• Dad's in Distress
• St John of God

Dad's in Distress

Dad's in Distress is a not for profit community based organisation, dedicated to reducing the incidence of male suicide and self harm resulting from the stress of relationship and family breakdown. Its mission is to assist custodial and non-custodial fathers to access emotional support; education; information; positive peer relationships and decision making assistance and advice.

The link between family breakdown and male suicide

More than two thousand Australians take their own lives every year. In 2005, Australian males accounted for approximately 80% of all suicide deaths, and males are four times more likely to complete suicide than females.

Strong evidence exists of a link to suicide and suicide-related behaviours with ongoing family discord, child custody disputes and financial disputes.

DIDs regularly receives referrals to its peer support groups from government and community sector agencies such as Mensline, Lifeline, local Community Services offices, the Child Support Agency Helpline, Family Relationship Centres and Family Law registries. These services, generally funded by government,  are referring men to DIDs for assistance and support that they themselves cannot or do not provide.

Where the money raised will go

There is no doubt that DIDs provides an effective service. Through the many testimonials and feedback received from participants, we know that DIDs has saved many lives and helped many men through some of their toughest moments.

In mid 2009, government funding for DIDs ends, leaving the organisation without adequate resources to continue its vital work. Net profits raised by Networking 4 Charities events supporting DIDs will go directly toward keeping the phone help line in operation.

Donate Directly via the DIDs website

You can donate funds directly to Dad's in Distress by going to http://www.dadsindistress.asn.au/donations.html and following the instructions.
If you require assistance with this please do not hesitate to contact:
Sarah O'Reilly: sarah.oreilly@networkingforcharities.com.au

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St John of God Hospital

The St John of God Hospital provides the only service in the whole of New South Wales for women experiencing post-natal psychiatric disorders. It currently has eight beds. Women and their babies stay in this unit for varying lengths of time ranging from a week to several months.

One in seven women are affected

If you consider that 50,000 women are diagnosed in NSW with post-natal depression every year, and that it is estimated that double that amount go undiagnosed, you begin to realize just how vital this service is to the whole state community.

Where the money raised will go

When we asked about what Networking for Charities could do for the St John of God Hospital, we were saddened to hear how basic their needs were.

At our first event, we wish to raise approximately $5,000 to be spent on two baby bassinettes at the approximate cost of $1,400 and the refurbishment of the playroom in the facility.  This will include two new two-seater lounges, new carpet, fresh paint and possibly a mural on the walls. 

Kerry Lockhart, St Benedict Unit Manager, St John of God Health Care, who founded the facility has indicated, however, that there are many more projects she would like achieve in the unit. At Networking 4 Charities, we hope to help make some of these future projects happen.

Donate Directly to the Hospital Bank Account

You can donate funds directly to the Mother and Baby unit by depositing the funds into St John of God, Hospital's bank account.  You will then be able to obtain a tax-deductible receipt.

In the reference area please put: SBU and your name.  Once you have done that, lease contact Colleen Lowe on 9715 9212 or colleen.lowe@stjohnofgod.org.au, and she will be able to provide you with the tax-deductible receipt.

If you require assistance with this please do not hesitate to contact:

Sarah O'Reilly: sarah.oreilly@networkingforcharities.com.au

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