Community

NSO leads the way for RizeUp partnership

👓 1.5 minute read

First National’s National Support Office (NSO) is preparing to take the first step in supporting our national partnership with RizeUp Australia — the charity that helps families rebuild their lives after escaping domestic violence.

Before the official network launch, NSO volunteers will complete the first home fit-out in Melbourne on Thursday 30 October. The project will see an empty property transformed into a furnished, welcoming home for a family starting afresh.

This pilot initiative will demonstrate how First National offices can contribute when the national programme is unveiled. In time, members across Australia will have opportunities to take part in similar fit-outs within their own communities.

Because of the sensitive nature of RizeUp’s work, all volunteers are required to complete a National Crime Check and provide identification for digital verification. 

NSO has called for six volunteers from NSO to assist on the day, and spots are filling fast.

This first fit-out is a small but meaningful start — showing how our network will soon make a practical difference for families who need a safe place to begin again.

In the meantime, final touches are being put on a members’ toolkit that will make it easy to fundraise locally, and participate in home fit-outs when a family in your area needs to escape DV.

Long Lunch for Mental Health

FN Charles L. King & Co (Echuca, Vic) hosted its traditional Long Lunch for Mental Health, with the beneficiary of its fundraising being Beyond Blue and Headspace Echuca.

The team estimates that in excess of $3,000 will have been raised, when accounts have been finalised, but the greatest value of the event was the conversations about mental health awareness that took place in the room.