General News
25 February, 2021
Social support services return at Josie Black
TERANG and Mortlake Health Services has resumed social support services at the Josie Black Community Health Centre in Terang after an extended absence due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
TERANG and Mortlake Health Services has resumed social support services at the Josie Black Community Health Centre in Terang after an extended absence due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) client service assistant Kylie Spokes said the Allied Health Centre had largely operated throughout the pandemic but the Community Social Support Centre had been closed since the COVID-19 outbreak, and had only recommenced in mid-January.
As part of the service a variety of groups meet to enjoy a wide range of social activities including cooking, crafts, games and storytelling. The groups also enjoy regular bus trips across the region to explore all the south west has to offer.
Ms Spokes said for many the return of the community service offered an opportunity to enjoy reconnecting with the community following a difficult year of COVID-19 restrictions and cautionary isolation.
“It’s nice to be back,” she said.
“When I said we were going back on the bus as services return, I asked where our members wanted to go and ‘anywhere’ was their answer.
“They didn’t care where they went, as long as they went past a 100 sign.
“The first couple of weeks I didn’t even need a program because everyone was just chatting and enjoying each other’s company.”
On Monday the men’s group headed off to Cobden miniature railway and mini golf park to sink a few putts and enjoy a cup ofcoffee together.
Ms Spokes said the groups have previously toured agricultural factories in Cobden and Colac, visited farmers in Wickliffe, hosted lunch in the Grampians and recently visited wood-carved sculptures in Port Fairy.
“We went to the movies a few weeks ago and saw Penguin Bloom, and one of the members with us said he hadn’t been to the movies in over 50 years,” she said.
“We’re all about having a good day and having something to look forward to in the week.
“It gives a sense of purpose, to create friendships with people you may not have met - even in a small town like Terang.”
Since services were halted, Ms Spokes said numbers had slightly fallen for the social support centre aged clientele but the groups were always looking to meetnew members.
“We’re looking to reinvigorate the centre and redevelop the program to attract a new range of clientele to take us forward for the rest of the year,” she said.
“We have the potential to take a second bus if our groups are bigger, so we’ve always got seats.
“We can accommodate for any mobility issues, and nobody is ever too much trouble for us.”
Ms Spokes said all were welcome to attend a special open day, which will be held next Friday.
Regular attendees and staff will be there on the day for a chat and to answer any questions.
The open day will be held on Friday, March 5 between 10am and 3pm at the Josie Black centre on High Street.
For more information contact Wendy on 5592 0311.
