BALLARAT Community Health has received a grant of more than nine thousand dollars from the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast to digitally support clients throughout the pandemic period.<\/p>\n
Pausing face-to-face services to stay COVID safe, BCH needed to take consultations online. Suzanne Powell, manager of alcohol and other drugs services said not all clients had the technology needed, whether it be a device with video calling capabilities, or an internet connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor social connectedness, video conferencing was the best option for us in regard to group programs, like our day therapeutic rehab program and mental health programs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt became apparent to us that this was all very well, but the clients didn\u2019t necessarily have the laptop or data they\u2019d need to participate, so that\u2019s when this opportunity with Rotary became available, to purchase devices and data to give to clients temporarily.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Powell said tech access has not only benefited the community\u2019s health, but their digital literacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople may not have used a laptop before, or ever had an email, so they\u2019ve learned how to use new technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has opened up doors which could lead to education, connecting with family members, or other treatment services,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Huy Nguyen, Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast president said his team had been saving money away over three years in preparation for the right program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the special project we\u2019ve been waiting for. We exist to serve the community, and so do Ballarat Community Health,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT Community Health has received a grant of more than nine thousand dollars from the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast to digitally support clients throughout the pandemic period. Pausing face-to-face services to stay COVID safe, BCH needed to take consultations online. Suzanne Powell, manager of alcohol and other drugs services said not all clients had […]<\/p>\n