The need for support for people who are struggling and entering crisis situations has never been greater.
Economic hardship and the range of issues impacting on personal wellbeing are increasingly being felt in many country communities, including Narrabri Shire.
Now, a new not for profit support organisation, One Of A Kind Community Support, is to be launched in Narrabri and volunteers are being called for to be part of the body.
“The organisation is focused on offering neighbourhood, social and community support programs” said Chief Executive Officer Michael Ticehurst.
“We will reach at-risk locals before the need for crisis support and suicide prevention services.
“The need was identified through consultation with social workers and volunteers, including those from the existing One Of A Kind Opportunity Shops.
“Volunteers reported that many visitors use the shops as a source of social interaction and that is just one service that we hope to build upon,” says Michael.
The organisation’s opportunity shops, based in Tamworth, Armidale and Narrabri, have previously been a source of funds for national charity Lifeline.
The establishment of the new organisation means that the funds raised, much of which come from the generosity of locals, will now be kept and used locally. In November One Of A Kind Community Support will launch a local non-crisis telephone service to tackle issues such as loneliness and financial distress, and support vulnerable groups including young mothers and farmers. They will also launch a Narrabri-based community and neighbourhood support program in early December.
Phone 6765 7000 for information.