When you have to start again with no belongings and carry with you the trauma of family violence, having new, fresh bedding helps women gain independence and self- confidence as they arrive and settle into their new accommodation. The donations of the Starter Packs demonstrates to these vulnerable members of our community that they are valued and cared for. The packs assist the families in understanding that there are people in Australia who care that they are safe, especially during such stressful and unprecedented times as the global spread of the coronavirus. In the worrying times of the COVID-19, knowing the sheets and towels are new and theirs to keep is a relief to the families.
“I fled my abusive husband with my 3 girls, I had nothing. When my case worker gave me these huge boxes and explained where they were from, I cried. I thought I was going to make the beds with second hand stuff that didn’t match but instead I have new, quality manchester to make my girls’ beds, I feel proud, and I feel that someone thinks I am worthy of all of this. Thank you”
Mum of 3 children
“I was sleeping on my friend’s floor after leaving my violent ex, with not even a blanket and a lounge cushion as a pillow. My case worker helped me get a transitional property and some furniture, I was saving as much as I could, but I knew I couldn’t afford sheets, towels etc – When I moved in my case worker came with this big box and inside was all I needed to make my bed and set up my bathroom. I felt like a millionaire, I was safe and I had a home that I was proud of, thank you so, so much.”
Single lady
“The linen from beds and towels that we were able to take with us when leaving Annie North was a great help. One less thing we had to worry about. Very grateful for all the manchester given to us.”
Mum of 2 children
“I was extremely grateful to receive linen packs, particularly because the sense of continuity was important for the kids when moving from the safety of the refuge into another change. It was comforting to them as they saw it as ‘theirs’ and helped to give me one less thing to worry about when setting up our new space. Thank you for your generosity’
Mum of 5 children
“I had recently arrived in Australia to settle with my husband when the violence at home forced me and my young son to flee the family home. I had not been able to make many social or cultural connections in the time before I fled and had to leave suddenly without being able to take any items other than a small amount of clothes and personal documents. When I came to Emerge I was able to settle with my son into an independent unit with brand new, quality branded, fresh towels, sheets and bedding thanks to the generous support of Next Steps Australia.”
Mum of 1 child
“A warm welcome.
Our steps forward in the last few months have been challenging, moving away from everything we know with nothing but the clothes on our backs. We found ourselves at a women’s refuge after leaving family violence. My children and myself received a welcome pack with brand new bedding, towels, pillows etc., which we never had before. We were also informed that we could keep the goods for when we ever get settled again.
These packages made us feel safe, warm, and welcome. We had our own belongings for the first time in a long time, which comforted us with the unknown facing us ahead. Our little safety net, our bit of “home” that we had in a totally new place, new people, but to be able to take this with us when we leave and start a new life start in a new place again is so comforting
It may not seem like much but to us it means the world, this show of human kindness in a world of the unknown, to show and educate my children on how people should treat each other.
Thank you all.”
Mum of 2 children
“Thank you to Next Steps Australia for the wonderful gift of sheets and towels. When I moved out of the refuge and into my rental apartment it was lovely to think that my first night would be spent with new bedding for my two daughters and myself. It made such a difference and made me feel that I could start my life again and we could be safe and happy. Thank you Next Steps Australia.”
Mum of 2 children
“We arrived from Shepparton at the refuge with nothing and it was so helpful to know that the bedding we received was new and ours to keep. This gesture made our transition that little bit more comfortable. It was a difficult decision to leave, but things like this make the move that much easier.
Thanks Next Steps Australia for the sheets and bedding.”
Mum of 3 children
“The linen from the beds and the towels that we were able to take with us when leaving Annie North was a great help. It was one less thing we had to worry about. Very grateful for all the stuff given to us.”
Mum of 2 children
“I was extremely grateful to receive the linen packs particularly because the sense of continuity was important for the kids when moving from the safety of the refuge into private accommodation. It was comforting to them as they saw it as theirs and helped to give me one less thing to worry about when setting up our new space. Thank you for your generosity.”
Mum of 5 children
“Happy to receive the linen and the good quality also made me happy. Thank you”.
Mum of 3 children
“I cried on receiving the manchester packs and couldn’t believe that I was deserving of such a generous donation. Once the boxes were opened, I couldn’t believe the quality of the manchester and that it was mine to keep for the family. The linen is helpful to me and my children and was an amazing start to re-establishing our new home”.
Mum of 2 children
“Amazing, exactly what I needed at the time”.
Mum of 3 children
“It was like Christmas. I was excited to see there was enough linen to complete all the family beds. The linen is wonderful and made my new house feel like a home”.
Mum of 2 children
“Happy and appreciate getting the linen to start my new life. The linen was great quality. Thank you so much”.