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Financial assistance from the Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) for residents affected by the destructive summer storms is not only helping to rebuild communities, it’s making them stronger.
The Reconnection for Resilience Community Grants Program provided 15 community grants of up to $5000 for local not-for-profit organisations, healthcare organisations, sporting clubs and primary care providers in the storm and flood hit areas.
“While the property rebuilds continue, so are the psychological health recoveries of those residents directly affected by the storms,” GCPHN CEO Matt Carrodus said.
“Through programs that foster on-going resilience, we are helping to empower people with the resources and support necessary to complete their recovery journeys,” he said.
Mr Carrodus said funded activities included programs aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing through support embedded in addressing social isolation, sport and exercise classes, art therapy, skills development initiatives, community BBQs and more.
Here we highlight one of the amazing organisations that is cleverly using their grants funding to build better local communities:
When the Christmas night storm hit Oxenford, the Community Development Manager of the Studio Village Community Centre Jennifer Schofield knew her holiday was over and there was hard work to be done.
“We were badly hit, and I knew straight away an emergency community recovery was about to start because we’ve been here before with floods and fire and all manner of natural disasters,” she said.
That recovery meant the distribution of emergency food and water supplies and toiletries and other essentials for people driven from their homes or those staying put to comprehend what had just happened amid prolonged power outages.
But Jennifer said next time it will be different.
“One of the things we realised is that we were sending people away with their emergency supplies in boxes and we thought that was undignified,” she said.
“So, we created Bags on the Go, with everything packed in a sturdy reusable suitcase that people can wheel out of our centre with pride.
“The bags are the packed with donated toiletries and essential disaster recovery items like battery powered radios, weatherproof document holders, towels and face washers, washing powder, coins for laundromats, deodorants and other hygiene products.
“They open the suitcase to find most of the things that people would need if they were faced with an emergency accommodation situation,” she said.
The Studio Village Community Centre was established 30 years ago by the local community.
It’s one of 140 Neighbourhood and Community Centres (NCC’s) around Queensland responding to loneliness and social isolation.
On a day-to-day basis it provides a community garden, day activities, bowls, craft classes, new parent support and playgroups, and plenty more.
“Our clients are diverse and in the aftermath of the disaster we also welcomed everyone to explore our community wellbeing and mental health services,” Jennifer said.
“At times of need we’re always there to provide physical and emotional support and Bags on the Go is just another innovative and locally tailored example of how we put grants monies like these to the very best use,” she said.
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