Compass Report
In reflecting back over the financial year it’s hard to see past the impacts of Covid-19 on our clients, our work and our community; however our region has stayed safe and the Compass Program has continued to look for ways to assist the most vulnerable clients.
With the constant stress and frustrations of Covid-19 lock downs on families the program has experienced an increase in referrals for clients impacted by domestic violence, mental health, financial hardship and homelessness.
The challenges of assisting people impacted by family violence continued as I was unable to attend Family Violence Court due to Covid-19 restrictions and many clients failed to respond to our referral.
My approach during these continuing lock downs and restrictions was to ensure clients’ needs were met in a timely manner. With many clients having the use of the internet it was efficient to forward information and links that may be of use, especially regarding, technology safety and safety planning.
Technology safety is becoming a trending concern and we have found many clients lack knowledge about safety technology which can play a huge part in domestic violence.
We have also seen many support services working from home, and through no fault of their own communication was often via email which at times lead to a delay in a response when needing to do a referral or to find out information.
As we move into a new financial year we will continue to find new ways of reaching out to people, promoting the Compass program and working with stakeholders to find the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Lynne Peace - Client Support & Advocacy Worker
With the constant stress and frustrations of Covid-19 lock downs on families the program has experienced an increase in referrals for clients impacted by domestic violence, mental health, financial hardship and homelessness.
The challenges of assisting people impacted by family violence continued as I was unable to attend Family Violence Court due to Covid-19 restrictions and many clients failed to respond to our referral.
My approach during these continuing lock downs and restrictions was to ensure clients’ needs were met in a timely manner. With many clients having the use of the internet it was efficient to forward information and links that may be of use, especially regarding, technology safety and safety planning.
Technology safety is becoming a trending concern and we have found many clients lack knowledge about safety technology which can play a huge part in domestic violence.
We have also seen many support services working from home, and through no fault of their own communication was often via email which at times lead to a delay in a response when needing to do a referral or to find out information.
As we move into a new financial year we will continue to find new ways of reaching out to people, promoting the Compass program and working with stakeholders to find the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Lynne Peace - Client Support & Advocacy Worker
Felicity's Story |
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BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
Many images of Ballarat and surrounds by photographer, Andrew Thomas. Visit Andrew's website to see more of his beautiful images - http://www.andrewthomasphotographer.com/