Backpacks 4 SA Kids Information

We exist to provide resources that contribute to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people during periods of dislocation from home and routine care. We provide backpacks for children between the ages of newborn to 16 who have been displaced from home. The aim of the backpack is to allow a child some control over their own personal items whilst being moved into appropriate housing with the hope the backpack will distract them from some of the trauma they could be facing and also allow a child some confidence in the fact they are valued and there are people who want to help them. The backpacks program has been highly successful and the demand for our backpacks has increased significantly. We have a reputation for providing amazing, high quality and useful items to children in need and making an impact in our community. We also provide a teen homeless Anchor Pack. The Anchor Pack provides essentials to support our teen homeless community between the ages of 12-24 whilst living on the streets or couch surfing. The goal of the Anchor Pack is to aid options ie a phone to support access to mental and sexual health support lines, condoms to support sexual health and the basic items such as toiletries, sunscreen, bug repellent, hat and drink bottles to support day to day movements. Our Home Starter Pack program is working with families who have been affected by domestic violence and are needing support to reset up in new housing ie some families receive support from Centrelink to provide the first months rent and bond, but don't have the basics such as bedding, dining ware, cleaning products those basic items that make a parent feel like they are achieving the basics, but without can make any parent feel like they are 'failing' and as a result resort back to their previous violent background. This program has been launched this year and so far has had a very positive impact on the families receiving our support.