Aunties and Uncles Queensland is a non-profit community program that provides ongoing caring and support to “at risk” children and their families.
How Aunties and Uncles works
Sadly, many families in our local community are living in challenging circumstances, and without help, are unable to provide a stable and supportive home environment for their children.The Aunties and Uncles program delivers practical support to these families by linking each child with a volunteer aunt and/or uncle, who provides ongoing care and support.
Usually, after getting to know each other a child spends two days a month with their Aunt and/or Uncle.
Our Coordinators are trained social workers experienced in child welfare. They evaluate the needs of each family and thoroughly screen prospective volunteers. They then link children with a suitable volunteer "aunt" and/or "uncle"." Aunts and Uncles are over 18 years of age, from all walks of life, and have a friendly, caring nature, and are able to provide a safe place for a child.
The volunteer aunts and uncles spend quality time with their "linked" child (aged from one year to 12 years of age) and over time, a lasting friendship is developed. Many of the children have experienced a lot of change in their lives and so it is important that volunteers are able to commit a weekend a month, for at least one year, to their adopted niece or nephew.
Over time, our Coordinators continue to provide support and assistance to the children, their families and the volunteer aunt/uncle.
Our “nieces and nephews” are children referred to us by social workers, community or government agencies or by their parents. They often live in sole parent families with no extended family network.
The benefits for the children include:
- Enjoying new and different experiences
- Having someone who makes them feel special and supports their interests
- Having an extended family including “aunt”, “uncle”, “cousins” and “grandparents”
- Having a break from their home environment
- Having a peaceful environment
- Finding a refuge in a time of crisis
- Finding a long-term mentor and friend
The benefits for the parents include:
- Having someone to help them cope with the tough times
- Respite for a weekend
- Gain a role model for their child
Benefits for volunteers include:
- Having a special relationship with the child
- Sharing their life experiences
- Gaining a new family member
Our background
The concept was pioneered in 1974 by the founder of the NSW Aunties and Uncles Program - Rose White. Her vision was to build a better life for children.
Ann Thew founded Queensland Aunties and Uncles having been a volunteer with the Aunties and Uncles program in New South Wales. Through her efforts and commitment, the Queensland program was launched in the Greater Brisbane area in 1992.
Since then, over 130 Queensland children have been successfully linked through the program.
Our link to the Lions Movement
There are nearly 1.35 million Lions members in 197 geographic areas who answer the needs that challenge the communities of the world.Lions is especially known for tackling tough problems like blindness, drug abuse prevention and diabetes awareness.
The Aunties and Uncles Program has received valuable support from the Queensland Lions Club of Golden Valley Keperra for over a decade. In 2003, the program formalised its connection to the Lions movement by becoming a "special concept Lions Club". The club, known as the Aunties and Uncles (Queensland) Lions Club now successfully coordinates the program, and is planning the expansion of the program into new areas.
The Aunties and Uncles Program is funded through the fundraising efforts of its members, the generous donations from other Lions Clubs, and through grants and donations from organisations and individuals.
