Supporting Cessnock

The grant will assist to support Central Hunter Radio (2CHR) to continue to, and improve in, its programmes that cater to those who live in isolation, those with limited access to suitable media options and those in our community that are generally socially disadvantaged.

The Connecting Kids program provides crucial support to Cessnock children with a parent in custody to ensure they remain connected and the child parent bond is retained and nurtured. The program enables access for these at-risk children and young people to vital targeted programs and services run by SHINE such as intensive family case management, mentoring, children’s transport, education support, Storytime, Aboriginal programs, child and parent days, and child-friendly prison visits.

WHOS Hunter Service in Cessnock Bedding Upgrade project aims to replace its current old and worn beds with new and more appropriate beds and bedding to enable quality rest to enhance their residence mental health resilience and well-being. The project will improve healthcare delivery and directly benefit individuals in their journey to recovery.

Students who attend our Breakfast Club come from low income, disadvantaged families or families in need short term assistance. The students have a hygiene and clean-up routine to follow and are assisted with table manners and skills. It is staffed by volunteers and staff five days per week. The Club provides fruit, cereal, milk, toast, cheese, eggs and yoghurt in a friendly, supportive and social environment. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for our students to engage in their learning and for some of the students it will be their major healthy nutrition for the day.

Youth Off The Streets Cessnock Outreach is an early intervention program that targets youth at risk of anti-social behaviour, juvenile offending, domestic violence, disengagement from education and social isolation. There has been an increased demand for our assistance and support particularly intensive case management and individual support for at-risk young people. We are seeking funding to assist in provision of intensive individual support with a focus on addressing these social issues.

Hunter Valley Animal Facility & Rehoming Centre are building the first community-based animal facility in the Hunter Valley to assist the community with boarding kennels for Domestic Violence victims to break down a barrier of leaving Domestic Violence.

The Cessnock Assertive Outreach program will provide face to face and follow up supports to individuals and families living in the Cessnock local area who require support accessing or sustaining housing tenancies. Carries Place case management support provides a wraparound holistic support service that supports individuals with accessing to mental health supports, supports for victims of Domestic Violence.