NAMBUCCA Senior Citizens Club has been awarded a grant of $2,000 as part of Australia Post's 2021 Community Grants Program for its work to improve mental health and wellbeing in the community.
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Rachel Burns, Vice President of the Seniors Club, says that the grant will fund their Connecting Community project, a series of monthly dinners designed to connect residents and decrease instances of loneliness and social isolation.
"We have a long-held aim of bringing together people through community dinners; these are not just aimed at people suffering financially but also those who feel isolated or lonely," she said.
"We got the idea through similar projects that helped the homeless, single parents and the aged by giving them a night off and enjoying a healthy meal with a distinct socialising aspect.
"In other words, come join us, have a meal and make new friends."
The group initially applied for $8,000 to fund the project, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful.
However, even though the grant falls far short of what the club requires, Rachel still says the project can bring valuable assistance to the community.
"Around us, we have many wonderful groups that we can bring together to make this work," Rachel said.
"We have a large hall at the Seniors and a full kitchen equipped with crockery that can serve many.
"With the help of other agencies, we can access supplies, labour and support that can make the grant go a long way."
The project will begin early in 2022 at Nambucca Senior Citizen Club at 11 Kent Street, Nambucca Heads.
...we know that when we connect with others, we feel better, which is why the Community Grants program is so important - helping communities build better connections and mental wellbeing.
- Nicky Tracey
Community partners who would like to step up and aid this project can contact Rachel at Nambuccacommunitynews@gmail.com.
Nambucca Senior Citizens Club is one of 76 community organisations across the country to receive a 2021 Australia Post Community Grant of up to $10,000.
Australia Post Head of Community Nicky Tracey said she was delighted to support projects making a real difference to health and wellbeing, with recipients based in every state and territory.
"This has been another challenging year for many Australians, and we know that when we connect with others, we feel better, which is why the Community Grants program is so important - helping communities build better connections and mental wellbeing," she said.
"It's also an incredibly diverse group of worthy recipients, supporting groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with a disability, Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and seniors.".
The complete list of Australia Post's 2021 Community Grants recipients and more information about the program is available at: auspost.com.au/grants.
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