In difficult times or in a new town, reaching out can often be an important first step. For some, it’s difficult to even know where to look.
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A number of Griffith community groups have decided to come together to change all that.
A new community connections hotdesk has been set up at Griffith City Library. The service is designed to allow a diverse range of not-for-profit organisations to provide information and referral services.
Two different service providers will be available at the Hotdesk every Thursday between 3pm and 4pm.
Griffith Community Centre Coordinator, Barbara Penninga, said the idea was to help raise awareness about the different services available locally.
“The idea was brought to our attention at the Griffith RAC meeting; they did a trial at Hornsby to give people more access to services and we thought it sounded like a great initiative,” said Ms Penninga
“We will do it for three months to talk to people and see what they need. Hopefully after three months, if it works we’ll keep it going and maybe expand to more days or more hours, pending the return of our surveys.”
Whether they’re new to town or experiencing some personal difficulty. They will be able to put you in touch with the right services.
Centacare’s Joanne Fitzpatrick said people could come to the Hotdesk for any number of reasons.
“They might want to connect with services, help with welfare, they might have just arrived in town and need to be pointed in the right direction,” she said.
No bookings are necessary. It’s a drop-in service.
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Ms Fitzpatrick said the library was the ideal location as the Griffith Community Centre over the other side of town does not allow for the same access.
“Benerembah street is a little out of the way. There is a multitiude of information and resources over there and plenty of agencies visit but it’s just not in a good place.”
Griffith City Library Manager, Karen Tagliapietra, said the library is a safe and inclusive public space where everyone is welcome.
“The Community Connections Hotdesk is designed to connect the community with local service providers in an informal and relaxed environment,” said Mrs Tagliapietra.
Griffith City Library Community Connections Hotdesk in March:
- March 15: Intereach - Ability Links and Department of Human Services Centrelink
- March 22: Red Cross, One Door Mental Health and STARTTS (NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors)
- March 29: Linking Communities Network and The Personnel Group
For more information on the hotdesk or who will be hosting it, contact the library (02) 6962 8300 or visit the library Facebook page.
