Stand by you

THE STANDBYU Foundation has partnered with Bendigo Bank to fund 25 world-class StandbyU Shields for the Northern Rivers community impacted by major flood events.

The StandbyU Shield is a world-first game changer in the prevention of domestic and family violence and supports families at risk of abuse to ensure they can access the help they need.

Chris Boyle is a Churchill Fellow and recent recipient of the Winston Churchill Trust’s Impact Funding program — an initiative established to enhance outcomes of Churchill Fellowships here in Australia.

“I’ve worked in the system for nearly 30 years, and I know how important it is for the most vulnerable to feel connected,” Mr Boyle said.

“The Shield allows those at risk to connect to those who care at the single push of a button, sending live audio into a conference room and location via SMS to all of those people who would drop anything at any time to keep someone they love safe.”

Smith Family and will be accompanied by a Learning for Life student.

Ms Thorpe said the VIEW Club’s goal is to aid Learning for Life to support those students that need a helping hand in life.

“The idea is that if they get a good education through Learning for Life, they are given the best chance to create a better future for themselves,” she said.

Ms Thorpe said the event was designed to inspire women of all backgrounds to strive towards their goals in life and to promote equality for all.

“The theme this year is ‘embrace equity’ which we believe is important,” she said.

“For this particular day, it’s important women come together and celebrate our diversity and our broader mission to improve the lives of women and inspire them to achieve their best in life.”

Ms Thorpe said she wanted to encourage local women to register and attend the special event from 10am to meet and celebrate International Women’s Day. To find out more, or to register to attend, please phone: 0406 484 707.

The Shield also allows responders to escalate the call directly to emergency services.

Federal Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said it was vital for those experiencing violence to know support will be there when they need it.

“As we reach one year on from the devastating floods that impacted the Northern Rivers, today’s announcement is another excellent example of the community coming together to ensure people are safe and connected,” she said.

To find out more visit: standbyu.org.au/