The Together Program
Supporting pregnant women who are at risk of having their babies born into homelessness.
The Together Program is a groundbreaking three-year pilot developed in response to the increasing number of babies born into homelessness. It's a stark reality that many pregnant women experiencing homelessness actively conceal their situation due to the fear of losing their child and other complex issues such as mental health challenges, family and domestic violence, and addiction. This often results in inadequate prenatal care, limited birth planning, and a lack of much-needed support.
The Together Program aims to address the needs of these women and their newborns, as well as the challenges they face without a safe and secure home. It offers tailored, comprehensive wrap-around support during the crucial first 1,000 days of a child's life from conception (where possible). This support includes stable housing, medical care, and personalized assistance. The program seeks to improve maternal and child well-being, parenting skills, and the mother-child relationship, while also reducing the need for child protection intervention and enhancing overall quality of life.
Accommodation
with flexible, person-centred property and tenancy management.
Providing stable, affordable housing with trauma-informed supportive letting arrangements lasting 9-12 months. This approach facilitates women's engagement in their housing journey by educating them on housing processes and teaching tenancy rights and responsibilities. It also serves as a support for early intervention before any potential tenancy-related challenges arise.
Specialist Case Management
Uniting WA
Intensive wrap-around intervention involves tailoring support and resources to the unique needs and goals of mothers and their babies. This approach fosters a collaborative and empathetic environment, enhancing individuals' overall well-being and supporting their self-determined progress.
Essential Medical and Health Support
Homeless Healthcare
Consistent GP appointments and regular home visits from the HHC nursing team serve as a central support for health needs. This includes referrals for support with breast and bottle-feeding, as well as advocacy and assistance in addressing mental health concerns and addiction-related support requirements.
For more information, please contact TogetherProgram@hhc.org.au
The Together Program has been developed in collaboration by Uniting WA, Homeless Healthcare, Home2Health research team and is supported by the Sisters of St John of God, in consultation with lived experience co-design.