Help is still at hand

Jan Juc mum Nicole Dickmann wants the community to know there are still angels walking among us if we ever need a helping hand.

Nicole set up the Surfcoast Angels group in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic and, since then, her dedicated team of volunteers has helped more than 100 local residents.

The volunteers – aka “angels” – assist with everyday tasks such as delivering the weekly shopping, driving to a medical appointment or simply being a friendly voice on the end of the phone.

Nicole, a busy parent to 20-month-old Ayla, said the idea was to offer practical help as well as generating positive energy in the community.

“The term isolation, I think, was kind of scary and daunting for everybody,” she said.

“I feel like the normality of life has been stripped away for us a bit.

“Surfcoast Angels was just about closing the gap and trying to bring back some sense of normality for people.”

Nicole said demand had eased in recent weeks but their good deeds continued.

“With things ramping up a bit in Victoria I think people are probably getting a little nervous again,” she said.

“I want everybody to know that we are all vulnerable and it’s okay to ask for help.

“Don’t be afraid to lean on your community – don’t feel like you can’t call us because a job is too small or we are too busy.

“Even if it’s not being able to leave the house to get your favourite bread from Baker’s Delight,” she added, with a laugh.

The Surfcoast Angels Facebook page has more than 200 members and there have been up to 20 frontline volunteers at any one time.

“To be honest, a lot of these volunteers are doing all the work,” Nicole insisted.

“I might be the octopus behind the scenes working all the arms and legs to connect people, but they are the ones doing the work.

“It’s really beautiful.”

Nicole said the volunteers’ efforts was regularly acknowledged with heart-warming feedback.

“A lot of people are really sheepish to ask for help in the beginning but all of them have been really thankful and grateful for the support,” she said.

“But Surfcoast Angels was never about us, it was about helping others.

“We can’t hug people right now so this is like our virtual hug to our community.”

To become a volunteer or to reach out for a helping hand email [email protected] or call Nicole on 0428 563 014.