Open Support is a Sydney-based charity committed to acting and caring for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Open Support is committed to providing best practice services to women and children escaping domestic and family abuse, and people experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
From fear and loneliness to empowerment and independence!
Our organisation was founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1990, then called ‘Sisters of Charity Outreach’, as the community service hub of St Vincent’s Clinic. It was born with a mission to reach out to the marginalised, those too often overlooked. Since then, we have devoted all our energy and our work to taking this compassionate mission into action.
We brave social barriers to support those most in need – and help change lives.
Our services include:
Volunteering
Volunteering at Open Support is an enriching experience where you become an active member of our community. It means joining a group of caring, friendly, skilled and committed people who each contribute to our mission “Compassion in Action”. Be it in a direct or indirect way, each of our volunteers plays an important role in carrying out our mission and helping us care for the vulnerable in our community. By joining our wonderful team of volunteers, you have a positive impact in people’s lives.
Domestic & Family Violence
When Domestic and Family Abuse survivors have to flee their home, it is extremely important they receive supported crisis accommodation in a timely manner. The systems to assist with immigration, housing and income are quite complex and hard to navigate if you have not ever had to use them, so the need for assistance from skilled specialist workers is essential. A home is one place where anyone should feel safe, respected and comfortable. Free from abuse and fear.
Open Support recognises this need and is proud to provide integrated support. We stay with the families for the duration of their needs. This includes crisis accommodation and wrap around support that spans from crisis through transition and outreach, dependent on individual client needs. We endeavour to ensure appropriate opportunities for recovery and create a safe haven for domestic and family abuse survivors. Using a holistic approach, we work with vulnerable families to assist their transition from surviving day to day, to a thriving member of the community. A key focus of ours is those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, who face additional barriers and complexities.
Community Connections
The Community Connections Program is a no cost program which provides social support to individuals who are experiencing social isolation and or loneliness in our communities.
Individuals are supported to establish and maintain meaningful social connections with community, leading to reduced social isolation and increased wellbeing.
Areas of Support
We offer a social bridge to individuals who are isolated and lonely, helping them re-connect with their community and weave lasting relationships. Over time, our team of specialist skilled staff and trained volunteers support each individual to regain a sense of trust, social confidence and autonomy through;
• Individualised case planning and social navigation
• Direct opportunities for connection through 1:1 social support
• Assistance to build social capacity and confidence
• Supportive and fun group events
• Phone support
Contact
Address: 438 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Email: info@opensupport.org.au
Contact: (02) 8382 6430
