The Berry Street Positive Memory Bank is calling on Victorians to help create positive memories for children in need.
Berry Street provides services to children, young people and families impacted by abuse, violence and neglect across Victoria, including out-of-home care, family violence programs, parenting support and trauma-informed wrap-around services.
Since 2010, the Berry Street Positive Memory Bank has helped more than 100 families in the Shepparton region.
Berry Street Hume Region director Patrice Jackson said the organisation was one way Victorians could provide these children and young people with special experiences and items, to help bring joy to their lives.
“Sadly, many children and young people in our care haven’t been able to enjoy the sorts of activities or have some of the things many of us would consider ‘normal’, or we perhaps take for granted,” she said.
Funded entirely through donations from corporate organisations, local businesses and individuals, Berry Street receives many requests from children and families that are able to be funded through these donations.
“We’ve had requests for things like trampolines and sandpits, to help young kids feel at home in their new environments, as well as support to help cover the cost of school camps and excursions and other extracurricular activities so they can engage in the same activities as their peers,” Ms Jackson said.
“Doing what can to try and create positive memories for these children and young people is so important to support their mental health and wellbeing and to help them feel a little bit special during what may be a very difficult period in their young lives.”
To support children and young people who have experienced trauma, visit berrystreet.org.au/donate