30 August 2024
When a child is feeling alone and unsafe, it can be hard to know where to turn. Kids Helpline is a safety net there to answer their calls.
Like the call received from Sara's daughter. A mum of two little girls aged 6 and 8, Sara was having trouble managing school pick-ups because of her multiple sclerosis.
When the children would walk home alone, the older child would sometimes call Kids Helpline to seek reassurance and safety. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the counsellor reached out to Sara, and then to the school, to develop a plan.
The community rallied together - some parents in the girls' classes were able to take the girls home when needed, while the awareness raised about Sara's challenges helped foster a more supportive and understanding community. She was able to build new relationships and increase her support network.
Making sure no child slips through the cracks
"Every child in every community needs a fair go," is this year's Child Protection Week theme - a sentiment echoed here at yourtown.
From a secure and stable home environment to staying safe in our communities, all of us have a part to play in keeping children and young people safe.
In 2023, Kids Helpline had 4,792 contacts from young people reaching out to us about abuse or family violence. And of these contacts, children aged 10-14 made up the biggest proportion.
No matter the issue, Kids Helpline remains a critical safety net for those under 25 - and with 50% of funding for Kids Helpline coming from your ticket purchases and donations, Kids Helpline wouldn't exist without you.
Child protection isn't only about keeping kids safe out in the community - it's also about making sure children and young people have a safe and secure place to call home.
Did you know...
Over 37% of young people experiencing homelessness are children and young people under the age of 24. 14% are under the age of 12.Other ways your ticket protects children
yourtown's San Miguel service has been providing a child-centred family residential service for young parents and their children for over 40 years.
Of these young parents, 100% have a lived experience of DFV, with 61% of mums having experienced sexual abuse.
It's not just temporary accommodation - it's counselling, guidance and support to help them tackle the issues creating homelessness.
San Miguel is largely funded by Art Union supporters just like you. Your support helps keep families safe. You are genuinely improving the lives of so many young people!
“I had four kids, no one was able to house us. So, my biggest concern was losing my children because I couldn't have a roof over their head." - San Miguel resident
Your support makes a life-saving difference
When you buy tickets in our Prize Home Draws, you’re not just getting a chance at a million-dollar home. You’re also helping fund essential services like Kids Helpline and San Miguel that truly make a difference when it comes to protecting children and young people from violence and abuse, so thank you.
