Neighbourhood Centre Week celebrated nationally last week was a prime opportunity for the local instalment -- Glen Innes Community Centre -- to promote its services.
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The theme this year was Loneliness: the solution is community. Research has found one in four Australians are lonely and that the 'loneliness epidemic' has significant social, health and economic impacts.
Glen Innes coordinator Brenda Beauchamp said passersby just having the opportunity to come in and sit in front of the fire to defrost while waiting in town is well appreciated. On top of that the centre offers a monthly legal service, yoga sessions, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and assistance with energy and Telstra bills.
Ms Beauchamp said Telstra's hardship program is drawing to an end but the centre does have a stock of vouchers for those with Telstra bills they are having difficulty paying.
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The free light lunch on Thursdays caters for up to 30 people and Ms Beauchamp said it's interesting to see who comes along. It attracts homeless who are hungry, older people who appreciate a fresh homecooked meal and some old friends use it to meet up for an outing. Those who are able are encouraged to donate to help cover costs, but the lunches are supported by the local op shop.
Technology help for Over 50's is provided by appointment under the BeConnected program, and locals often take advantage of this for help with setting up a new tablet or smartphone.
"People realise they're being left behind, when they're told to just 'Google it'," Ms Beauchamp said.
The centre also offers a low-cost meeting room which hosts baby showers, birthday parties, Red Cross, Toastmasters and other gatherings.
Ms Beauchamp said Neighbourhood Centre Week was a great opportunity not only to spread the word on what the local centre offers, but for her to connect with 'sister' centres to see what they're doing.
The exercise has spurred to her to create an eye-catching poster which succinctly shows all that the centre offers. It should be rolling off the printer soon.
