Catholic Outlook Magazine Winter 2021

‘Circle’ offers a
space for women
to connect
STORY CATHOLICCARE WESTERN SYDNEY
AND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
CatholicCare’s Community Outreach Worker,
Sally Butler, at the Springwood Drop-In Centre.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue
Mountains operates a drop-in centre in the
heart of Springwood in the Blue Mountains
where all members of the community are
welcome to come in and connect.
They say things happen for a reason, and exactly
why Leanne took a spare moment to pop into
Springwood Drop-In Centre became apparent
not long after she walked in the door.
“I dropped in to sit while my son was having blood
tests next door,” she recalls. “I ended up speaking
with Sally, the lady who runs the Women’s Circle.
I was invited to join and I accepted because my
other women’s meeting had been cancelled due
to COVID.”
Leanne is one of a growing number of local women
joining CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue
Mountains’ Women’s Circle. The Circle started this
year as a way of helping women to build social
connections and friendships.
Community Outreach Worker Sally Butler initiated the
program, after receiving an Australia Post grant, and
facilitates the gatherings.
“The concept of women sitting in circle is an ancient,
ages old tradition,” explains Sally. “It is a gift of time
out from the everyday, to connect with self and
others, to refill your cup and bring a little magic into
your life, doing something you wouldn’t normally.
“Having a group program like a Women’s Circle
encourages women to make a commitment to
self-care. When women take care of themselves,
they are stronger and more resilient, and this has a
roll-on effect within their families and communities,”
she says.
The Women’s Circle is held fortnightly on Fridays at
the Springwood Drop-In Centre from 10am–11.30am.
Women sit in a circle and share conversation, take
part in writing, craft and other activities. Each Circle
ends with a guided meditation written by Sally.
“The women seem to really enjoy the
meditation—it’s important they leave
feeling ‘uplifted’ or nurtured to a degree,”
she’s observed.
Leanne described the Circle as “caring and
heart-centred in today’s world”.
“It gives me some respite in my difficult life of caring
for others,” she admits. “The community and caring
aspect reflect my own values. I grow, learn and am
enriched, which then blesses others.”
To find out more about the Women’s Circle,
contact the CatholicCare Springwood Drop-In
Centre at ccss.org.au/springwood-centre/
or phone (02) 8843 2545.
48