Housing: the foundation of wellbeing
21 February 2022
There is no other indicator more inextricably linked to improved societal outcomes than housing. That means that our current crisis in housing affordability and supply is also a crisis in community wellbeing. Impact of housing on wellbeing Housing is the foundation from which people can connect to the community, economy and essential services, and where […]
After all they’ve given, older women deserve better
14 February 2022
Insecure housing, tenuous economic security, and looming stress and burnout: these are the lived realities of too many Canberrans as revealed by YWCA Canberra’s 2021 Our lives: women in the ACT survey. Our findings reinforced that the lives of many people living in Canberra are defined by economic insecurity and general uncertainty, with COVID-19 exacerbating […]
Give to others and reap the benefits this festive season
13 December 2021
Humans are social animals, and we have a natural desire to look out for others and help people in times of need. With the holidays fast approaching, this sense of compassion can swell, especially as we embrace the festive season and reflect on the year that has passed. One powerful way to show kindness is through the act of giving! Whether it’s […]
Recognising the realities of our lives in Canberra
7 December 2021
We were honoured to launch our second report into the reality of life in Canberra for women and non-binary people, Our lives: women in the ACT. This report, an update from our 2019 publication, was the result of surveying over 1200 respondents living in Canberra. It provides an insight into how life in Canberra has changed over those two years, including the impact of COVID-19 on women’s […]
Helping us build up the Canberra community – 2021 Great Ydeas Innovation Breakfast
30 April 2021
On Thursday, 29 April, YWCA Canberra was joined by over 130 people at the Ainslie Football Club for our annual Great Ydeas Innovation Breakfast. The fundraising event, which provided an opportunity for members, supporters and partners to come together to show their support for YWCA Canberra’s housing initiatives, also presented us withwas also an the opportunity to showcase our 2021 Great Ydeas Small Grant recipients […]
Seeking support with Dr Tulika Saxena and Dr Merrindahl Andrew
26 November 2020
Dr Tulika Saxena and Dr Merrindahl Andrew are among the first in our series profiling experts in violence prevention to help raise awareness towards the elimination of violence against women. This year, YWCA Canberra is participating in 16 Days of Activism by sharing stories, resources and interviews from people and organisations doing their bit to […]
One year of Next Door: Lynette’s story
7 August 2020
For the first anniversary of our Next Door program, we wanted our client’s voices to be heard. This is Lynette’s* story. For you, the reader, to understand how amazing the Next Door Program and appreciate how amazing the staff has been to me and the many women they have helped, I need to share with you, just […]
One year of Next Door: Wendy’s story
7 August 2020
For the first anniversary of our Next Door program, we wanted our client’s voices to be heard. This is Wendy’s* story. I was in a pretty bad situation before Next Door. I had moved to Canberra after six years of caring for my daughter with disabilities in WA. I had gotten her set up in her own […]
One year of Next Door: Helen’s story
7 August 2020
For the first anniversary of our Next Door program, we wanted our client’s voices to be heard. This is Helen’s* story. I was pretty desperate before I encountered Next Door. I had been living with my ex-partner for around three years. It was toxic, but I didn’t have the resources to move out, either emotionally or financially. […]
One year of Next Door: Mary’s story
7 August 2020
For the first anniversary of our Next Door program, we wanted our client’s voices to be heard. This is Mary’s* story. A few years ago, I decided to lodge an application for public housing because one by one my children are leaving Canberra for a better job: one to Melbourne, another to Sydney. My youngest also decided […]