A ground-breaking program that places a community support worker at the Fremantle Library has been recognised with a prestigious Library Board of WA Excellence Award 2021 for Innovation and Collaboration.
The Library Connect program, which was launched in September last year, uses Fremantle Library as an intervention setting for identifying and supporting people experiencing homelessness, hardship and other disadvantages.
At the core of the program is a St Patrick's Community Support Centre support worker based at the library who engages with people and provides advice, referrals and support on the ground where it's needed.
City of Fremantle Community Development Director Michelle Brennand said the award recognised the innovative partnership between St Pat's and Fremantle Library in providing early intervention for people experiencing disadvantage and homelessness in our community.
"The project so far has supported some 363 people across a range of challenging issues including homelessness, domestic violence and financial stress," Ms Brennand said.
"Interestingly, most of the clients are women, many from a CALD or ATSI background who have never presented themselves to a crisis care provider.
"Instead, they are reaching out to our community social worker in the library because the library is seen as a safe, non-judgemental and inclusive place.
"We are very proud of the achievements of this WA first program and receiving the award is testament to its value."
St Pat's Chief Executive Officer Michael Piu said he was delighted the partnership with the City of Fremantle had been chosen for the award.
"We are proud of the achievements of this extraordinarily successful model of early intervention and support for the most vulnerable in our community," Mr Piu said.
"This award also gives us a valuable platform to advocate for the sustainability and expansion of this program.
"It's been a real pleasure working with the team at the City of Fremantle and our amazing community support worker Sonia González Pascual, along with the independent evaluation team at UWA lead by Associate Professor Lisa Wood."
The St Pat's community support worker is based at Fremantle Library between 1-6pm Tuesdays, 9am-5pm Wednesdays, 1-6pm Thursdays and 9am-1pm Saturdays.
