Families growing stronger, together
Has your family been through tough times and come out the other side? Maybe you could use your experiences to help another family who’s struggling.
Family by Family is a program built by families, for families. It brings people together – ‘Sharing’ and ‘Seeking’ families – to build connections, break down isolation and share life skills. Everyone can get involved, from parents and caregivers, to kids and extended family.
On Thursday 11 July the Family by Family program won a prestigious Good Design Awards, receiving the top award in the category of Social Impact.
How the Family by Family Program Works
Together, through a ‘Link Up’, the families work on achieving goals that will help to make changes in their lives. Every Seeking Family’s goals are different so they are free to focus on what’s important to them.
Once the families have gotten to know each other, they begin to work on the Seeking Family’s goals, encouraging, helping and celebrating the small wins that happen along the way. Families decide the best ways to connect through their Link Ups – for example, through sporting clubs, voluntary work, coffee clubs, playgroups, parks or local libraries.
Each family is supported by a Family Coach, with additional guidance for children through a dedicated Kids Coach.
The Reasons for Family by Family’s Success
The program’s Service Manager, Danielle Madsen, says that there are many reasons for Family by Family’s success.
So many families are suffering from isolation and loneliness and to have a local family who they can turn to makes a big difference,’ she said. ‘Just by having someone in your corner and gaining a little bit of confidence, so much can happen.
‘In many cases, we’ve seen Seeking Families eventually become Sharing Families, showing just how far they’ve come.’
Jasmine’s Story
Jasmine and her kids have been a Sharing Family for just over six years. She was initially interested because she felt that it represented the kinds of values that were important to her family.
‘I want our children to grow up and be non-judgmental, empathetic people, who are willing to help others.’
With all of her children involved, she is rightfully proud to be part of it and says it is rewarding to see members of the Seeking Families she’s mentored achieving their goals.
Jasmine feels her own family has benefited, too. She’s noticed that her kids have grown in confidence and feel proud to be helping others. Jasmine has felt encouraged to pursue her interest in social work, leading to further study and employment as a Family Coach.
Family by Family is currently seeking Sharing Families to take part in the program. If you think your family could support others to meet their goals, please get in touch via the details below.
Find out more about the Family by Family program here
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Family by Family website or phone (08) 8202 5181
Family by Family is run by Uniting Communities and was developed by The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) in 2011.
What: Family by Family Program
When: By arrangement
Where: By arrangement
Who: Families
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied
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