Generous grant better connecting Bellarine residents

BELLARINE Wellbeing Connect (BWC) will use a grant from Community Bank Bellarine to continue support work surrounding the health and wellbeing needs of the Bellarine community.

Community Bank Bellarine selected the BWC as a recipient of a $5,000 grant to assist the group, a local network, make use of a community referral tool known as ‘Ask Izzy’.

BWC chair and BCH chief executive officer Kathy Russell said the platform was an important tool for BWC members to share valuable information about themselves.

“It’s a directory service that people can access at any time, you can search your specific location by postcode all from your phone or other device and find out exactly what supports and services are available in your area,” Ms Russell said.

Ask Izzy is a free digital platform that can be accessed anonymously to connect users to a raft of essential support services.

Services include areas such as housing, meals, support and counselling, health services and legal support.

The funding will also allow adequate training to ensure accurate information is maintained on the site.

BWC will then promote the Ask Izzy platform as a reference point for service support on the Bellarine.

“We’re thrilled to support this kind of initiative,” Community Bank Bellarine’s Chris Niven said.

“This type of collaboration is perfect for creating greater community awareness to bridge the gap between individuals and the help they need.

“The more local Bellarine services that are on this platform, the wider the community benefit.”

Bellarine Wellbeing Connect members include: Alison Marchant, MP, Ambulance Victoria, Barwon Community legal Service, Barwon Health, Bellarine Community Health, Bellarine Community Support Register, Bellarine Training and Community Hub, Borough of Queenscliffe, CatholicCare Victoria, City of Greater Geelong, Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine, Department of Families, Fairness & Housing, Destination Accessible, Feed Me Bellarine, Food Assist 3223, Department of Justice and Community Safety, Barwon South West Region, Meli, 94.9 The Pulse Community Radio, Rights Information Advocacy Centre and Staying in Portarlington (SIP).