Connecting services with the community

GGQ Local representative Erica Thompson, far left, and Member for the Bellarine Alison Marchant, second from right in sitting row, with the information session's workshop participants. (Ivan Kemp) 423256_06

A free Queenscliff event helped inform the community of the services available to support people, groups and volunteers across the region.

Greater Geelong – Queenscliffe Mental Health and Wellbeing Local (GGQ Local) held a community information session at Anglican Parish’s old school hall from 11am to noon on August 7.

GGQ Local representative Erica Thompson said the event allowed services to have “good conversations” with the community.

“I was really happy with the balance of services and community that attended; it shows the strength of the Queenscliff community,” she said.

“If somebody is within a service and they want to connect with the community, services need to know where they can send people.

“Events like this help inform services of safe environments that are also helpful and useful in a person’s mental health or well-being journey.

“We work with community groups to build capacity, to sustain them, develop their members, and support people that want to take part in their groups without burning them out.”

The event was attended by Member for the Bellarine Alison Marchant and Bellarine Community Health acting chief executive Kathy Russell.

Representatives from the Primary Health Network and community groups like the Fort Queenscliff and the Swan Bay Environment Association also attended the event.

GGQ Local is an association that includes Barwon Health, Ermha, Wellways Australia and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.