Posted on: 03/06/2020

Hope for a safer future

After fleeing a violent relationship which saw her hospitalised, 19 year old Chloe*, had nowhere safe to go. A friend had let her sleep on their couch for a few weeks, but this was becoming more and more difficult with a baby and she knew she could not stay there forever. Eight-month-old Tyler had developmental delays and needed specialised support. Desperately worried about how she was going to care for him, Chloe was beginning to lose hope until she was referred to our Mums & Bubs program. When Chloe arrived at Strachan House with Tyler she was distraught, fearful and overwhelmed. By providing a safe secure place to live and one on one mentoring, both Chloe and Tyler received the support they needed to break the cycle of homelessness and disadvantage, and build a safer future for themselves. 

Through our Mums & Bubs program, Strachan House provides safe short term accommodation for young mothers and their babies. While in the house mums like Chloe, who would otherwise be homeless, receive personal, intensive support. It is their only chance to break out of a cycle of disadvantage and build a more stable and independent future for themselves and their young babies.

During their stay, the mothers learn parenting and independent living skills and receive support to train, seek employment and secure long term accommodation. The ultimate goal of the program is for the mothers and their children to leave the house and go on to lead safe, independent lives.

The mums that enter the program are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. They have experienced extreme trauma and are at high risk of the devastating long-term effects of homelessness. With thanks to your kind support our Mums & Bubs program continues to transform the lives of young mums and their children.