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Who we are
St Kilda Gatehouse is a not for profit organisation which works alongside those who are marginalised and have life controlling addictions, particularly street sex workers. It provides a strong sense of community and belonging in a safe, non-stigmatised environment. For many who come from a background of abuse and poverty it is a source of dignity and hope – where they can find the support and care needed as they attempt to build a life off the streets and beyond drug addiction.
Our Team
What we do
Why we do what we do
Mission/purpose
Vision
Our Team
Board
Mark Watt - Chairperson
Paul Coory - Vice Chairperson
Nicholas Garofalo - Treasurer
Carol Davis - Secretary
Katrina McArdle
Staff
Sally Tonkin – Chief Executive Officer
Jim Panakos – Crisis Care Coordinator
Louisa Tew – Transitional Care Coordinator
Lucy Maio - Crisis Care Support Worker
Bev McInnes - Transitional Care Support Worker
What does St Kilda Gatehouse do
Crisis Care
Community Space
The community space in Greeves Street is the primary point of contact for many who work on the streets. It provides a safe, homely environment where people can rest and socialise with food, coffee and familiar faces. Genuine relationships of trust and care are formed and individuals can also access crisis or ongoing counselling, advocacy and be referred to other services.
Emergency aid
St Kilda Gatehouse provides food parcels, clothing, hand-knitted scarves, phone cards and personal hygiene items to those who have immediate needs. We also assist with methadone and pharmaceutical payments when individuals are facing extreme hardship.
Prison and Hospital visits
St Kilda Gatehouse staff and volunteers visit those in prison or hospital to provide social support and to assist in setting up support upon release. Visits are also made to those in hospital, for moral support as well as providing pyjamas, toiletry items, etc.
Winter Sleep-In
As an annual event the Community Space is transformed with mattresses and bedding. Female staff and women who would normally spend the night on the street, share food, stories and shelter overnight.
Celebrations
Many people who access St Kilda Gatehouse have become disconnected with past friends and family. We like to ensure that individual birthdays and other important events are not missed. Celebrating these occasions strengthens the experience of community and belonging.
Community building
A weekly community barbeque is held on Monday nights. The aim is to reduce social isolation by sharing a cooked meal, entertainment and the opportunity to engage with others in the community.
Transitional Care
Navigate
Navigate provides relationship based support to individuals, assisting them to navigate services, systems and appointments - which they tend to fear and find daunting. Staff who have established trust and rapport with individuals: assist to set up appointments; accompany individuals; provide advocacy; assist with transport; coach and encourage individuals; network with other agencies and introduce individuals to key service providers.
Transit
Transit is a support group and skills program for women who wish to find a way out of the cycle of drug addiction and sex work. The group allows women to work through issues that are unique to street sex workers including abuse, isolation and instability.
Netball
As a social inclusion activity the netball team is made up of women who access St Kilda Gatehouse as well as staff and volunteers. It provides the opportunity for individuals to form meaningful, safe relationships and increase positive informal social support networks. It also provides team building, a structured activity and involvement in the community.
Mothers and Children
Mothers who have their children removed from their care often experience great psychological stress and trauma, leading to increased drug use and street sex work. St Kilda Gatehouse supports mothers to develop positive lifestyle patterns which enable greater access to their children and to create healthy and safe environments for access visits. Practical support is provided such as food, toys and books. Peer support is established to assist with parenting skills and recreation activities.
Why we do what we do
St Kilda Gatehouse is based on the Christian principles of inclusiveness, unconditional support, service, and social justice. St Kilda Gatehouse believes every person is worthy of a “home” environment and a “way in” to resources and participation in family, community and social life.
Mission/Purpose
Bringing hope to St Kilda street sex workers and those with life controlling addictions by:
- providing a safe, positive, non-stigmatising and inclusive environment
- providing supportive and responsive services
- creating a strong sense of community, ownership and belonging
Vision
Provide pathways towards life transformation and community connectedness.
