#17 - Empowering Hearts: Astrid Hocking’s Impactful Journey in Child Protection and Community Building

Send us Fan MailAstrid Hocking, the inspirational powerhouse of the not-for-profit world, shares her incredible journey and insights from two decades of empowering vulnerable children. Astrid has become a beacon of hope for local and international communities through her dynamic leadership at Hearts and Hands. Her tireless advocacy, through initiatives like the Umbrella Hearts campaign, strives to break cycles of child abuse. At the same time, her commitment to the Butterfly Hearts program uplifts those with mobility challenges. Astrid's collaborative work with orphanages in the Philippines, offering trauma-informed training for caregivers, paints a picture of compassion in action.Our conversation unfolds the transformative power of Hearts Enhanced, an organisation devoted to empowering communities and protecting children. Astrid's work in the Philippines, helping 33 communities transition from living on dump sites to learning sustainable livelihood skills, is a testament to her impact. The Umbrella Ribbon campaign further underscores the importance of child protection awareness. Drawing from her experiences as a foster parent to nearly 90 children, Astrid shares the challenges and triumphs of fostering, emphasizing the necessity of unconditional love and nurturing environments.Looking to the future, Astrid envisions expanding the reach of Hearts and Hands through initiatives like the Orange Ride and Camp Teddy, which aim to spread child protection awareness. We delve into the importance of community involvement and how collective efforts can drive positive change. Astrid's journey from saving Hearts and Hands from closure to building a supportive community of like-minded individuals exemplifies the power of collaboration. We invite you to support initiatives like the Small Steps for Hannah event, underscoring our vital role in fostering stronger, kinder communities.Hearts and Handswww.heartsandhands.net.au---HANNAH'S STORYwww.smallsteps4hannah.comThese sessions aim to create more awareness and empower members of the community about the early warning signs of coercive control and the tragic but inspirational story of Hannah Clarke, her three children and her family.Presented by Michael Jeh, DV Prevention EducatorWallsend DiggersFriday 31 January 2025 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM5 Tyrrell Street, Wallsend NSW 2287https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1335736?qr=true&qr=trueSURVIVORS R USFri 31 Jan 2025 1:30 PM - 3:25 PM57 Pendlebury Rd, Cardiff NSW 2285https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1335751?qr=true&qr=trueTORONTO WORKERS CLUBFri 31 Jan 2025 6:00 PM - 7:55 PMJames St, Toronto NSW 2283https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1335781?qr=true&qr=trueSupport the showThank you for listening!