Who we are
4 Voices is a for-purpose organisation and registered charity with the ACNC.
Our history
4 Voices was registered in September 2019 by Jo Westh.
Her inspiration to start 4 Voices came from two work experiences – in Cambodia with children and young women, and in Australia with people experiencing homelessness.
Seeing people whose lives were preoccupied with finding sustenance and shelter to ensure survival was both heartbreaking and life-changing.
She wanted to enable girls and women to find the strength to change their circumstances, and not let life just “happen” to them.
She began to understand that self-doubt is widespread. Low self-esteem can lead to wrong choices, such as unsatisfying or toxic relationships and/or employment.
Women often stay in jobs where they are bullied, underpaid, discriminated against or otherwise mistreated because they underestimate themselves.
Others may stay in relationships that are unhappy or violent because of a sense that they deserve nothing better. Financial worries, fears for personal safety and the terror of being alone can be paralysing.
Sometimes, all that is needed is a smile, a few words of encouragement, a hug or a connection with others experiencing similar feelings.
Where we are now
Where we are now
Since its inception, 4 Voices has grown into a connected community of more than 500 volunteers creating opportunities for women to connect with people, community and support.
Today, our work is guided by a simple belief: women should not need to reach crisis before there is somewhere they can turn.
Through our Community Connection Program, volunteers create safe and welcoming opportunities for women to connect across South East Queensland and Greater Sydney. Our mobile outreach vans are one way we bring connection into communities - alongside local partnerships and the places where women already live their lives.
Our Individual Connection Program extends that connection nationally, providing safe, trusted and consistent one-to-one support. Women can connect for a single conversation or, where helpful, arrange regular connection over time.
Sometimes a woman is looking for practical help or support navigating a challenge. Sometimes she needs help connecting with a specialist service. And sometimes she simply wants someone to talk to or somewhere she feels she belongs.
Whatever brings her to 4 Voices, connection happens at her pace.
With the support of our volunteers, partners, donors and communities, we can continue creating more opportunities for women to connect earlier - strengthening belonging, building trust and helping ensure there is somewhere to turn before crisis.
Connecting Women. Changing Lives.
Simply put, we believe in Connection Before Crisis - reducing isolation, strengthening belonging and helping women access the support they need, when they choose to.