Directory lists social support

MEMBERS of Compassionate Ballarat have developed a Ballarat Social Services directory in a response to the current financial climate.

The organisation has created the list of support services available throughout the region to make it easier for people to seek help, at a time where local emergency relief agencies are reporting record numbers of clients.

Steering group member Dr Lynne Reeder said the guide is a one-stop-shop.

“This resource provides a wide-ranging list of the food, shelter, support, and learning services available across Ballarat,” she said.

“The numbers of people needing assistance are so high, and no one should feel shame in using any of these services.

“They are resources designed to be dignified, and to support people.”

Dr Reeder said a volunteer has given more than 55 hours of his time to creating the document, which is accessible via the Compassionate Ballarat website.

“We hope that by collating this information onto one site will provide agencies and individuals access to a wide range of local services and also assist our residents in feeling supported,” she said.

Dr Reeder is encouraging businesses and organisations to bring the directory to the attention of their staff.

Hard copies are also available and Compassionate Ballarat members can drop them off to offices to distribute to those without internet access.

“We want to ensure that we spread the load as much as we can, and that people are aware of the extent of services that are out there,” Dr Reeder said.

As part of the ongoing support for the directory, Compassionate Ballarat staff are seeking a volunteer who can the document’s information up-to-date.