Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan today announced almost $500,000 in funding for Heartfelt House to continue offering its wide range of services to adults sexually abused as children; including its 18-week Taking the First Steps program.
“Funding for Heartfelt House had previously been an on ad-hoc programme by programme basis that made it very hard to maintain its services. This is the first time it has received a three-year funding guarantee,” he said.
“This three-year funding arrangement will help Heartfelt House continue with its programmes and look at expanding in areas of growing need, in particular male survivors of childhood sexual assault.”
Heartfelt House has been providing support to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the family and friends in our community since 2005.
Its successful Taking the First Steps program is designed specifically for adults sexually abused as children and allows for flexibility to meet the specific characteristics and needs of each group. It is designed to create awareness, provide information, and explore thoughts, behaviours and feelings related to the trauma of past sexual abuse and how it influences participants’ lives today.
Heartfelt House chief executive Kate Loubert said she was relieved that the funding had been secured.
“The fact that we have security of three years of funding is great recognition of the importance of this service and now we can further meet the needs of survivors and their families on our community,” she said.
“We are grateful, relieved and excited.”
