentralCoast program will directly support those impacted by DV, while helping us to increase community education, which is critically important in to changing behaviours across all levels of society.
“These much-needed funds will also help us expand our service offering across the community. Already we have plans to provide group support to families, a sensory kit to support traumatised children and teenagers and we also want to expand our education program into primary and secondary schools across the Central Coast.”
Also sharing in the funding in December were Days for Girls Avoca Beach and Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, who each receive $500 as runners-up.
Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said it was heartening to see the #GreaterCentralCoast funding program support an organisation that in turn supports such a vulnerable section of the local community.
“Domestic violence has no place in any community, but the reality is, unfortunately so many people across the Central Coast live with this every day of their life,” Josh said.
“We are very fortunate that we have wonderful organisations in this region, such as Beauty For Ashes, that provide invaluable support for people in crisis. It puts a smile on my face knowing that Greater Bank and our community funding program is making a difference to these people, particularly at this time of year.”
The #GreaterCentralCoast program continues in 2021 with Meals on Wheels Central Coast, Happiness Habits and Gosford Community Men's Shed being nominated for the January funding round. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 27 January 2021.