Connect Local News
Welcome to our May Connect Local News
Welcome to our May newsletter marking the one year anniversary of the Connect Local program launch! We are so happy with how this program has grown in the past year and we hope you are too!
In this edition we introduce you to two members of our team; Lynn a Community Connector and Liz who works on the evaluation side, and a wonderful Glen Eira woman, Nola, who reached out to Connect Local during a difficult time.
It’s Neighbourhood House Week in the third week of May, so we are going to hear from Wendy who became a volunteer at Godfrey Street Community House, and learn about what’s on at Glen Eira’s Neighbourhood houses.
Warm regards,
The Connect Local Team
Rajna, Kerry, Ann, Taryn, Lynn, Ahsan and Liz
Meet Lynn, Community Connector
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Lynn, and I identify as a community practitioner. I began working with Connect Local in September 2023. Having earned a degree in business and pursued postgraduate study in psychology, my career spans various disciplines within the non-for-profit sector. Over the past 15 years, I have been involved in rural education programs, cognitive disabilities services, blindness prevention projects, and complex needs family services. I am particularly passionate about aged care services and thrive on collaborating with older community members to find the connections they need.
What do you enjoy about being a Community Connector?
I enjoy my role as a Community Connector. It's incredibly rewarding to witness participants discover activities they're passionate about through our program. Getting to know our participants’ and hearing their life stories is something I genuinely enjoy and find meaningful.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about calling Connect Local?
Giving Connect Local a call could be a fantastic opportunity to explore the resources and support available in your community. Whether you're seeking assistance, looking for activities to get involved in, or simply want to connect with others, reaching out to Connect Local can provide valuable connections. Please don't hesitate to make that call and see how Connect Local can support you!
“Whether you're seeking assistance, looking for activities to get involved in, or simply want to connect with others, reaching out to Connect Local can provide valuable connections.” - Lynn
You can refer someone (or yourself) to Connect Local by using the referral form on the website or simply phone 1800 929 022
Meet Nola, a Connect Local Participant
“It’s hard to make new social connections when you get older so don’t sit around, make the call!" Nola
How did you find out about the Connect Local program?
I found the program online, through a Google search.
What made you want to reach out to Connect Local?
I was suffering from depression. My husband died before the Lockdowns, my close friends moved away from the area, and I was left feeling quite isolated. I felt I needed to be around people again. I have a loving family, who help me out whenever I ask, however I don't like to bother them if I can help it as they are busy with their own lives. I realised I needed some extra support to get out and going again.
What has your experience with Connect Local been like?
My Community Connector Ann is really lovely! She took the time to get to know and understand me and has pointed me in the right direction.
What would you say to others about the program?
It’s a good thing, and so very helpful! It’s hard to make new social connections when you get older so don’t sit around, make the call!
Meet Liz- a member of the Connect Local Evaluation Team
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Elsternwick! As a kid I loved running errands up and down Glen Huntly road, playing in the fountain at Harleston Park and watching the model trains at Penhalluriacks! Since then, I’ve lived in Singapore, Beijing and Brisbane, but I’ll always call Melbourne home! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, knitting and swimming.
What do you enjoy about research?
I studied Psychology and Biomedical Science at University, wanting to find a career where I could help people, but not knowing exactly how! I started working at the Bolton Clarke Research Institute in 2017, and have since enjoyed being involved in developing and evaluating several social connection programs.
I love being able to implement programs to help people live better lives and discovering if, how and why they work!
Why is evaluation important for Connect Local?
Programs similar to Connect Local are in place in many parts of the world, with more and more popping up. But, unfortunately, because these programs are specifically designed for each person and their community, it has been hard to work out if they are helping people and how. We’ve designed a really thorough evaluation to find out if our program is working, and help figure out if other programs are also having the impacts they want. Hopefully we’ll gather information about how great these programs are so more happen!
What does the evaluation involve?
Myself or my colleague Ahsan will give you a call to chat about the evaluation, then, 4 times over the course of 12 months, we’ll ask you around half an hour to an hour worth of questions (depending on how chatty we are!) on the phone. The questions are about your feelings, health, healthcare use and any support you receive from friends and family. We’re seeking both people involved in the program, and people living outside of Glen Eira, so if you have any friends or family who may like to volunteer, send them our way!
Meet Wendy, a Volunteer at Godfrey Street Community House
Wendy is 85 years old, she attends Godfrey Street Community House every Monday for knitting and crocheting, and stays on for Book Club once a month. She also enjoys the Stretch, Strength and Balance exercise class on Wednesdays.
“Volunteering has expanded my interests and created friendships in the local area.”
Wendy with Vas, Manager Godfrey Street Community House
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was married for 52 years and lived in the Bayswater area. Once my husband died, I decided to move closer to my son in McKinnon. When I moved here 12 years ago I didn’t know anyone apart from my son. I walked past Godfrey Street Community House and saw a sign about exercise classes so I went in and joined the class. I also love sewing, knitting and crafts so I joined those classes too. I also wanted to learn how to crochet, so did that too.
I suggested they start up a day-time book club, which I now co-ordinate. Once a month we meet and I collet the books from the library.
I’ve made life-long friends through the several groups I’ve joined. It has opened up a lot of social opportunities for me.
How did you get into Volunteering?
It started with the knitting, I started helping Vicki out who runs to group.
I haven’t done any volunteering in the past but I’m happy to help organise things (I’m a natural organiser). I now volunteer across a number of activities and go out of my way to make new people feel welcome.
What would you say volunteering has done for you?
Volunteering has expanded my interests and created friendships in the local area. Now when I go down the street I run into people I know – it feels like a community for me now.
What do you enjoy about Godfrey Street Community House?
I like the people there, including Vas and Allison (the Managers), – everyone is so lovely and friendly, and all the activities are great, there’s something for everybody!
I love the activities I’m involved in. The exercise class, book group, handicrafts – to me they are so much more than an activity! For example, we discuss the book in the book club, but then we chat about each others lives. I’ve met people who have lived all over the world – I’m learning heaps and find it so interesting.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?
Come and try it – it doesn’t cost you anything.
It’s harder to make friends as you get older, without Godfrey Street it would have been a very lonely 12 years for me living in McKinnon.
Neighbourhood House Week is an annual national celebration, recognising the important contribution our Neighbourhood Houses make in local communities all across Australia. Find out what Glen Eira’s Neighbourhood Houses are doing during the week.
Godfrey Street Community House
Use Neighbourhood House week as a chance to drop in and try something new!
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Knitting and Crocheting Monday’s 10am – 12pm (weekly)
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Bookclub Monday 12 – 1pm (first Monday of the month)
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Scrabble Wednesday’s 1– 4pm
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Singing Thursday’s 10am – 12pm
Godfrey Street Community House
9 Godfrey Street, Bentleigh, P. 03 9557 9037, E. admin@godfreystreet.org
Moongala Community House
FREE Come and try sessions at Moongala
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Scrabble
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Creating Postcards
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Social Sewing - sewing machines supplied. BYO sewing piece you are working on.
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Charity Crafters - sew projects to donate to charities. Materials supplied.
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Meditation and Mindfulness group followed by a cuppa
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Card making – bookings required
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Walking group - meet at Moongala
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Chatty café for a cuppa and a biscuit
Thursday 16th May
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Cooking with Mahin – bookings required, numbers are limited
Moorleigh Village Community
92 Bignell Rd, Bentleigh East, P. 03 9570 3468, E. admin@moongala.org.au
Caulfield South Community House
Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre (GEALC)
Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre GEALC
169A McKinnon Road, McKinnon, P. 03 9578 8996, E. info@gealc.org.au
Your Life. Your Choice.
Community Event June 13th
10.30am - 1pm
Come along to this free community workshop for people aged 55+ and learn from legal and financial experts about staying in charge of your finances.
Hear stories and professional tips for staying safe and in control.
Guest speakers from Peninsula Community Legal Centre and Better Place Australia followed by a Q&A session.
Bookings are essential.
Contact Kingston Arts Box Office on 9556 4440 or online at https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/upcoming-events/all-events/Your-Life.-Your-Choice
Presented in partnership: Bayside City Council, Glen Eira City Council, City of Kingston, City of Monash and Better Place Australia.
Connect Local is a program by Connecting Communities to Care,
a collaboration with
Bolton Clarke, Australian Disease Management Association, Alfred Health and
South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network.
We acknowledge The Ian Potter Foundation, and Perpetual's Impact Philanthropy Grant on behalf of the Ian Rollo Currie Estate Foundation and Felton Bequest, managed by Equity Trustees for funding this initiative.