Restoring dignity, identity and purpose to people facing lifestyle barriers is the goal of The Champion Project Team, a group of volunteers who run various projects in the City of Armadale.
Each program has a different purpose but lead to the same goal, to provide opportunities to people and improve their current situation so they can take the next steps in their life.
The “Champion Family” program allows the team to provide a three-course meal to more than 22 families and 150 individuals in Armadale on Friday evenings.
The Champion Project’s visionary Aaron Pryce said the purpose of the family project is to provide support to families and identify any social and practical assistance they may need.
“The aim of the program is to build relationships with family members to bring a sense of community, connection, support and belonging to the family,” said Mr Pryce.
The volunteers prepare, package and deliver the meals to each member of the household.
The Champion Project also developed a gym, based in their central hub on Gillam Drive, which assists people struggling with mental health and other issues to exercise as part of their recovery journey.
A craft group run Thursday mornings at 9am, provides an opportunity for women to come together and share experiences in a safe and welcoming space.
“Activities of the group are directed by the participants themselves with tea and coffee provided and a gold coin donation made,” he said.
“All are welcome to join no matter what the skill level they possess as the purpose of the group is the social connections and shared experience.”
Mr Pryce said The Champion Project is evolving and currently working on other programs, including an initiative partnering with Armadale Police called ‘Champion Rebuild’ and a project to assist women who have suffered from domestic violence called ‘Break the Barrier’.
The rebuild program is designed to teach young offenders skills such as welding and construction training for future employment, in the hopes to build confidence and hope in young people.
The break the barrier program assists women who have a lived experience of family and domestic violence to break free from that life.
“This program brings together women in a safe and nurturing environment with a focus in creating artwork on denim jackets to sell online,” said Mr Pryce.
“The aim is to provide a sanctuary for connection in the short term with the long-term purpose of providing financial independence through social enterprise.”
For more information about the Champion Project call 9390 0311 or email enquiries@thechampionproject.org.au.
