Friend in Need supports Kwinana, Peel and Upper South West communities

The ability for people in the Kwinana, Peel and Upper South West regions to look out for each other is set to be bolstered by the latest partnership between Anglicare WA and resources company Alcoa.

Through funding from Alcoa’s global charity, the Alcoa Foundation, Anglicare WA will work with local communities in these areas for six months from July to deliver its Friend in Need Project. 

This project is an education program which aims to build community capacity to respond to crisis by developing the skills, knowledge and confidence of community members to support others going through issues such as mental health, relationship or financial difficulty.

From left to right: Tracey-Ann Davis, Manager of Harvey Community Resource Centre, and Kea Brown and Alison Taylor from Anglicare WA.

The Friend in Need project continues the partnership between Alcoa and Anglicare WA, which began last year with a $180,000 investment by Alcoa Foundation to deliver COVID recovery support services across the local government areas of Kwinana, Murray and Waroona, as well as parts of the shires of Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Harvey.

Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said while the first phase of the partnership provided a crisis response, phase two would help future-proof these communities.

“The Anglicare WA board has funded the design and delivery of our Friend in Need initiative as a response to the continuing impact of COVID-19,” said Mr Glasson.

“Through the continued support of Alcoa Foundation, we are delighted to extend the reach of Friend in Need to the communities where Alcoa works and increase the ability of local leaders to support their community members in changing circumstances.”

Alcoa Australia President Michael Gollschewski said the company was proud to be able to continue to work with Anglicare and local communities to support those in need now and into the future.

“The past year has shown we can never fully anticipate what is around the corner and this second phase of our partnership - worth more than $32,000 - will provide community members with the skills needed to support those impacted by future challenges,” said Mr Gollschewski.

People wanting to find out more or register for Friend in Need training should contact their local Community Resource Centre or Anglicare WA directly via friendinneed@anglicarewa.org.au.

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Media contact:
Emma-Jane Morcombe Anglicare WA Media & Marketing Manager, 0439 272 262, emmajane.morcombe@anglicarewa.org.au