News - Rosies - Page 33

BE PREPARED: GIRL GUIDES HELP ROSIES GET READY FOR WINTER

Jon Martlew (second from left) and his team of Rosies volunteers with Kathryn Gorton (far right) of Guides Queensland

World Chief Guide and founder of the guiding movement, Lady Olave Baden-Powell once said, ‘It is not what you have but what you give that brings happiness.’

On Saturday evening May 17 Toowoomba Branch Coordinator Jon Martlew took a team of Rosies volunteers and a fully stocked van to the Yellaloo Guide Hut.

The team were there to provide a barbecue dinner and some hot Milo to Girl Guides from the Guides Queensland Darling Downs region who slept outside in the cold as part of their ‘Chain of Cardboard Cities’ fundraising event.

22 Guides aged from 8 to 14 participated in the event to raise funds to assist homeless people in the Toowoomba area.

The girls slept outdoors in cardboard boxes to get a feel for what it’s like for a person sleeping rough – and the weather pitched in to help with a little rain overnight, leading to some soggy shelters!

One lucky girl had the opportunity to sleep in a Backpack Bed overnight to see the difference a warm dry shelter can make to a person without a roof over their head.

‘We drew a lucky number to select the Guide who would have the chance to sleep in the Backpack Bed for the night,’ said Jon.

‘The girl who won the draw had brought her own sleeping bag for the night – so she gave the opportunity to another girl she felt needed it more.’

‘We thought her generosity was just so special – if these girls are our future leaders, I think the place is in good hands.’

Guides setting up their cardboard boxes, with Rosies volunteer Margaret Battle heading over to help.

Rosies Training and Development Manager Cat Milton also attended to talk with the girls about homelessness and how people can help.

‘Young people can sometimes grasp abstract concepts so much more quickly than adults,’ said Cat.

‘The girls understood intuitively the value of friendship to a person’s self esteem and resilience, and were able to suggest ways they could assist people who are homeless in ways which are both practically and emotionally supportive.’

Funds raised from the event will be donated to Rosies to support operations in Toowoomba.

Our Winter newsletter is out – to download a copy, .

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6 June 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator

News

ROSIES RESPONSE TO THE FEDERAL BUDGET

Rosies, like many other charities across Australia, will need to expand its services to meet the needs of vulnerable families and others who live on tight budgets may find themselves homeless or houseless.

The Federal Budget has raised concerns for many local charities as disadvantaged and vulnerable groups are at higher risk than ever due to funding cuts.

The axing of government jobs and amalgamation of many State based services will stress families reliant on support services, tightening their already precarious budgets and making homelessness a very real possibility. Cuts to Family Tax Benefit will be the breaking point for many vulnerable families.

Rosies has been seeing families living in their cars in our regional outreaches across Queensland over the past year, and numbers are rising.

Currently 27% of homeless in Queensland are children, and we expect this figure to rise as more families are pushed out on to the street.

Our Ipswich outreach reported 90 people in the park recently and 30 of them were children.

With such alarming numbers of families reaching out to Rosies for help, we can expect the demand on our outreaches to increase.

In fact, Rosies is receiving calls to expand with requests from the Wynnum community to establish an outreach locally.

Local emergency relief providers have reported a significant increase in requests for help from people at risk of homelessness – families and individuals reliant on Centrelink payments who do not have enough money for food after rent is paid, and some who do not receive income support at all.

So far this year, just one emergency relief provider has had requests for assistance from 160 individuals and families. Their clients are households at significant risk of homelessness, and budget cuts increase this risk significantly.

As some of these budget cuts don’t take effect until 2015-2017, Rosies needs to plan and prepare for an increasing number of marginalised people who will need our support.

It is crucial that Rosies further engage in local community partnerships in order to resource and provide support to the growing need that
lies ahead. We would like to secure some corporate partnerships, so we can engage skilled volunteers to assist us with providing services
and bridging the gaps for the marginalised and disadvantaged in our community.

With such alarming numbers of families reaching out to Rosies for help, we can expect the demand on our outreaches to increase.

Our Winter newsletter is out – to download a copy, .

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6 June 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator

News

IPSWICH ROSIES KEEPING FAMILIES WARM THIS WINTER

The nights are already cold in Ipswich, but Rosies is partnering with Street Doctors and Kotahi Aroha to provide warm hospitality to patrons.

Ipswich Branch Coordinator Michael Byrnes says that Thursday nights in Ipswich are like a big family get together – though the irony is that many of our patrons are families who are doing it tough.

‘We’re seeing lots of kids,’ said Michael.

‘Last night we saw about 90 people in the park, and about 30 of them were children.’

‘I was shocked.’

There are so many children coming to visit the Rosies van that a volunteer on each team spends their shift making hot Milo for them and ensuring they’re comfortable and warm while they’re there.

‘I’ve got a fair idea that a few of them are sleeping in cars, but some of them have homes – they just have no money. They’re coming out to get something to eat.’

Kotahi Aroha are a charity group based in Logan who make the trip to Ipswich every Thursday to provide hot meals to Rosies patrons.

They also bring canned food for patrons to take home with them.

Michael says that sharing park space with Rosies actually changes the way that groups like Kotahi Aroha engage with patrons.

Once the group serves patrons with a meal, their volunteers enjoy a cuppa from the Rosies van and spend time chatting with patrons.

‘It makes for a very harmonious night,’ said Michael.

‘We all eat together like a family.’

The Street Doctors also visit on Thursday night with their mobile GP surgery to provide medical services to patrons in need.

Demand for the Street Doctors services are increasing as patrons become more familiar with the service.

The doctors also share a cuppa and chat with patrons in between consultations which helps to build trust.

‘The doctors used to see about 6 patrons each night, but in the last couple of weeks that’s doubled to around a dozen.’

‘The fact that the doctors can be social with a cuppa – it does make a difference.’

Michael said that as the weather gets colder, patrons are seeking shelter for the night earlier.

‘We’ve changed our outreach times on Friday nights to start at 7pm rather than 8pm.’

‘We found that our patrons were arriving as early as 5 or 6pm and waiting for us to come and give them a hot drink or some noodles to fight off the cold.’

The Ipswich branch is facing an increase in demand for warm blankets and Backpack Beds.

During winter, temperatures overnight can drop to below zero, making a warm place to sleep a matter of survival rather than comfort.

Our Winter newsletter is out – to download a copy, .

Donate Now

6 June 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator

News, Newsletter

NEWSLETTER – WINTER 2014

The latest edition of the Rosies newsletter is out and available for download.

Click here to read it – and while you’re at it, why not print out a copy to leave in the office lunch room?

2 June 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator

Fundraising, Ipswich, News, Sponsors, Thanks

IPSWICH MP IAN BERRY SUPPORTS ROSIES

Rosies – Friends on the Street has received both personal and Parliamentary support in Ipswich thanks to local MP Ian Berry.

When Caring for our Community grant beneficiaries were announced on May 13, Rosies Ipswich Branch was amongst the community organisations sharing in more than $6000 in funding with a grant for $600 to support local operations.

Member for Ipswich Ian Berry MP nominated Rosies for the grant in recognition of the assistance the organisation gives to the Ipswich community by providing safe spaces for people to build community and connect with essential services.

He then decided to offer his personal support through a further donation of $400 to assist in the purchase of equipment and ongoing costs.

‘As the local member for Ipswich, I have given to Rosies a commitment to visit the street van regularly. This is what Rosies deserves as I know the crucial role it plays in our community. Rosies offers a helping hand to our most vulnerable, provides a meeting point and gives people a sense of friendship,’ said Mr Berry.

‘People like Michael Byrnes in Ipswich work enormously hard to keep Rosies going on a meagre funding model. It was therefore my absolute pleasure to make an additional donation of $400 to this organisation beyond the $600 they have already received from the Queensland Government’s Caring for our Community grants program.’

Ipswich Branch Coordinator Michael Byrnes said Mr Berry’s donation was a real boost to the local branch.

‘It’s that kind of support that keeps our volunteers out on the streets with the people who need it. So many of our patrons are kids – we have a volunteer on each team who spends their whole shift just making Milo for the kids and making sure they’re warm,’ he said.

‘We really appreciate Ian’s support – it means a lot to our volunteers that he actually comes to the van regularly and spends time with our patrons. He doesn’t just pop in and say “hi”, he actually spends an hour or two having meaningful conversations and helping out at the van.’

If you would like to help support Rosies operations in Ipswich, click here to donate:
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30 May 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator

News

GOVERNOR-GENERAL BECOMES ROSIES PATRON IN CHIEF

Rosies – Friends on the Street is pleased to announce the appointment of Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove as Patron in Chief.

Sir Peter has a long involvement with Rosies, having joined Mrs Leneen Forde AC as Co-Patron of Rosies in 2005. On his appointment as Governor-General of Australia, Rosies extended an invitation to Sir Peter to deepen his ties with the organisation through vice-regal patronage.

Sir Peter confirmed he wished to continue his close association with Rosies, an organisation he once characterised as ‘compassion with its sleeves rolled up’, and was formally elevated to Patron in Chief on May 7 with Mrs Forde continuing as Patron.

Rosies CEO Troy Bailey said it was an honour for Rosies to be associated with a leader like Sir Peter.

‘Sir Peter embodies characteristics we see as truly Australian – strength, determination, compassion, and humour,’ said Mr Bailey.

‘As Patron in Chief, Sir Peter represents Rosies everywhere he goes – and we couldn’t ask for a more inspiring role model for our volunteers who are out there every day and night on the front line.’

I have been a supporter of Rosies – Friends on the Street from its earlier days and I continue to admire its work for young Australians at risk. I certainly wish volunteer organisations such as Rosies – Friends on the Street all the very best in carrying out their vital work with in our communities. God bless all at Rosies.

His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), 2014

21 May 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator

Logan/Beenleigh, News

ROYAL RECOGNITION FOR ROSIES

Logan volunteer represents Rosies at Duke and Duchess’s reception

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted a reception for young Queenslanders of note on Saturday April 19.
Logan volunteer Sean Scanlon was selected to represent Rosies – Friends on the Street at the event, held at Southbank’s Convention Centre and co-hosted by the Premier and Governor of Queensland, in recognition of the work he does for Rosies.
Logan branch coordinator Margaret Harvey says Sean’s invitation is a fitting reward for his service to Rosies.
“At one stage he was taking out three teams as a team leader, as well as being deputy coordinator here in Logan.
“He also visits the Youth Detention Centre on top of that. I think he richly deserved to go.”
Sean thought the whole event was quite exciting.
“It was mostly a blur!” he said.
“What surprised me was that Princess Kate was already aware of the work Rosies do.
“I do remember telling her that I was one of 870 volunteers, and she was impressed.”

30 April 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator

Backpack Beds, Brisbane, Fundraising, News

Rosies rises to the challenge: Vinnies CEO Sleepout 2014

Image: Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Graham Quirk gets into bed with Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale at the CEO Sleepout launch in King George Square

The city’s business elite will get a small taste of life on the streets this winter as they spend a night in the cold to raise money for the homeless.

Volunteers from Rosies – Friends on the Street will offer hospitality at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout at Southbank’s Courier Mail Piazza on June 19 with coffee supplied by Gold Coast business I Luv Coffee.

Participating CEOs will also be given a cup of soup and a bread roll before they settle down in their sleeping bags for the night.

Rosies CEO Troy Bailey will be amongst the rough sleepers that night, though he says he will be sleeping a little less rough than most of the others.

“I’m going to be in a Backpack Bed, not a sleeping bag,” said Mr Bailey.

“I talk so highly about these things because they work – my night will be a bit more comfortable than most of the CEOs there.”

A Rosies van was on site at the launch of the CEO Sleepout on Wednesday, with volunteer Emily Rosemond on hand to supervise as participating executives donned aprons to serve coffee and soup.

Vinnies CEO Peter Maher tries on a Backpack Bed for size

“It will be good for some of the CEOs there to get a bit of an idea what life is like on the other side of the van,” said Mr Bailey.

Mr Bailey says organisations like Rosies and Vinnies are working in partnership to end homelessness.

“Homelessness is such a huge problem. In Queensland, there are around 20,000 people who are homeless right now, and about a quarter of them are children.

“The gap between street and home is getting wider, so there’s so much work to be done.

“As a participating CEO, I’m raising money for Vinnies to support the work they do.

“But on the night, we will be auctioning off a Backpack Bed and the proceeds of that will go to Rosies, so we can continue to provide beds to homeless people across the State.

“We’re all in this together.”

If you’d like to contribute to Mr Bailey’s fundraising campaign in support of Vinnies CEO Sleepout, click .

4 April 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator

Backpack Beds, Campaigns, Fundraising, News

BACKPACK BEDS GIVE DIGNITY

Living on the streets is always a struggle, but survival is harder when the weather turns cold.

To help address this, Rosies – Friends on the Street has partnered with Swags for Homeless to distribute Backpack Beds to their homeless patrons.

Rosies General Manager Troy Bailey says the high quality swags offer dignity to people by giving them a place they can call their own.

“We’re coming into winter now, and nights are getting cooler – our patrons are doing it tough, and Backpack Beds give them a chance at sleep out of the cold,” Mr Bailey said.

“There’s protection there from the elements – these beds are waterproof – and they’re fire retardant too.”

The Backpack Bed by Swags for the Homeless

The Backpack Beds are an award-winning Australian design, with a padded mattress, insect screens, and a lockable section for valuables.

The beds are quick to fold away, are lightweight, and provide an all in one temporary solution to people who are sleeping rough.

“We can get a Backpack Bed to a person who needs it for only $147,” said Mr Bailey.

“That gets the bed from the supplier, to a volunteer in any of our nine branches Statewide, and into the hands of a homeless person.

“You can’t underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. For people trying to get back on their feet again, just being able to sleep safely and comfortably is a huge gift.”

To make an online donation, click here:

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13 March 2014/0 Comments/by Administrator