Since February this year Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre (YMCLC), along with four other Neighbourhood Houses the region, have been taking part in the Upper Murray Regional Neighbourhood House Network's (UMRNHN) Connecting Community in the Upper Hume Pilot (CCUHP) Program.
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The program is aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation, by connecting people to community activities or groups. The program is an adaptation of Social Prescribing programs, which has been very successful in the UK. “It has been a great opportunity for us to learn how the program Is delivered and for us to have a meaningful impact on individuals,” reported YMCLC Executive Officer Julie-Anne Clarke.
The program, which has been deemed a great success, "includes two Talking Café's a week, these sessions have been a opportunity for us to get out in the community and to meet new people," said Ms Clarke.
The official funding for the program will cease at the end of the month, but YMCLC have been so pleased with the outcomes that they have decided to continue the program themselves post June.
YMCLC have recently welcomed Nicole Jackson to their team, as their Services Australia Agent/Community Support Officer. She will play a pivotal role in the continuation of this program.
"Talking Cafes are planned to continue twice weeklv, one session each week will continue to run at Belles Café and with the second session moving to our Community Centre," she said.
She encouraged anyone interested in coming along to visit YMCLC's website in the coming weeks for further updates.
Nicole's role is to assist Services Australia customers to access information and services, and to develop, co-ordinate and maintain the Community Programs that YMCLC deliver.
Services Australia Agent/Community Support Officer Nicole Jackson.
"Nicole comes to us from an early childhood education and care background, and has already displayed great compassion, which will be essential for the role," said Ms Clarke.
Nicole is excited to play a role in moving YMCLC forward and having an impact on those who need it the most.
“I already have so many ideas and cannot wait to bring them to fruition," she said.
The CCUHP program along with the other services and community programs that YMCLC are providing our twin towns have been acknowledged in this year's Community Value Report, prepared by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria.
The report showed that YMCLC's income in 2021/22 Financial Year was $716.459, however the real value they provided to the community was in excess of six million dollars.
"Being a Services Australia Agency, the distribution point for Moira Shire FoodShare and offering a free community shower program, are just some of the ways we provide this value to the community,” Ms Clarke said.
“We are continually inspired by the commitment of our volunteers and by the work of our staff, (who allow us to have this impact."
