Media Release: 19 February 2003

Young women in Secure Welfare Act Up and Speak Out

Tomorrow (Wednesday 19 February) at 11am at Footscray Community Art Centre is the launch of 'Girls Act Up', a unique drama program and CD/booklet production that aims to support young women and girls in Secure Welfare.

The Girls Act Up program began in November 2001. Since then it has involved 37 young women aged 13 to 17 in a series of drama workshops and production of a CD and booklet of their songs, poetry, artwork and stories.

"The power of Girls Act Up is that it showcases the abilities of these young women," says Project Coordinator Jan Adams from Women's Health West. "Many are dealing with issues including drug and alcohol abuse, or having survived domestic and/or sexual abuse. Girls Act Up has given them a chance to shine - to show the world a little of what talents they've got."

Women's Health West was the lead agency on Girls Act Up, which was a joint project with Young Women's Secure Welfare and Somebody's Daughter Theatre Company, who ran the drama workshops that enabled participants to explore both their concerns and talents. The project received $25,000 funding from the RE Ross Trust.

The CD and booklet cover young women's views on some controversial issues, including homelessness, violence and safer sex and drug use. "These are issues that many young people live with, whether or not they're on the street or in Secure Welfare," says Adams. "The CD/booklet doesn't shy away from that, but tells young people 'if you have do these things, do them safely'. It also contains contacts for a range of youth-friendly services that can help."

The launch features a performance by Somebody's Daughter Theatre Company, well known for their drama work in prisons and with rural youth. The CD and booklet will be launched by Sylvia Geddes, Executive Officer of the RE Ross Trust. Speakers include Melissa Afentoulis, Executive Director Women's Health West, Kharen Harper from Somebody's Daughter Theatre and a representative from Young Women's Secure Welfare.

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MEDIA CONTACT

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact our Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis or our Communications Officer on 9689 9588 or via email.