Leading child protection organisation Act for Kids has expanded its Mackay service in response to huge community demand from families needing support.
Act for Kids will officially open the doors to its new centre at 1/121 Boundary Rd East, Paget this Friday, relocating to the larger premises from its previous Mackay central site.
Act for Kids Director of Family Support Services Northern, Julie Inskip, said the new location would allow the for-purpose organisation to help more families in need.
“In the past year, our Mackay programs have responded to more than 2000 requests for support,” she said.
“We are seeing an overwhelming need for safe and stable housing across the Mackay region, with many people being unable to secure homes for their families due to the current demand for housing and rising rental costs.
“The team are receiving a significant number of requests to help parents and children who have experienced domestic and family violence, as well as support for substance abuse and mental health challenges.”
The Mackay centre will continue to support families across a vast geographical area - stretching from Bowen in the north, St Lawrence in the south and the coalfield and agricultural communities across the west.
Programs available in Mackay include Family and Child Connect, which ensures families who are experiencing challenges, or need parenting support are referred to the appropriate services for help, and Assessment and Service Connect, which delivers psychoeducation and support to families in partnership with the Department of Child Safety.
The centre recently added a third program called Intensive Family Support (IFS), which provides specialised help around a range of issues including domestic and family violence, mental health, substance usage, household functioning and family relationships.
“We recognise the importance of delivering these vital services in regional areas and jumped at the opportunity to take on the IFS program in Mackay when the previous provider closed their service,” Julie said.
“Having been present in this community since 2016, Act for Kids will continue to advocate for the needs of Mackay families and support them so that they can thrive.”
For free, unlimited and confidential advice on a range of family and parenting challenges, Act for Kids encourages anyone to call (07) 4847 0550 or 13 32 64.
Act for Kids expands its Mackay service to a larger centre in Paget, responding to surging demand for family support programs. Act for Kids Director of Family Support Services Northern, Julie Inskip with Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox (left) and Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton. Photos supplied
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