The Hon. (Pru) Prudence Jane GOWARD, MP Visits the Coast
The Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre recently had a visit by The Hon. (Pru) Prudence Jane GOWARD, MP accompanied by Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and Minister for the Hunter and Central Coast Scott McDonald.
The centre was proud to showcase the various services and programs that have been supporting and empowering women on the Central Coast for 40 years.
The Minister was in the local area and wanted to show her appreciation for the great work the centre has achieved over many years. Pru Goward’s portfolio responsibilities include Women, Mental Health, Prevention of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault and Medical Research.
The visit was timely given the significant increase in presentations by women experiencing domestic and family violence.
During 2015 the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre reported 13,500 client contacts across the three centres located at Wyong, Wyoming and Woy Woy.
In this same period 38% of all counselling sessions involved women presenting with domestic violence.
2016 has seen a significant increase in the number of presentations involving Domestic and Family Violence, 80% of all counselling client contacts now involve experiences from past trauma, abuse or neglect.
The Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre is one of 24 specialist women’s services across NSW providing a “safe space for women” to access specialist trained counsellors, doctors and advocacy workers.
The uniqueness of being a safe space just for women ensures women’s health needs can be addressed holistically, without fear in a caring nurturing environment that supports the woman to work through her health issues whilst being resourced with strategies to move forward in community life.
Feedback from clients reaffirm that “Women’s health centres are seen as a vital part of their communities”; “I felt safe knowing that it was a space where women only worked and supported me with my healing and regaining of self”.
Participation in some of the many self-development courses on offer provides women with a forum to meet other women and to gain support from each other whilst building a toolbox of life skills to improve their lives. “Learning to create boundaries in my personal relationships changed my life.”
For further information on the types of programs and support available visit www.cccwhc.com.au or contact the Wyoming centre on 4324 2533.
