New Katoomba community centre opens
People struggling on the margins in the mountains community are now able to access much needed community services with the opening of a new ANGLICARE community centre on 17 November.
The latest parish partnership project with St Hilda’s Anglican Church, Katoomba, the new service is based at the church and will operate three days a week. It offers counselling and relationship support services, family accommodation support and the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre will also operate from the site.
For St Hilda’s minister Ray Robinson, the partnership is a welcome opportunity for the church to reach out to the mountains community and care for others in need.
“We are excited about this development of the work we’ve already started through the partnership we have with the Katoomba ANGLICARE Shop,” says Mr Robinson.
“Katoomba has a vast range of needs from a significant part of the population that suffer from mental health issues to single parents struggling to look after their families. There are also a lot of retirees who are getting older and looking after a loved one.”
A higher than national average number of people live alone, or are single parent families in the Mountains with a significantly lower level of family income and not in full time work. There is also a higher rate of mental and behavioural disorders for 15 to 24 year olds than the state average. Furthermore, research conducted by Blue Mountains TAFE in partnership with ANGLICARE Nepean reveal that 40 per cent of clients using Emergency Relief and related services were escaping from a domestic violence situation.
ANGLICARE program manager Kylie Georgeson says the provision of a local face to care for people with local issues is a positive and much needed development.
“We have been providing Case Management and Social Support services up in the Blue Mountains, but not through a local Community Care Centre. Families and individuals will now be able to attend the office for appointments, counselling or a friendly face to assist with Carer’s inquiries. This will be a lot closer than having to travel to Penrith for an office based appointment. It is a much needed service,” says Kylie.
“We are looking forward to many years of association with St Hilda’s Anglican Church.”
According to Mr Robinson the provision of a range of different services from the new ANGLICARE office will go a long way to help many in need in the local area.
“The people in my congregations tell me of the needs they see around them. They're a caring and concerned people who are very supportive of ANGLICARE helping those doing it tough.” says Mr Robinson.
“Not only do we look to care for people practically, we also hope to care from them in their spiritual journey as well.”
