News & Events » Blog » Family by Family: Getting the message right
Talking about Family by Family to families that have never heard of it was always hard. From the outset we wanted to avoid the stigma of targeted services and make Family by Family something all families could give something to and get something from. But in setting out to appear as something for everyone and by communicating a wide range of offers: free events, family groups, family to family link-ups and a website, what made Family by Family different was getting lost.
As our sharing families started to put up the first edition of over-complicated posters in opp-shops, sports clubs and supermarkets they began to pick up on the messages that were resonating with store keepers, other families. One sharing family honed their sales pitch to something like: 'It's not religious, it's not a government service, it's not a political party - it's just families helping families'. We re-worked our materials - adopting their improved message, focusing our offer on link-ups and making our team of families a more explicit part of the picture.
So far so good, the new messages and improved materials have helped us recruit families seeking support, ideas and connections via schools, via services and - in the ultimate test - by stopping people in the street.
See if it works for you, download the brochure.
Hi. I have just watched a show on TV regarding your group. I feel so excited that I have to sit and write this now. I hope that you can go nationwide.
I'm a social worker, mostly mental health and also several years of community development work in Vietnam (volunteer). I brought a severely burns injured teenage boy here to Australia with his mother, and Dr Fiona Wood has been treating him free of charge. I realised that it would be very dangerous for them to go back to Vietnam so I worked very hard to get Permanent Residency for them (and also to get the younger boy here so the little family could be complete). It involved going to many agencies and we were very fortunate to get some real help, so the good news is that my friend and her 2 boys have PR and are settling well here.
On the way, I met many other people trying to make a new life with no friends or family - so hard, and I could see that loneliness was their main problem. My friend still relies heavily on me, and I love the 3 of them, so I guess we have our own little thing going. I wish she could make some new friends, but they seem to come and go. She wants more than anything to integrate with the Ozzies, but finds it hard as her English is not so good etc...(she's studying). She needs to practice English but doesn't really know people. She would be a worthwhile family 'receiver'.
I can tell people that I've been with my friend for 3 and a half years and we are family. I get as least as much out of it as they do.
Sorry this is a bit long. What I'm saying is that I have time to spare, and if you decide to set up in WA, I'd be happy to help in any way. I developed projects and facilitated them in Vietnam for 6 years, so I know how to start from scratch, but would take direction from you. You seem to be doing such a great job. This could apply to families isolated for any number of reasons.
It's bringing community back into our lives and we need to embrace that and build one it. So sad - our lack of community.
Congratulations.
Lyn Annandale
Phone 08 9336 2492
Posted by Lyn Annandale, 31/05/2011 9:50pm (12 months ago)
Hi, I just wanted to say that I'm watching what you're doing through The 7PM Project show and I've to say you're doing a fantastic thing for all migrants.
It's really hard for us to meet new people sometimes and that extra bit of help is really really important.
Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.
Daniel, living in Sydney.
Posted by Daniel, 31/05/2011 7:31pm (12 months ago)
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