Community
15 October, 2021
Gazza’s Goss: Support when you need it
WHENEVER somebody says to you “I’ve lost all faith in the human race’, send them along to Mossman Support Services, as the team there will change that way of thinking.
Mossman Support Services is a multifaceted not for profit community service with a team of dedicated staff and regular volunteers who are making a huge difference in our community.
Situated at 20 Mill Street, the premises has a selection of buildings, all designed to be flexible so that they can meet the needs of numerous different programs and services being provided. The Community Centre houses the Community Development Officer and Community Connect Worker who ensure the well-being of the community through inclusive programs. These include Resilience Gardening, Art Groups, the Men’s Shed and the Boomerang Bag Sewing Group, as well as personal crisis support through advice, referral, advocacy, and information. I caught up with a few of the guys from the Men’s Shed, who were busy working on various men type projects.
As well as the above, Mossman Support Services provide an even greater level of community support.
The Activity Hub, which is a soft entry point for disengaged community members or those facing homelessness, It’s a chance to catch their breath in a safe space, have a shower, a hot meal and gain access to the supports available to them.
The Lifestyle Support Connections Disability Services support members of the community, to ensure their social engagement, personal well-being and skills development continue. This is all carried out with skilled support workers at their side.
The Intensive Family Support program offers guidance, referral and support to families under pressure facing complex needs. For this, families can either be referred by someone or they can self-refer.
Just up the road at 8 Mill Street, The Youth Centre Program is a fun yet supportive service for children of the Douglas Shire aged between 8 – 21. As well as providing programs such as Art and Music, the staff can assist with case management and support for more complex issues.
While having a dedicated core staff of 11 and 34 casual employees, Mossman Support Services also benefits greatly from the incredible volunteers who take part and contribute to many of the programs and help to maintain the gardens, negotiate donations and prepare the weekly lunch from the community kitchen on Wednesdays.
All up, this is an amazing facility and one to contact should you need support or wish to offer your help as a volunteer.
Send you stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
