A Brave Life finds a place to call home

A charity that provides vital support for young mums has found a new home at Murrumba Downs.

A Brave Life will take up residence at Black Duck Cottage later this year and founder Melissa Redsell is looking forward to the move after Moreton Bay Regional Council granted a five-year lease at $1 per year last week.

The charity had previously rented two rooms in a factory complex at Brendale, but has been without a permanent base since the complex was damaged in floods earlier this year.

“We had to rent a storage shed and find utility rooms where we could get together – it’s been a journey,” Melissa says.

“This will provide stability not only for us, but also for our young mothers.”

Range of support

A Brave Life had shared its space at Brendale with other businesses, which Melissa says was less than ideal.

“For two-and-a-half years we had to cart things up and down two flights of stairs – we never had a space that was just ours.

“Now, we won’t have to move and interrupt the programs we provide.”

Founded in 2015 and funded through donations, grants, and sponsorship, A Brave Life equips and empowers young mothers facing challenges such as domestic violence, poverty, trauma, relationship or family breakdown, unplanned pregnancy and homelessness.

Support for teen mums includes its Baby Bundle, Life Skills and Mentoring programs.

Reaching potential

Speaking at last week’s Council meeting, Cr Cath Tonks (Div 9) said the support provided by A Brave Life was invaluable.

“(Mel) provides vital support and guidance to many young mums who are without support from family and friends when they need it most,” Cr Tonks said.

“With the assistance of A Brave Life many are able to fulfill their education, then attend university – many at UniSC Moreton Bay – and re-engage with employment, all while caring for their young babies, reaching tremendous personal and career success.”

“Mel’s service to A Brave Life, to some of the most vulnerable in our community, is amazing and with this lease at Black Duck Cottage she will be able to continue to work hard at breaking down the stigma that many young mums experience in our community to help them reach their potential in life.”

Cr Yvonne Barlow (Div 7) said she was delighted to welcome A Brave Life into her division.

“It’s wonderful to be able to support young mothers,” Cr Barlow said.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to have them in that facility.”