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Advocacy

Advocacy

What We Stand For

Relationships Australia NSW advocates for policies, investment and system reform that support stronger relationships, safer families and more connected communities. 

Our advocacy draws on research, practice evidence and community experience to influence the decisions that shape wellbeing across NSW. 

We work with governments, peak bodies, researchers, service providers and community partners to strengthen prevention, improve outcomes and ensure more people can access support before challenges escalate. 

INTERWOVEN RELATIONSHIPS
NEGATIVE EMOTION . CONFLICT . VIOLENCE - GOLDENHOUR
BELONGING - FLOWERING GUM

Healthy Relationships

Safe Families

Social Connection

ADVOCACY PILLAR 1

Healthy Relationships

Strong relationships are among the most significant contributors to individual wellbeing, resilience, mental health and community participation. Relationship support is often overlooked within health systems, and research shows many people often don’t ask for help until they are in crisis.

Some of the changes we're advocating for:

  • Relationships recognised as a determinant of wellbeing
  • Long-term investment in family relationship services
  • Better access to services that build relationship skills
  • Relationship support as a critical pillar of mental health care.

ADVOCACY PILLAR 2

Safe Families

Domestic, family and sexual violence continues to have devastating impacts on individuals, children, families and communities across New South Wales. Family safety depends on coordinated systems that support accountability, reduce risk and respond to the needs of victim-survivors and children. 

Some of the changes we're advocating for: 

  • Increased investment in prevention initiatives
  • Better access to behaviour change programs
  • Separation recognised as a high risk period
  • Recovery programs for affected families
  • Distinct repair and recovery for children
  • Protection for vulnerable older people. 

ADVOCACY PILLAR 3

Social Connection

Social connection is increasingly recognised as an important contributor to physical health, mental wellbeing and community resilience. At the same time, loneliness and social isolation are affecting growing numbers of people across Australia, with significant social and economic impacts.  

Some of the changes we're advocating for: 

  • Loneliness recognised as a public policy issue
  • Action to strengthen connection and belonging 
  • Social wellbeing measurement in policy frameworks
  • Increased investment in social prescribing and community navigation.  

Campaigns and Submissions

Connection Is Protection

Relationships play a vital role in our health and wellbeing. Yet too often, we only seek support when things are already going wrong. We’re calling for a greater focus on relationship skills, early support and prevention.

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