Restructured services to continue

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By Jeremy Sollars

The Granite Belt Neighbourhood Centre has been through some changes in 2017, with refurbishment and the return of business to the Corundum Street premises, staff restructuring, new grant allocation and projects.
The service now focuses towards the future rebranding and marketing for the next three years of servicing and support for the Granite Belt District and its community.
The Neighbourhood centre has farewelled four staff members in 2017 Megan Clift in Admin, Cathy Rosetta from the Early Years Program, Diane Mitchell from the Community Support Service and Clare McHugh Von Stieglitz from the Targeted Family Support Program.
The restructure of services has resulted in many changes to the way business is done.
* The Early Years servicing delivers services to families with children under 12 years of age; support services are provided in the home as well as from our Neighbourhood Centre.
* Youth Service continues servicing families with children aged 12 to 19 years of age. The service works to support youth reengagement with schools, families and community.
* A counselling program with a qualified social worker onsite two days per week is provided.
* General Community Support for those who do not have children in the family are offered; the centre is looking to better support seniors in the community.
The service is open for business Monday to Friday 9am-4pm and it welcomes anyone in the community to just come by and visit. The focus is on empowering the growth of a resilient community and assisting all members of community with information, advice, referral and support.
The service runs a variety of supportive programs including a free Playgroup operating each Tuesday from 9.30am to 11am with snacks for children, parents and carers a great opportunity for play, reading and group activities. Emergency Relief services are provided to those who meet the eligibility criteria and who are working with our services. There is a plethora of support services including
* Legal Services – free outreach services operating from CDS.
* TASC (for rural women only) – support, referral and advocacy. To book an appointment call 4616 9700.
DVAC
* Domestic Violence Action Centre can be contacted on 4617 7670 to arrange an appointment.
* Financial Counselling
Financial Counselling is offered in partnership with Lifeline Darling Downs, every fortnight on a Wednesday from the office.
* Community Resource Library
GBCN has a library of Community Resources including books, videos, brochures and information sheets on a range of issues. Borrowing is free.
* Drug Arm
Appointments for people with substance abuse issues and addiction support.
* Happy Chat – Mental Health Support Group
* Consumer and Carer’s Mental Health Forum
* Mental Health Carer’s Support Group
* Granite Belt Community Network
* Life skills
* Crisis Help + App
* Writers’ Group
* Literacy and Numeracy
* Community Education Workshops
* Community Events
* Crochet Group; Monday 9am – 1pm, Friday 9am – noon
A free, confidential, and personal service is offered including –
* A friendly chat, information and moral support
* Advice, guidance and referral
* Co-ordination of multiple supports
* Assistance to link with other agencies
* Advocacy to resolve challenges