Mettle
Statement
Hon Michelle Boylan (6:26 pm): This past week, we have been confronted by the harrowing situation that our state finds itself in with domestic violence. Sadly, Western Australia is the most unsafe state in which to be a woman. But today I want to draw positive attention to an organisation that is challenging the status quo with family violence and showing real, lasting change that it can make.
Last week, Libby Mettam MLA from the other place and I had the privilege of meeting with Antonia Taylor, the CEO of Mettle. Mettle is an online business that sells ethical gift boxes and hampers that give back. Every gift box and hamper is made by and benefits survivors of domestic and family violence. I encourage members, when they have a moment, to have a look at its beautiful hampers and gift boxes, in which products from our regions are showcased—nougat from the Swan Valley; chocolate from Margaret River; Eagle Bay olives and olive oil; and wellness products, such as face masks and body lotions, made under its own label.
Mettle is a remarkable social enterprise that employs, trains and financially empowers those women and children experiencing homelessness because of domestic and family violence. We spoke at length about the challenges that women and children face when escaping family violence and the amazing work that the organisation is doing to help those women take back ownership of their lives. Domestic and family violence is the single largest driver of homelessness for women in this nation. For most, the lack of financial independence makes it dangerous to leave an abusive relationship. Mettle helps to bridge the gap that often exists for women who have experienced homelessness because of violence by employing, training and empowering them to change their situation. Women are referred to Mettle directly from refuges and it partners with property agents and assists them directly in finding safe and suitable accommodation in the current difficult environment that we are in.
All of Mettle's profits are reinvested into its victim-survivors through its safe futures fund. This reinvestment takes the form of safe paid work, scholarships, crisis funds, childcare subsidies and survivor-designed support programs. The paid employment program has a six-month duration and trains participants in essential areas like customer service, future planning, manufacturing, ecommerce and connections to long-term employment partners. Some women also speak little English and have a language barrier to navigate. The results of Mettle's programs are a strong testament to the hard work of the women running and participating in the business. Ninety-six per cent of participants have not returned to abuse or homelessness, 100% deemed that working at Mettle assisted in reducing barriers that they faced when joining, and 90% feel more confident and ready to enter the workforce than they did at the start of their time with the organisation. This is so important, because half of the participants in the program have been denied access to finances or bank accounts while in their abusive relationships. Importantly, Mettle sets women up to succeed for the future beyond just employment. Its future fund works to remove barriers resulting in lack of opportunity by providing scholarships, training, work uniforms and study materials. Its crisis fund and childcare subsidies help women, providing essential needs such as car registrations, medical fees, access to work outside the area and the organisation for when the women are ready to move on.
To conclude, I would like to share just a short testament of one of the attendees. For privacy, I will refer to her as Monica. When Monica joined the program, she had been living in crisis accommodation for over a year, with no family here and only basic English speaking skills. She was fleeing an abusive marriage, facing the court system alone and too afraid to speak to anyone at Mettle. But in the welcoming environment Mettle has created, Monica began to heal and flourish. Within 12 months, she was described by other participants as the life of the party. Monica had completed childcare qualifications, moved into a private rental of her own and is now able to support women going through similar crises. She unfortunately still faces hurdles due to the abuse, such as lifelong restricted use of her arm and ongoing mental health challenges. Mettle is proud to continue to support Monica and advocacy casework.
I congratulate Mettle for its commitment to working alongside victims, challenging the harsh reality of life in family violence, and building safe, sustainable futures for women. I thank it for the lives it has changed and for reminding us that when we invest in women's safety, we are strengthening the whole state. I encourage people, if they have the opportunity to treat themselves or someone else they love with a gift box or basket, to please look Mettle up and support it.
House adjourned at 6:32:38 pm
Questions on notice answered today are available on the Parliament of Western Australia's website
