Heather Kell at Mums Cottage in Mandurah.
Camera IconHeather Kell at Mums Cottage in Mandurah. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d461305

Volunteers lend helping hand to set up Mums Cottage Drop In Centre

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

When they are finished, it will become Mums Cottage Drop In Centre, and hopefully a haven for women in complex family situations.

Heather Kell said it was friend Kaye Seeber’s idea to create the cottage after seeing a similar concept in NSW.

“It was started by nuns who saw the need for mothers looking after mothers and supporting each other through domestic violence, financial crisis and other issues,” Mrs Kell said.

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“Women will know they are welcome to come to the drop-in centre and sit in the garden while the kids play.

“Then volunteers who can help will let them know what’s available in the community.”

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As an example, Mrs Kell said women who are were looking to escape domestic violence could come to the cottage and find out where to get help.

She said they would like to offer classes in meditation, financial planning, cooking and handy crafts at the cottage.

But more importantly it would become a hub for women to build friendships.

“Some women might go to playgroup and feel left out,” Mrs Kell said.

“I often hear people say ‘I’m lonely’ and they might not fit into a traditional playgroup.

“We’ll offer somewhere for them to sit, a drop in house, a bit like grandma’s house.”

Aleiah Green, from Dreaded Jobs, was among the first group of volunteers to start working at the house.

Armed with her painting tools and paint donated by Dawson’s Painting, she was there last week painting the exterior.

When it is finished, Mrs Kell imagines women sitting on the veranda with a cup of tea and being counselled while their children play in the backyard.

Visit the Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/2rtddb8 for people who’d rather give cash to donate.