Lou’s Place is once again involved in advocacy during the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. We are hosting a vigil to honour and remember the women and children we have lost to domestic and family violence (DFV) in 2025, in Martin Place on Tuesday, 25 November.
Read MoreAnother year, another successful closet, with $135,000 raised! What an amazing result we achieved, thanks to help from our community. Every single cent raised goes directly to helping the women who access Lou’s services.
Read MoreAlways Mum is a programme designed to support mothers navigating the child protection system. It comprises a 10-week therapeutic group and intensive case management. It’s a safe space where women can reflect on their parenting, share their experiences and obtain the practical guidance needed for self-advocacy in a challenging system. Always Mum works to reduce stigma, build confidence and affirm that no matter the circumstances, they will always be mums.
Read MoreConnecting Through Change (CTC) is our dedicated domestic and family violence (DFV) programme. It offers both group work and specialist case management. The programme is a vital pathway for women to step away from violence and walk toward stability, healing and empowerment. For some, CTC is the first step after leaving violence. For others, it’s a space to return to when needed, acknowledging that healing isn’t always linear.
Read MoreAt Lou’s Place, we know that a safe and stable home is the foundation for dignity, safety and recovery. As a pilot initiative, Stability First is Lou’s Place’s first government-funded programme, delivered through the NSW Homelessness Innovation Fund.
Read MoreThe drop-in centre has been notably busier in recent months. Breakfast numbers are consistently higher, and the morning demand now flows through the day, with the centre averaging around 50 women per day. Around 15 women a day use our laundry services.
Read MoreSarah had been living with her violent partner until he was removed from the home by police. She faced eviction due to non-payment of rent, which was a direct consequence of her situation. This sudden instability left her both emotionally overwhelmed and at risk of homelessness.
Read MoreVolunteers are at the heart of Lou’s Place. Their generosity, time and commitment are integral to our operation. We have 134 active volunteers, with 27 new volunteers joining us this year.
Read MoreThis year Redfern Legal Centre joined Lou’s Place as one of our outreach clinics. Our network of specialist clinics provides women with vital support and expert advice in a safe, comfortable and familiar space. By offering these services onsite, we can ensure that women can get support they might not otherwise receive.
Read MoreWe’re excited to report that Lou’s Place has now joined forces with the Homelessness Assertive Response Team (HART) and Homelessness Outreach Support Team (HOST).
Read MoreIn May, we had the pleasure of opening our doors to our donors, champions, advocates and partners for our annual supporter night. The highlight was hearing from one of the most resilient women we've ever encountered.
Read MoreNAIDOC Week at Lou's Place is always a special opportunity to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We hosted a range of activities, including two First Nations movie screenings, complete with popcorn and lolly bags. Ngumpie Weaving led a weaving session. In addition, Lou’s ran a jewellery-making session using material with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colours.
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Inclusion is at the heart and soul of Lou’s Place, so we were touched when a member of our community, who has experienced significant marginalization in her life, decided to document and share her journey with us as a case study.
Read MoreOver the last year at Lou’s Place, we reached record numbers of women seeking support—women from diverse backgrounds, many facing homelessness, financial hardship, or deep loneliness. Overwhelmingly, the vast majority have experienced domestic or family violence, or other traumatic events throughout their lives. Their experiences remind us daily why our work is so essential.
Read MoreLou's Place stood up again this year—raising awareness about Domestic and Family Violence and demanding real change. We partnered with the 2024 NSW Vigil Collective for our No More Empty Shoes campaign at Martin Place on 26 November, as part of the UN's 16 Days of Activism.
Read MoreLaura joined Lou’s Place in September 2024 as our Philanthropy Manager. She brings over 10 years of experience in business development, sponsorship and corporate partnerships, along with a strong background in leading diversity and inclusion programmes.
Read MoreWhen Mary* first came to Lou’s Place in 2022, she was in crisis. She faced severe mental health challenges and substance use, and exhibited behaviours that had led to exclusion from multiple services. She had been sleeping rough for some time, which made it incredibly difficult to access support and maintain stability.
Read MoreThe Always Mum programme is a 10-week programme which provides support and guidance through to mothers whose children are in out-of-home care. Its core offerings are community, shared experience, and essential knowledge. Our most recent programme engaged 29 mothers and 63 children.
Read MoreThe Connecting Through Change programme supported 59 women through its core 7-week programme and its 5-week outreach programme at WHOS. Additionally, 90 women received over 350 hours of domestic and family violence case management support. Key services included brokerage for accommodation and phones, food assistance, counselling, advocacy and referrals to other services.
Read MoreThe drop-in centre at Lou’s Place offers a safe and welcoming environment for women in crisis and seeking support. It provides essential services, including breakfasts, lunches, takeaway meals, emergency clothing and toiletries, as well as laundry facilities and showers.
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