Over 1,000 access COVID support in Kwinana, Peel & Upper South-West

COVID-19 support services have been delivered over 13 months to more than 1,000 people from Kwinana to Harvey through a partnership between Anglicare WA and resources company Alcoa.

Anglicare WA was funded by Alcoa’s global charity, the Alcoa Foundation, to deliver financial counselling, family support and mental health services across the local government areas of Kwinana, Murray and Waroona, as well as parts of Harvey and Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

The support was delivered between May last year to the end of June this year with 470 people in the Peel region, 330 in the Upper South West and 250 in the Kwinana area assisted. 

Local organisations FinUCAre, GP down south and Allambee Counselling helped with the rollout of services.

Anglicare WA Services Director Philippa Boldy said the year-long project was anticipated to have a lasting impact.

“In addition to the immediate support provided, there is now increased integration of existing local support services, as well as increased capacity and investment in local organisations, such as the Community Resource Centres,” said Mrs Boldy.

“Without the initiative and investment from the Alcoa Foundation to fund these COVID recovery services, more than 1,000 people would have missed out on this vital support which has helped them through this difficult, uncertain time.

“Anglicare WA will deliver some services ongoing, such as parenting support in Dwellingup and counselling in Carcoola.”

Alcoa Australia Corporate Affairs Manager Suellen Jerrard said the Company wanted to help the communities near where it operated its bauxite mines and alumina refineries in Western Australia through the difficult times associated with the COVID pandemic and was thankful to Anglicare WA and its partners for the real difference the program had made.

“We are proud to be continuing our partnership with Anglicare WA by now supporting the roll out of its Friend in Need initiative, which aims to help people help each other, building sustainability into local support networks,” Mrs Jerrard said.

Designed by Anglicare WA, Friend In Need helps to build the capacity of local leaders to support people going through issues such as mental health, relationship or financial difficulties. It will be rolled out across the same communities as the broader support program through until the end of 2021.

People wanting to find out more or register for Friend in Need training should contact their local Community Resource Centre or Anglicare WA at friendinneed@anglicarewa.org.au.