Since 2018, Sharks Have Heart have supported Sutherland Shire Family Services (SSFS), a leading local provider of support services for families experiencing parenting challenges or women impacted by domestic violence.
The organisation supports around 10,000 people each year through their various programs, which are focused around three key pillars – youth & family and parenting support, domestic violence support, and education and workplace training.
Late last month SSFS announced that they were changing their name to The Family Co. The name change positions the organisation to achieve their strategic vision to share their expertise, and provide some of their programs, like their Toolbox Talks Workplace training, across Australia.
The launch of the new name was attended by NSW Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman, Sutherland Shire Mayor Steve Simpson, State MP for Heathcote Lee Evans, Sutherland Shire Councillors Carmelo Pesce and Peter Scaysbrook and George Nour, General Manager of Sharks Have Heart.
“Sutherland Shire Family Services have done an outstanding job for those in need in our community for over 34 years, and their commitment to the local community remains,” Nour said. “We are proud to be associated with them, now as The Family Co, and see our support continuing well into the future.”
The Family Co. CEO Ashleigh Daines said while the name had changed, the organisation's core purpose would remain, with its frontline service to continue to focus on local families.
"We are engaged and committed to the communities we serve, and while the majority of our programs will continue to be focused on providing support to the families of Sutherland Shire and St George, our new name and brand also gives us opportunities to explore service delivery of some of our programs and share our expertise further afield," she said.
"We are energised and motivated to do more for our community - and making our services more accessible to all families and people in need."
The Family Co. provides emotional and practical support to individuals and families, improving knowledge and confidence in managing challenging situations when it comes to parenting and relationships, through education, connections, information and advocacy.
The Family Co. employ 35 staff at its Jannali and Engadine centres, including a diverse team of qualified social workers, psychologists, family therapists, mothercraft nurses, educators, practitioners and skilled welfare workers. This team is trained to help adults and children in a variety of areas and in doing so works to create stronger social and community connections.
Most services provided by The Family Co. are free. Families can self-refer if they need help with their child's physical or emotional development, including challenging behaviours, or are experiencing domestic violence.
To make contact with The Family Co. or to find out more, visit the website at www.thefamilyco.org.au
