T H E B AROS S A MAG | 17
providing one-on-one support to
mums where and when it’s needed.
Members have police checks and
mental health first aid training,
and meet mums where they’re most
comfortable – in cafes, playgrounds
or homes.
“We’re not trying to be something we’re
not, or take over the role of professional
support – we make it quite clear we
are not trained counsellors or health
professionals,” Andrea says.
“We’re just there to listen, share our
knowledge and hopefully find them
other support.
“We can say ‘I was where you are.’
That’s what’s so important.”
It’s truly a collective in every
sense, reflected in the outpouring
of community generosity and support.
The group continues to receive
donations for care packages, handmade
meals, financial donations and offers
of help.
Cafes have opened their doors and
awareness has spread through word of
mouth, business referrals, grandparents
and support networks like Child and
Family Health Service (CAFHS).
Tarnya Eggleton from Barossa CAFHS
has welcomed the service and the
connections that have been forged.
“We want new mums to know what’s
available in their community – it’s
really important that they extend their
village,” Tarnya says.
“We really value what Andrea and her
group are doing. That mum-to-mum
counselling can be really wonderful
because it’s lived experience.”
Andrea, a vet by profession, says it has
been a steep but rewarding learning
curve.
“It’s been very far from my
comfort zone,” she says. “I don’t have
a charitable social background, and
it’s not my realm of professional
experience - maybe that’s why it works.
“My first one-on-one with a mum
was so lovely and just how I pictured it.
There was a connection straight away.”
For Andrea, the joy of these connections
has been an unexpected blessing.
“I think a listening ear, shared
experience, a few laughs and a little
kindness can go a long way to helping
people through a tough time in their
lives,” she says.
“Empathy and honest conversation
are so powerful.”
All enquiries to the Kindness Collective
are treated confidentially. For more
information visit their facebook page or
email [email protected]