Several groups are drawing attention to the options available to Wimmera residents this Christmas, acknowledging it can be a difficult time for those who aren’t able to spend the festive season with their families.
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A state government-funded mental health outreach service has this week begun operations in the West Wimmera Shire.
Edenhope District Memorial Hospital has recruited former rural and remote engagement worker Mal Coutts to the post of field officer.
Mr Coutts said he aimed to make himself available to anyone in the Wimmera who needed someone to talk to.
“I’ll start by going to see some old clients and have a talk to them and see how they’re going,” he said.
“I’ll be around straight after Christmas for anyone to contact if they need to talk.”
West Wimmera Health Service has donated the vehicle Mr Coutts will use to travel the region.
People can phone their local hospital for more information.
Meanwhile, the Uniting Church is hosting its traditional Christmas lunch from midday at its Pynsent Street headquarters.
Church liaison officer Mandy Kirsopp said about 100 people attended the lunch each year.
“Unfortunately, for many people throughout our community, Christmas can be lonely, with friends busy or away and family members living in distant parts of the country,” she said.
“These people may be couples with their children living elsewhere or spending Christmas with other members of their family, single parents and children without family support, and travellers passing through our community.”
Ms Kirsopp said people wanting to register for Uniting’s lunch or to support it with a donation to purchase food, could contact the Uniting Church office on 5382 4380. Transport assistance is available.
The Victorian Farmers Federation is reminding residents that Look Over The Farm Gate Grants are still open for anyone wanting to hold events that help drought-affected communities. They are now also taking applications from the West Wimmera Shire.
Research by the Salvation Army shows millions of Australian adults experience depression and social isolation each Christmas.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
