Young Hearts Albany receives $100,000 Community Bank grant to help children suffering from domestic violence

A counselling service that helps children exposed to family and domestic violence has received a $100,000 grant from Community Bank Albany.

The bank has awarded the funding, which will be allocated at $50,000 a year for two years, to Anglicare WA’s Young Hearts Albany program.

Young Hearts Albany clinical and counselling co-ordinator Mahsa Anderson said there was a “significant need” for family and domestic violence services in the region.

“With increased funding, we can reduce waiting lists, provide more one-on-one counselling sessions, and offer group programs that help children feel less alone in their experiences,” she said.

The money will also support training for counsellors and help create child-friendly spaces at both the Anglicare office and a local primary school.

The Albany organisation helped 38 different clients in 2023-24, 15 of which were children and 23 parents or guardians.

This led to a total of 346 sessions, 17 of which were for counselling.

“The impact of Young Hearts reaches far beyond the counselling rooms in the Albany office,” Ms Anderson said.

“When children are supported to heal from trauma early, we see improvements in their self-esteem, relationships, school engagement and emotional regulation.

“This ripple effect strengthens families and the broader community, breaking cycles of violence and fostering resilience.”

Community Bank Albany chair Sarah Bowles said the grant would make the Young Hearts program sustainable.

“Our commitment will provide job security, project continuation and delivery of a service to our local community,” she said.

“This program aligns with everything we stand for; helping to build a stronger, safer and more connected community.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.