A neighbourhood house in Sunbury is hosting a new weekly program that provides social connection and material relief to the community.
Goonawarra Neighbourhood House is collaborating with Give Until it Hurts (GUIH) and the Multicultural Resources Hub to run a weekly community gathering program named ‘Community Winter Catch Up’.
The program will provide the community with soup, clothing, blankets, and a place to meet and converse with others.
Goonawarra Neighbourhood House manager Isabella Rosinsky said that the program is not just about material relief, but helping to reduce social isolation and build community.
“Financial pressures can lead to a range of burdens that impact our mental health as well as our physical health. If we can help alleviate those burdens in any way, we will,” Ms Rosinsky said.
Ms Rosinsky said that winter is a particularly challenging time for people living in poverty, especially those without shelter or adequate heating.
“The number of those needing support is ever increasing and is a direct result of the rising cost of living,” she said.
“Each week we receive new requests for food relief and support, sometimes from two income families who still can’t make ends meet.”
The Community Winter Catch Up will run from 5.30pm–7pm every Friday until Augu,t at 8 Gullane Drive, Sunbury.
The program can be supported through volunteering or providing a food or financial donation.
Food donations can be dropped off at the neighbourhood house between 5.30pm–6.30pm each Friday.
Details: www.goonawarranh.com.au/
Oscar Parry
