Such is the demand for support at Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre (SWCC) in Carrington Square, Campsie, with the seven counsellors stretched every day of the week.
Manager and counsellor Margherita Bastile says SWCC is one of 20 organisations coming under Womens Health NSW but only one of three special purpose centres in NSW.
Offering specialist counselling for the most vulnerable in the community, they deal with those traumatised by domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health issues, gambling and drug and alcohol addictions.
“When we were established 28 years ago, the demand for our help was high but now it’s through the roof,” Margherita said.
“We only receive core funding from NSW Health which hasn’t been increased since the 1980s; we rely on donations and support from the council which we have gratefully received over the years, the most recent being funding of $3,500 for food vouchers for women with children escaping family violence.
“The council is, in fact, a lifeline and has been since the beginning.
“If we had more funds, then we could hire more counsellors, not all of ours are full-time, and help a lot more women.”
To make a donation, which is tax deductible, go to womenscounselling.com.au or call the centre on 9718 1955.
