When Carly was finally able to escape her abusive partner after a prolonged period of violence, all she managed to get out of the house with was her nine-year old son, Max, and her handbag. With no other possessions to their name, they fled to a refuge where Max received a Buddy Bag, containing essential items to ease the traumatic transition from a violent home to emergency accommodation. Carly said that arriving in the refuge was very scary, not just for her, but for Max. You dont know who you can trust. You dont know if you can trust the refuge workers because youve just left such an untrusting life, but you dont know where else to begin. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation developed the Buddy Bags program to support children entering emergency accommodation. The items in the bags are carefully chosen to help children settle into emergency accommodation, providing the basic essentials to maintain their daily routine and offering them simple comforts. When Max was handed his Buddy Bag, Carly said it was like watching him unwrap presents at Christmas. He was instantly overjoyed. His face just lit up like he had no troubles left in the world. He just couldnt come down from the high. The items in the Buddy Bag gave Max more than practical support. The photo album gave him a way to cherish the positive memories that he had left behind. Although Max didnt have any photos with him, he was able to draw pictures of photos that he couldnt take with him. This way, he filled the photo album with happy memories. more...amf.org.au/ed32014-buddy-bags/
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:25:00 +0000
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