CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) is creating a place for women to gather in a supportive environment to build connections and confidence and grow an understanding of healthy and respectful relationships.
The SistaCare program provides peer support and education in western NSW communities, including Cobar.
The program provides women with an opportunity to come together, share conversations, enjoy a coffee, and take part in a variety of activities.
CatholicCare’s Patrice Garland, who is facilitating the program in Cobar, said it is open to all women in the community and aims to create a supportive and safe environment where participants can build connections and confidence.
“It’s about bringing people together in a supportive space where they can talk about their lives, take part in activities, and enjoy a cuppa and some morning tea,” Patrice said.
“Lunch is provided as well.”
Patrice said the program offers women a chance to step away from “those four walls” of their homes, get out, and simply “have a yarn”.
“Or take part in some activities,” she added.
She explained that the fortnightly sessions will be guided by participants’ interests.
Suggested activities have included basket weaving, talks from Elders about Aboriginal food, group walks, cooking classes, and games such as bingo.
At last week’s session, participants created paper flowers.
Patrice said mums are welcome to bring along their young children, with a play area set up at the meetings, which are held upstairs at the Cobar Youth and Community Centre.
“Some people don’t get a chance to get out and mingle, so that’s why we’ve started this,” Patrice said.
She said the program would be of benefit women who have experienced domestic or family violence.
SistaCare aims to empower women with the knowledge and skills to recognise the signs and risks of domestic violence, understand its impacts, and build the confidence to make positive changes within their own families and the wider community.
“It may help someone develop an understanding of healthy and respectful relationships. If people know of someone who could benefit from this, they can let them know this is a safe place to go.”
