Club Project information

In 2007 and 2008 the club sponsored a project aimed at increasing the self-worth of women at Tarrengower Women's Prison, joining forces with Melbourne City Mission to deliver the program which included:

· Total Image: to assist the women with presenting themselves in a way that boosts their confidence and job prospects (presented by Grace Cosmetics)

· Laughter Club workshop

· Lessons in Therapeutic Massage

· Yoga

· Women's Circus School

· Art Expressions

· Singing Workshop

· Motivational speaker

These complimentary courses were designed to stretch the imagination and boost self-esteem.

26 women took part in the program in 2007, increasing to 38 participants in 2008. The aim of SWEP is to address social isolation and lack of community connections for women who have exited the Victorian Prison System.

100% of women indicated they would consider participating in future workshops (83% said they would ‘definitely’ participate if given the opportunity again). All said they would consider linking into MCM’s SWEP “Women About” program upon release.

One of the benefits of Zonta’s partnership with Melbourne City Mission is to demonstrate a joined community approach to the women in prison.  The women are aware of Zonta as an organisation and feel the benefits of knowing people in the community care.  Many of these women are all too familiar with a community that can be judgmental towards people who have been to prison. 

Workshops help the women prepare for their release

Support for Women Exiting Prison (SWEP)