Are you a grandparent raising children? University of NSW wants to hear from you!

In partnership with the University of NSW's Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), and four government agencies, Mission Australia is seeking to learn more about the experiences of grandparents who are primary carers of their grandchildren.

In the last major count by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2003, Australia had over 31,000 children being raised by their grandparents, and the SPRC and Mission Australia are keen to find out how grandparent carers are faring now.

It is hoped this information will contribute to policies and programs that better support grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren.

If you or a loved one are a grandparent carer then why not participate in the survey confidentially online and let us learn more about your experience?  It takes no longer than 30 minutes and can be started from this link.

Alternatively you can have the survey sent to you to be completed at home. To order a copy please contact Christiane Purcal at the Social Policy Research Centre.  Contact details are provided below...

Christiane Purcal
Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales
Sydney NSW 2052
Email:  c.purcal@unsw.edu.au
Phone:  02 9385 7830

Social Enterprise in Action: Charcoal Lane featured on Sky Business

The University of NSW's Centre for Social Impact recently featured Mission Australia's social enterprise restaurant, Charcoal Lane, on their 'Social Business' program on Sky Business.

Watch the video at this link

'Social Business' discusses the latest news in not-for-profit activity, corporate responsibility, philanthropy and volunteering. It focuses on key issues around social entrepreneurship, public and social innovation and the emergence of new social businesses.

Charcoal Lane is a restaurant in Fitzroy, Melbourne, which serves high-quality modern and native Australian cuisine. Charcoal Lane is a social enterprise launched in 2006 and is supported by Mission Australia. It aims to give disadvantaged youth the opportunity to train in hospitality and pursue careers in the industry.