We are living in unprecedented times with COVID- 19 (Coronavirus) affecting all aspects of our day to day lives. During this time of community concern, we would like to reassure you that we are closely monitoring protocols and updates from the Federal and State Government regarding COVID-19, and our thoughts are with the whole community in these trying times.
Whilst the world grapples with the crisis, we know there are couples who are still struggling with infertility amongst all of this, who may be experiencing heightened anxiety and stress surrounding fertility treatments. This can include the emotional strain of having to delay or cancel a cycle, uncertainty if you will be able to resume/begin treatment, and the financial strain in the case of a loss of job and impact on businesses.
Please be assured the AJFN are here to support you every step of the way.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Emotional support
– One on one phone/facetime calls with our trained Fertility Support Mentors
– Psychologist referrals (can be done remotely)
– Care pack for those couples in midst of treatment (delivered to your door, via the post)
Financial support
An application form for financial assistance towards fertility treatments can be found here.
Important Information Resources
- To view the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and CSGs statement click here. They have recommended to join the CSG NSW Facebook Group and to download the CSG Alert app to ensure you are receiving up to date information.
- For the latest advice from the Australian Government, please visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert on the Department of Health’s website.
- For the latest advice from the Fertility Society of Australia, please click here
Events postponed
Pathway to Parenthood- Postponed to a later date this year. We thank the team from the Wolper Jewish Hospital and ‘Friends of Wolper’ for their efforts in co-ordinating the event together with us and look forward to working together in the near future.
Infertility Awareness Shabbat
Due to all Synagogues across Sydney having shut down as of Tuesday evening 17 March, our Infertility Awareness Shabbat will not go ahead as planned on the 27-28 of March. We would like to thank the many Rabbi’s and shules that had expressed an interest to participate and look forward to marking this important Shabbat at a later date. However, we will be sharing the Facebook Live stream from Yesh Tikva (the USA fertility organisation leading this global initiative) held on Friday 28 March at 12PM link here (Australian time).
What we are all experiencing now is a once-in-a-generation encounter and has, and will, no doubt further challenge us on many levels. It is important for us to remain optimistic and resilient. Challenges like this bring out both the best and the worst in people and in communities. Let us continue to support each other, to stay safe and bring out the best in each other in the coming trying weeks.
Specifically, being a part of the Jewish community we are lucky to have an extended family to turn to for support, so let us be there for one another in this time of need.
Now more than ever, the kindness and generosity of the AJFN family will be important to support our community during this time. Please reach out if you or anyone you know needs support.
Wishing you good health and strength as we face this journey together.
Sincerely,
Kerry Gonski (Chair ) and Shterny Dadon (Executive Director)
