Neighbours not alone with register’s support

COMBATING and preventing loneliness will be the focus of this year’s Neighbourhood House Week, beginning Friday, 8 May.

During a period of heightened anxiety where residents may feel more alone, Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre’s executive officer, Vicki Coltman said the week will highlight things the city’s four neighbourhood houses offer to boost community networks and participation, and limit isolation.

“Neighbourhood Houses normally have lots of different activities, from community lunches, to free classes, to yoga… Things that members of the community, who might not be connected to others, can come to and feel part of something,” she said.

“Prior to the current pandemic situation we’ve got, one in four people said they were lonely, and in some age groups, it’s much higher.

“We know that there are many older members in our community that live alone and don’t have much regular contact with family if they have family. At the moment, that’s increased and people are feeling quite stressed and lonely.”

Within the seven days of neighbourhood house celebration, and far beyond, Mrs Coltman’s centre is in partnership with Victoria Police to champion involvement in the Ballarat & District Community Support Register.

Since it launched eight years ago, 1000 people have joined the roll, with over 800 active members.

“It’s for people who live by themselves and need someone to ring them once a week, once a month, just to do a welfare check and touch base. There’s no age limit, but most of them are older,” she said.

“It was a program of the Victoria Police in Ballarat, and a community group and volunteers as part of Neighbourhood Watch, which folded late last year because everyone’s gone online.”

The Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre has taken over the management of the program, with a group of volunteers looking to recruit others, and reintegrate the register into neighbourhood houses.

“As neighbourhood houses, the register gives us a wider scope, to talk to these people we’re calling and say we’ve got a luncheon coming up, or get them involved in activities that we run,” Mrs Coltman said.

“Some of this volunteering can be done at home. We’re looking for two hours a fortnight. Just ring the centre on 5329 3273, put down your name and contact details and we’ll get in touch.”