Sarah Ford Foundation

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Byford, WA
Sarah Ford Foundation

The legal details:

S Ford Incorporated trading as the Sarah Ford Foundation

IARN: A1040385X

ABN: 66495354126

Charitable Collections Licence No: CC23013

The Sarah Ford Foundation was established to be a charity whose purpose is to alleviate the negative impact of mental health symptoms and to assist in the prevention of the further deterioration of mental health; by providing exercise services to women

18/07/2026

IMPORTANT MESSAGE for women and children experiencing domestic violence. If you have a hidden safe phone, we recommend turning it OFF, giving it to a safe person, or switching it to airplane mode on Monday 27th at 12:00pm AWST.

A new Australian national warning system (called the AusAlert test) will send a safety alarm to all phones at this time, even if the volume is turned down, or it’s on silent / do not disturb.

Please share this message & stay safe 💛💚

For more infomation head to: www.ausalert.gov.au

Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
City of Armadale
City of Gosnells

16/07/2026

💪🌹 ROSE Program cancelled this Friday 17th July

Unfortunately, Sarah our ROSE Facilitator is unwell this week, and due to availability, we have no one to take our session.
Therefore, this week's session is unfortunately having to be cancelled.

We will be back on Friday 24th July 💪🌹

If you are interested in joining us, please complete our confidential self-referral form below, or contact us via PM.
Someone will be in touch with you during business hours.

https://sarahfordfoundation.org/rose-program/

Thank you in advance for your understanding 💛💚

12/07/2026

Walking through the door can feel like the hardest part, especially when you are worried about being judged, recognised or expected to explain your story.

When you come to the ROSE program, there is no stigma, no judgement and no pressure to share. You are welcome exactly as you are, whatever your circumstances and fitness level.

Every exercise can be adapted to suit you. Your privacy is respected, and any limits to confidentiality will always be explained clearly.

The ROSE program is a safe, supportive space for women to move, rebuild confidence, connect and feel less alone.
You may decide to come, and you have never told anyone about what you are experiencing before, and that's alright. Our ROSE facilitator is there for you and can guide you in helpful directions.

We want to help, we want to lift you up, strengthen you and help you to cope.

If you would like to come to our free, safe and confidential Friday morning session, please complete the confidential form below and we will reach out and contact you with more detail:

https://sarahfordfoundation.org/rose-program/

Reclaim, overcome, strengthen and empower, the ROSE blooms no matter how hard the Winter and we are here to help facilitate your healing journey

Alcoa

09/07/2026

It’s NAIDOC Week! The 2026 theme "50 Years of Deadly", honours five decades of cultural authority, resilience, achievement and the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ❤️💛🖤

Whilst we acknowledge those who have forged the path forward, we also acknowledge the wisdom of Elders, the dedication of today's community leaders, and the young people whose voices and vision will continue to inspire positive change.

Happy NAIDOC Week!

National NAIDOC Naidoc Perth

02/07/2026

Can exercise really help after experiencing family and domestic violence?

It's a question we're often asked.

Recent research exploring exercise programs for women affected by gender-based violence found that participants commonly reported feeling more confident, more empowered and more connected to others. The studies also reported reductions in stress and anxiety, together with improvements in quality of life. The researchers highlighted that women benefited most when exercise was provided in an environment where they felt safe, supported and understood.

The ROSE program was created through a combination of lived experience and in response to the growing need for support for women experiencing family and domestic violence in our local community.
As the program was developed, current research helped inform its design and reinforced the important role that trauma-informed exercise can play alongside specialist support services.

ROSE is a fitness program built on evidence, compassion and community. It combines exercise with a confidential and supportive environment where women can improve their fitness and health, build confidence, break free from isolation, reclaim their strength and move forward at a pace that is right for them.

You don't have to be fit to begin. The ROSE program includes exercise options suitable for all fitness levels, allowing every woman to participate at a level that feels right for her body.
Classes are free and the location is available upon request.

If you would like more information you can contact us via DM or email us at:
[email protected]

If you would like self-refer please follow this confidential link and one of our team will be in contact with you:

https://sarahfordfoundation.org/rose-program/

The Sarah Ford Foundation does not offer 24/7 crisis support services.

If you need support, the following services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.

1800RESPECT (Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence) – 1800 737 732
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support) – 13 92 76
Su***de Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Reference:

Baker, T., Mundell, N., Koorts, H., Pebole, M., Rosenbaum, S., Ganakas, E., & Teychenne, M. (2025). Targeting mental health and wellbeing in women who have experienced gender-based violence through moderate-vigorous physical activity: A systematic review. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 22, 49.

21/06/2026

To the women of Serpentine-Jarrahdale,

Our Shire is growing rapidly.

Since 2021, Byford's population has increased by more than 6,000 people. During that same period, reported family assault incidents alone increased from 186 to 270. That is a rise of more than 45%.

Sadly, those figures only reflect incidents that were reported.

Women in our community have been required to travel outside the area to access support for a long time now. Those who have presented to our program have described the exhausting cycle of repeatedly telling their story, navigating multiple services and still feeling unseen, unheard and unsupported. The women of Serpentine-Jarrahdale deserve more.

As a registered charity, we have taken the time to listen, learn and advocate for change. At times, we have been told that programs like ours would not work or that the need was not significant enough.

We respectfully disagree. The need is already here.
The statistics paint a clear picture of the need, and the women we have reached out to us continue to reinforce what the data is telling us.

Although we are not a crisis service, we provide something many women tell us is missing: a safe, confidential and supportive community where they can connect with others who understand, access information about available supports, build confidence, reduce isolation and take positive steps forward.

Our ROSE Program is designed to work alongside counselling, psychology, medical care and other professional supports, not replace them. However, we are not just a fitness group.

It is about connection, belonging and creating opportunities for women to take positive steps forward in their recovery. Research has shown that physical activity can play an important role in supporting mental health symptoms associated with trauma, while promoting resilience and recovery.

Are you interested in attending but would like to know more about the program first?

Would you like to meet the ROSE Facilitator and have the opportunity to ask questions? We are looking at running an online information session where you can do exactly that.

You won't be expected to share your story or answer personal questions. Instead, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, how it works, and how exercises can be adapted to suit all abilities and fitness levels.

If you are interested in learning more about the information session, please send an email to the following confidential email address and we can give you the date and time:

📧 [email protected]

This email address is safe and confidential. No information will be shared with or passed on to any third party.

Expressions of interest for this session close on Monday 29th June at 5:00pm.

Our intention is clear, we want to stand alongside you when you need it most. You are not alone 💛💚

Hugh Jones MLA
Rob Coales - President Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
Alcoa
Act Belong Commit

* Statistics referenced in this post were obtained from Western Australia Police Force Crime Statistics.*

* Western Australia Police Force Statistics https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/western-australia-police-force/crime-statistics

17/06/2026

Creating safer communities starts with awareness. Elder abuse can affect any older person and it’s not always physical. We all have a role to play in recognising when something isn’t right and offering support.
💳 Financial exploitation
🧠 Emotional and psychological abuse
🚫 Neglect and isolation

📞 If something doesn’t feel right, you can contact the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service on 1300 724 679.

📍To find out more, visit https://docsm.au/3WJB2sB

Department of Communities

12/06/2026

Since the ROSE program began in January 2026, its impact has been significant for the women who have attended.

Perhaps most notable has been the relief that comes from being part of a community. Some of the women have spoken about the isolation they felt before joining the program and the comfort of finding a place where they can connect with others who understand.

Several participants wanted to share some anonymous reflections in the hope that they may encourage other victim-survivors to take that first step and come along to the program.

Their message is simple: you do not need to be fit to start. You come exactly as you are and you will receive the support you need.
Within our confidential and supportive environment, you are free to be yourself. Your voice matters, your experiences matter, and what you have to say matters.

One participant recently shared:

"Since starting, I feel more alive, clear-minded and stronger.
Sarah has been immensely encouraging. I feel accepted and empowered."

We will be sharing more anonymous words from participants over the coming weeks.
If you are interested in coming along to the ROSE program, please submit your details via our confidential self-referral form. You can access this by clicking on the link below:

https://sarahfordfoundation.org/rose-program/

Community Sponsor: Alcoa

08/06/2026

A recent study, "It's not just a workout class. It's a safe space"*, explored the experiences of women participating in a trauma and violence-informed cardio boxing program.

The researchers found that many women who have experienced domestic violence never access formal support during their healing journey.

Barriers such as stigma, shame, self-blame, cost, and difficulty accessing safe, trauma-informed services can make seeking help challenging. Even when support is available, recovery is not one-size-fits-all.

The study also highlighted the need for a broader range of recovery options. While traditional approaches often focus on treating anxiety, depression and PTSD, healing can also involve reconnecting with the body, rebuilding confidence, restoring a sense of safety, and creating opportunities for positive social connection.

Interestingly, the researchers noted that not all women find traditional mind-body approaches such as yoga or meditation helpful. Some reported these practices felt overwhelming or triggering, highlighting the importance of offering different pathways to recovery.

Women deserve recovery options that are safe, accessible, empowering, and informed by lived experience.
This is the approach that guides the work of the Sarah Ford Foundation and the ROSE program.

If reading this resonates with you, and you're looking for a supportive environment to take the next step in your healing journey, please reach out to us to get started. You don't need to be fit. You don't need to have it all figured out. You simply need a willingness to begin. No judgement, no exceptions, we only offer support:

https://sarahfordfoundation.org/rose-program/

*Baker T, Mundell N, Rosenbaum S, Koorts H & Teychenne M. (2025). "It's not just a workout class. It's a safe space." Victim-survivor perspectives on the design and delivery of a trauma and violence-informed cardio boxing exercise intervention.

Alcoa
Hugh Jones MLA
Rob Coales - President Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
Jessica Stojkovski MLA
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
City of Armadale
City of Gosnells
City of Canning
City of Mandurah

04/06/2026

Can you help us to reach more women?

As the end of financial year approaches, we're asking our community to help us continue supporting women affected by family and domestic violence (FDV).

Every day, women in our community are experiencing isolation, anxiety, loss of confidence and the devastating impacts of FDV.

There is a growing body of research highlighting the important role exercise and social connection can play in reducing symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and the impacts of repeated trauma.

In this instance, physical activity is not just about movement. It is about rebuilding confidence, reducing isolation, restoring a sense of self, and creating a pathway towards healing, empowerment and hope.

At the same time, counselling services, crisis services and other frontline organisations are working tirelessly to respond to growing demand. Their work is invaluable, yet many women face significant waiting periods before they can access the services they need.

The Sarah Ford Foundation exists to work alongside these services, providing women with immediate access to a safe, trauma-informed environment where they can connect with others, improve their wellbeing and feel supported.

The reality is that trauma does not pause while women wait for appointments. Isolation does not stop. Anxiety does not stop. The loss of confidence, identity and connection does not stop.

The ROSE Program (Reclaim, Overcome, Strengthen and Empower) is one of the only programs of its kind within the Serpentine Jarrahdale area. Women can self-refer or be referred by doctors, counsellors, psychologists, service providers and community organisations.

Based in Byford, the program supports women from across Serpentine Jarrahdale (across the Peel region), Armadale, Gosnells and Cannington.

Importantly, women do not need to navigate lengthy assessment processes or waiting lists to access the program. Therefore, women can attend while waiting to access other services. Women also come because they are seeking routine, encouragement, and a space where they feel understood.

As the Serpentine Jarrahdale community continues to grow, we cannot turn away from the reality of FDV occurring within our own community.

FDV is not happening somewhere else. It is happening here.

Your donation will help us continue delivering the ROSE Program, bring back the successful Women's Walk, and explore additional community-based supports for women affected by FDV.

Lasting change happens when communities come together.

Creating change is everyone's responsibility. By supporting the Sarah Ford Foundation, you are helping create opportunities for connection, healing, empowerment and hope right here in Serpentine Jarrahdale and beyond.

Together, we can ensure women have access to safe, supportive spaces where they can reconnect, rebuild and move forward.

To make a donation*, please visit:

https://sarahfordfoundation.org/donate/

Alternatively, direct deposit can be made via our Commonwealth Society Cheque Account:

Account name: Sarah Ford Foundation
BSB: 066131
Account number: 10720799

Thank you for believing in the work we do, and in the women we support.

Sarah Ford, Founder and Director

*S Ford Incorporated (IARN: A1040385X) trades as the Sarah Ford Foundation (ABN: 66 495 354 126). We are not a philanthropic foundation.
Charitable Collections Licence number: CC23013
We are registered with the Australian Not-for-profit and Charities Commission (ACNC): https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/b126cbc9-be0c-ef11-9f8a-00224893b0ed/profile
At this time, we are unable to register for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status

Address

Byford, WA
6122

Telephone

+61416547952

Website

http://www.sarahfordfoundation.org/

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