Newcastle
Earlier this year, due to the consolidation of our reception areas, an opportunity arose for a small
Disability Employment Service, Break Thru, to relocate their service in the vacated space. In addition
to utilising the vacant space, the partnership has offered Break Thru the opportunity to refer their
clients to our counselling services. To date, we have also delivered a six-week Self-Esteem and
Communication course exclusively for Break Thru clients. Commenting on the partnership, Break
Thru Area Manager, Jillian McColl said;
“
It’s really exciting to work with an organisation
like Interrelate. Our clients often present
with complex barriers preventing them from
gaining employment, including family and
relationship breakdown. Knowing we can refer
our clients to counselling, which then happens
to be in the same building, is very convenient.
”
Another key highlight this year has been the development of a partnership with the Royal Australian
Air Force (RAAF) Base in Williamtown, to support their Defence Force personnel. In the Hunter Region,
there are over 60 families living apart as a result of one party working at the Base, while their partner
and/or family reside in another location. When posted out-of-area, the Australian Defence Force
funds 12 weekly family reunifications only. This can place significant stress and strain on many of the
relationships within families.
Following a staff survey completed by Williamtown RAAF, where staff were asked about the types
of relationship education and support they wanted from Interrelate, the results indicated four key
themes:
1. Communication – especially managing conflict
2. Children – connecting and communicating with children
3. Connecting with your partner – sustaining healthy rel ationships
4. Living apart – impact on children and the couple’s relationship
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