Brewing connection and belonging in Armidale

"Three people seated around a dining table in a home, with bookshelves, plants and family photographs visible in the background

Women's Shelter Armidale is expanding its Brew and Belonging program, providing meals, connection and practical support to people across the New England region.

Women's Shelter Armidale has been supporting women, children and young people experiencing family and domestic violence and homelessness since 1977.

Today, that support extends beyond crisis accommodation through Brew and Belonging, a program that provides nutritious meals and a welcoming space for connection.

Thanks to an Alinta Energy Community Grant of $25K, the organisation has been able to expand the program from providing more than 400 meals each week to around 500-600 meals across NSW’s Northern Tablelands, including Armidale, Uralla, Guyra and Walcha.

The funding has also helped create opportunities for participants to build skills, confidence and community connections through training and volunteering.

"It’s not only addressing immediate food insecurity, but also creating pathways into skill development, community participation, and future employment," said Women’s Shelter Armidale CEO, Heidi Burton.

In addition to funding Brew and Belonging, Alinta Energy has supported the installation of solar panels at the shelter through its Better Energy Efficiency Program. By helping reduce ongoing energy costs, the solar system will allow more resources to be directed towards supporting women, children and young people in the community.