GRAMPIANS Community Health is searching for volunteers to man relief centres across the Grampians and Wimmera in times of an emergency.
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In emergency events, councils are responsible for setting up emergency relief centres. Grampians Community Health provides social support and recovery assistance through the centres.
“We are aiming to build a network of volunteers who live close to emergency relief centre locations to assist staff when multiple natural emergencies happen concurrently in the same area and-or where an emergency is difficult for staff to initially access because of such things as road closures,” Grampians Community Health extended care manager Alison Duxson said.
The service aims to recruit and train volunteers living in the Northern Grampians Shire, the Rural City of Ararat and parts of the Pyrenees Shire to work at emergency relief centres.
“We hope there are many people out there who want to put up their hands for this important role,” social support and capacity building project officer Talia Blythman said.
“The volunteers will be locally based with access to a great deal of local knowledge, which is so important in times of emergency.”
Volunteers will be trained in mental health and wellbeing, caring for self and others and basic counselling skills.
They will also be part of a social support and recovery volunteer network group where they can share their experiences, learn from each other and meet new people.
“Volunteers will be helping their local communities in times of great need,” Ms Duxson said.
“The training is fantastic and will be invaluable for the volunteers and those they will work with, building our community’s resilience.”
Grampians Community Health is seeking volunteers from Stawell, Marnoo, St Arnaud, Navarre, Landsborough, Ararat, Elmhurst, Lake Bolac, Streatham and Willaura.
Initial training will be held in May and June in Stawell and Ararat.
Volunteers are required to complete a police check and a working with children check.
People can contact Talia Blythman on 5358 7525.