By JESSE GRAHAM
BELGRAVE South Community House (BSCH) has been commended for working to reduce social isolation and awarded for a seven-year Cafe Club program.
The community house’s Cafe Club program began in 2007 and aims to reduce social isolation by taking residents on a weekly excursion to cafes around the hills.
BSCH received the annual award from the Community Houses Association of the Outer Eastern Suburbs (CHAOS) on 7 May.
Manager Lyn Taylor said the award was a confirmation of the work the community house staff have done in recent years and in all of their programs.
She said the Cafe Club program had begun in 2007 to address social isolation of elderly and disabled people in the community.
Ms Taylor said that since it began the program had been a great success with many people going on regular trips and forming strong friendships.
“There’s been some really good friendships formed – there is a core group that comes all of the time,” she said.
“It’s just enormous – we’ve got waiting lists now.”
She said the Cafe Club program also gives BSCH staff a chance to refer participants on to other classes and services offered by the community house, including older adults exercise classes.
The award is given in memory of former Japara Neighbourhood House manager Robyn Murray who was a strong advocate in community houses for people with disabilities and mental health problems.
The Robyn Murray Memorial Organisation Award is presented to a CHAOS member who embraces and practices social inclusiveness.
The Cafe Club program runs on Mondays from 9.30am-noon and costs $5 for bus travel. Coffee is extra.
Longer day activities can also run as part of the Cafe Club, from 9.30am-3pm, and cost $8 for participants.
For more information on Belgrave South Community House, visit www.bsch.org.au or call 9754 2274.
