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A special pop up event to connect people in need with local health and social support services was held recently at Matt’s Place Community Meals Program in Cheltenham.
The event was part of a research project coordinated by Monash University in collaboration with CBCHS and supported by agencies including Cancer Council Victoria, Launch Housing, Centrelink and Skills Plus.
Based at the St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Cheltenham, Matt’s Place provides a home cooked meal and friendship for people experiencing hardship or social isolation.
At the pop up event, people who attended on the day were given the opportunity to have a chat about free health and social support services and received a show bag and giveaways including personal care products and fresh fruit.
CBCHS also provided access to a range of services including dental screening, drug and alcohol counselling, volunteering and NDIS support.
CBCHS CEO Deb Stuart said the inaugural pop up event was a success and highlighted the value of bringing together agencies to work with people at a grassroots level.
“To me this is what community care is all about – reaching out to those who need us in an environment where they feel safe and supported.
“This model of care is based on an international study and was certainly an effective way to reach people who usually struggle to connect with services.
“Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the event. In particular to CBCHS staff , Skills Plus and Four Cousins Supermarket in Parkdale for their generous donations, and St Matthew’s Church for allowing us to hold the event there. ” she said.