So much on offer at community space

AS term one approaches, Ballarat North Neighbourhood House staff are inviting everyone to step inside their community space.

From early February the neighbourhood house is offering opportunities for people to grow socially through learn hands-on gardening and creative skill classes.

Previously, the small house’s programming was structured, but coordinator Kristen Sheridan said it’s increasingly becoming a relaxed space where anyone can drop in when they like.

“You don’t have to just come in for a class and head home,” she said. “It’s a place where people can use the facility in a social capacity at any time.

“We’ve set up new small tables where people can meet a friend for a cuppa, or use them for work or study if they’re working remotely. We also have a chatty cafe on a Friday.”

In the coming weeks a range of learning opportunities will get underway.

“Anybody who’s got any digital issues with phones, laptops, tablets, computers, Mac, PC, or anything else can come in for an hour for free, ask questions, we’ll do what we can to help, and if we can’t, we’ll point them in the right direction,” said tutor Greg Horgan.

A your story course will aim to help people learn how to collect genealogical information, then pull interesting biographical family history stories together.

“The internet cafe is an opportunity to come in without a booking, access a PC or iPad, have a cuppa, bring a friend or come on their own, and get some assistance from Greg informally, whether they’re searching for a house online, learning to use their Android phone, or needing to access myGov,” Ms Sheridan said.

“The idea is that it’s social, with support to back it up.”

The house’s garden is set to be revitalised, and Ms Sheridan is inviting green thumbs, whether experienced or budding, to get their hands dirty, sharing and learning basic horticultural skills.

“We want to get more and more people outside and into that safe community space, and for them and support us to create a vision and plan with what to do with the garden into the future,” she said.

“There’s some lovely, big garden beds out there that we’re looking to potentially convert into wicking beds so they’re self-watering, and we’re looking at making it more accessible with paving and more seating.

“Those sorts of activities will be run as how-to sessions as well, so people can participate in their development, learn, and contribute to the community.”

Ms Sheridan is seeking volunteers, and feedback on classes people would like to see run out of the centre.

“We’re really happy to hear from people who have ideas and things they’re interested in, because if we have a small group interested in the same thing, we’re happy to be flexible and put other programs on for them.

“There are a range of volunteer roles for people needing to complete volunteer hours, or simply wanting to contribute in some way to the house if they’re retired or semi-retired,” she said.

“We have gardening, reception, and social media marketing roles; a range of duties depending on expertise. We’ll also be setting up steering committees.”

Computers and iPads are available at the house for those who do not have their own, and all classes are run in small groups.

Head to bit.ly/3GQ8zYz for more information, to enrol or express interest in volunteering.