YWCA Adelaide Annual Report 2014-2015 | Page 13

CROSSING THE BRIDGE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Long term mentoring for vulnerable young people aged 7-17 ‘Littles’ by volunteer ‘Bigs’. This year 37 mentoring matches were supported and 38 young people engaged in the group mentoring Connect 4 program while on the waiting list for BBBS. BODY IMAGE WORKSHOPS Focussing on deconstructing messages received through society, and increasing resilience and self esteem among participants, this year 24 young people engaged in Body Image workshops delivered by YWCA. YWCA Adelaide secured new funding for a three year program for African women with disabilities, and African women with children or partners with disabilities. The program brings women together to share their experiences, encourage and support one other, network and address challenges/barriers they face in South Australia when accessing mainstream services. The program also aims to empower women with disabilities to have a voice in their community and to encourage and prepare them for leadership roles in the wider community. ENCORE Seven after-breast cancer Encore programs were delivered at Hampstead, Flinders and Victor Harbor supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of 81 women. University of Adelaide Arts Intern Georgia Trahair focussed her research on the wellbeing impacts of Encore. Her report is accessible here: http://ywca.com.au/resources/ publications/ EVERY GIRL This 8 week strengths-based self esteem program for girls aged 9-14 aims to address the long-term gender inequality experienced by women in Australia. Every Girl enhances girls’ understanding of their rights, ability to influence community change and their sense of belonging. This year 37 girls participated in YWCA’s Every Girl program across three schools. 13