THE Neighbourhood Centre in Bathurst is still delivering our services to communities across Bathurst, the Central West, Far West and Orana regions.
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Like everyone, we have had to adapt our programs to suit the times.
Unfortunately, we could not allow visitors to the centre, for public health reasons, but one of the positives in changing our delivery due to the pandemic is the new skills our clients are building and the number of positive stories about people caring for others with our help.
Our DCaf program is now online and our wonderful volunteers and fabulous clients have gained new skills with our assistance.
This has meant that they are not only able to stay connected for DCaf every Wednesday from 10am, but they are connecting through video calls with extended family and friends anywhere around the country.
Many of our volunteers are providing wellness phone and video calls to keep clients from feeling like they are alone.
Nicole Booth, our dedicated chair yoga instructor and crowd favourite, has adapted her chair yoga delivery every Friday at 2pm to a live-stream on The Neighbourhood Centre's Facebook page.
We have reached nearly 2000 people across Bathurst and many more across Australia, and again, that has meant that many of our clients have learned how to participate online to keep active and engaged while at home.
Volunteers have stepped up to assist with safe new roles to suit the times, like the delivery of groceries or medical supplies for those who cannot leave their home.
Another example of keeping everyone engaged is our special volunteer who visits local retirement villages with his pet cockatoo, waving from outside residents' windows and saying g'day!
If you are concerned about someone in isolation, or would like to volunteer, contact The Neighbourhood Centre on 6332 4866 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, visit www.binc.org.au or have a look at our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TheNeighbourhoodCentre
