ST PATS

St Patrick’s Community Support Centre in Fremantle provide immediate and holistic care for the homeless, those at risk of being homeless and the disadvantaged in Fremantle and the wider south west metropolitan area of Perth…

Primary aim of St Pat’s: to promote social inclusion and self worth and help people to return to independent living, a safe environment and a better quality of life.

COMPASSION. FULFILLMENT. EMPOWERMENT.

Some of St Patrick’s initiatives/services:

  • Weekday morning free coffees available at the Day Centre – aims to welcome newcomers, encourage people in need to use services such as showers, or talk;
  • Holistic Health Clinic run by qualified volunteer clinicians and nurses – promoting preventative health-care and overall well being amongst homeless people more prone to health risks;
  • Free dental service as homeless people don’t have access to oral health care due to key indicators of social advantage;
  • Fremantle Family Crisis Accomodation and Referral Program provides safe, affordable lodging of all types to all sorts of people – addresses target groups such as youth, mentally ill, rough sleepers and those with barriers to housing;
  • Youth Place:
    • Medium to long-term accommodation for homeless youth between 15-25 years, and supports them back into school where possible at the Port Community School;
    • Confident First Aid Training or youth;
    • The Blossom Guide – focus on healthy relationships, building self-esteem and positive body image.

THE CROSSROADS PROGRAM – ARTreach

Crossroad work with groups marginalised in society due to their association with anti-social behaviour, alcohol and substance use, etc. (90% identify as A&TI).

The ARTreach initiative is run by Crossroads and the Local Drug Action Group (LDAG), as well as the Fremantle council. It aims to engage these individuals through means of an art project in Kings Square, commencing April 2017 and running 12-18 months.

Using art as a medium, the project hopes to engage with disadvantaged people in Fremantle who have disengaged from mainstream services but who are in need of help with complex problems, compounded by drug/alcohol use, mental illness and homelessness.

ARTreach project, Kings Square Fremantle

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY

St Patrick’s strongly believe their clients should be included in the decision making processes that effect their life situations. They actively encourage and value their contribution to the planning, delivery and evaluation of all services and programs.

  • ‘St Pat’s Chat’ – monthly client group open to anyone;
  • Housing meetings;
  • Breakfast clubs for those in accomodation programs;
  • Annual surveys;
  • Supporting clients to tell/share their stories, to build a body of knowledge and educate the community.

Survey results report that most clients enjoy the sense of community and friendliness in St Pat’s approach.

In 2016 two new questions were added to the survey and answered by 30 people. Results below:

Survey question: What do you need most in life?

Survey question: What do you wish to have in the future?