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Resilience

Self-determination

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I’ve always been a strong person. Other people aren’t as fortunate and come across as more hopeless, I guess. But then, maybe they started off like me?

 

In my life, it’s always been up to me to make things better, no one else was going to do that for me. Still, I wish there was support that went beyond a bit of food and the occasional night in a bed. I want to thrive again not survive.

 

I know I need help but if things are going to change I want to set my own goals and determine how I get there. I just need someone who knows what they are doing to support me on this and be kind about it.

 

I must find a way soon. This life is changing me.

Shoes

Families are very aware of being labeled and talked about feeling ‘othered’ and often excluded from mainstream society. They also talked about their awareness of public and political narratives and how they hurt. 

 

Responsible and sensitive messaging is critical to counter current stigmatising rhetoric and public discourse

Hopetree

Survival vs transformation

 

There is a mismatch between what families want and what they are recieving with many examples being offered of receiving help to stay ‘afloat’ only. 

Families listed the top attributes of good support to be: empathy and competency. In other words, be kind, help me and follow through.

 

Other attributes includes: good listening, respect, autonomy, reciprocity, mutuality, partnership.

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End of story

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Sam’s journey

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Calls to Action

Families repeatedly asked us before, during and after their engagement; ‘how will my information be used to make a difference? It is through this lens and in the context of your own influence and responsibility that these calls to action should be viewed.

Support people to identify and achieve their life goals – their way

Families are intimately familiar with their own circumstances and needs and hold valuable perspectives about what approaches would work for themselves and their communities.

Elevate the role and amplify the voice of people experiencing disadvantage

Families consistently reported that they often don’t feel seen or heard in policy or practice settings and would like to add their voices and lived experience in designing, implementing and evaluating policies, programs and social change that impacts them.

Ensure every Australian has access to adequate income to meet their basic needs

The 100 Families WA evidence demonstrates the positive benefits that the Coronavirus Supplement had on family members, which ultimately supported them to live with a greater dignity.

Build and strengthen local community networks and supports

Families draw on their relationships with family, friends, neighbours and community networks when available, for both practical assistance and emotional support to meet a variety of needs.

Challenge stigma and create a safe, supportive environment for people

Family members continue to experience stigma and discrimination at individual, community, service and societal levels. Safe, supportive environments can help reduce people’s experiences of stigma and discrimination.

Make it easy as possible for people to access support when they need it

Family members reported a range of personal, organisational and systemic barriers to accessing formal and informal supports. Reducing these barriers can reduce the financial, emotional and time costs for families who are currently navigating multiple formal supports.

Prioritise and develop trusted and enduring relationships

Families’ positive experiences of seeking support depends on being genuinely listened to and supported with care and understanding of their individual circumstances.

Invest in prevention and early supports

Policies, services and community-based programs focused on prevention and early support, in addition to crisis services, can help support people to solve issues before problems escalate.

Recognise the value of caring roles and other contributions to society

Recognising, valuing and supporting the multiple ways that family members contribute to their families and society can create social and economic benefits and reduce inequality

Reflection

Informed by what you have learned, please answer the below question. Your comments are made anonymously and will not be attributed back to you.

Learning

Interested in continueing your 100 Families journey? Stay connected to 100 Families WA by adding your details below (only quarterly contact will be made via newsletters and project opportunities).

Click on the links below to download key resources to help you on your learning journey.

Download the Full report
Download the Summary Report
Download the Lived Experience Framework
To access further 100 Families WA resources, click here
To access other helpful resources, like the WACOSS Advocacy Toolkit, Outcomes Framework and more, click here
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contact us on 100familieswa@wacoss.org.au

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Carol, Grandparent Carer

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Brianna, Aboriginal Family

Background

Sam is a 40-year-old man that had a tough upbringing. He passed through foster care and went to university but never had stability and frequently finds himself with no place to go.
Vision/goals

Today, all I want is to feel safe, to have a stable roof over my head, have a purpose in my life once more, and feel connected to my community. I don’t want to feel invisible or like an outsider anymore.

Background

Sam is a 40-year-old man that had a tough upbringing. He passed through foster care and went to university but never had stability and frequently finds himself with no place to go.

Vision/goals

Today, all I want is to feel safe, to have a stable roof over my head, have a purpose in my life once more, and feel connected to my community. I don’t want to feel invisible or like an outsider anymore.