Fact: life is not all strawberries and champagne. But we often have a tendency to play down whatever issues we might be going through and joke about them being first world problems. I do it. My friends do it. The thing is, first world problems...are still problems. Yes, they vary in severity but they are all relative to our own personal circumstances. Divorce is not easy. Domestic abuse is not ok. Addiction is real. Relationships are hard. There's nothing about these issues and the plethora of problems we can face on a daily basis - personally or indirectly - that's worth playing down or joking about.

I'm lucky to have some amazing friends who have supported me through not so shiny days, at times when it could have been easier to look the other way. Friends are incredible, but there are times when you can't always lean on them, be it that you feel like a burden or that you simply can't share what you're going through.

When I decided to hold the Ladies Longest Lunch, I was on the hunt for a charity that helps everyday women grow stronger; a group that challenges both the cause and symptom of some of our first world problems. My perspective is that if we can help women to feel more equipped and confident in handling their situations, then we can help a lady in need to better help herself. I believe that's called empowerment. This goes for a whole range of areas; depression, anxiety, homelessness, loneliness, bankruptcy, career, health, relationships; whatever first world problem she may be experiencing.

Thanks to the world of the internet, I found WIRE. It resonated with me straight away. WIRE helps woman in all kinds of positions embrace and enhance their skill set and knowledge to develop solutions that can support their situation. It does this by offering information, contacts, factsheets, workshops, events and other activities. WIRE is the only Victoria-wide free generalist information, support and referral service run by women for women, and is the chosen charity that we'll be supporting at this year's Ladies Longest Lunch.

The lunch is a celebration of three things; friends, support and YOU. It's a chance to get the girls together who you love spending time with and say cheers, over lunch, drinks and charity. Your ticket includes canapes, grazing lunch, dessert, wines, goodie bag and a donation to WIRE.

Join us at the Ladies Longest Lunch to support WIRE to support women like you.

Ladies Longest Lunch
June 20, 12.30 to 4pm
Upstairs at 1000 Pound Bend
Tickets: $96 plus booking fee and GST

REGISTER NOW

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