Despite Christmas being one of the most joyous and wonderful times of the year, for many it can be particularly difficult.
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Grampians Community Health will continue serving those in need throughout the holiday period, spreading the Christmas cheer where they can.
The health service is receiving donations from community members, businesses and community groups to share with those in need.
Grampians Community Health chief executive Greg Little said when the community comes together to help a person in need, the bond between people deepens and it creates a greater sense of belonging.
“This is exactly what Spotlight in Horsham has achieved by creating craft groups and donating gifts to Grampians Community Health to pass on to vulnerable people in our community,” he said.
Grampians Community Health was contacted 30,000 times in 2017 by people seeking support in areas such as family violence, alcohol and drug issues, gambling addiction, NDIS programs, homelessness, behavioural change, or seeking to talk to someone such as a counsellor.
“Each time we hand a gift that was donated by the community to our clients, their eye lights up,” Grampians Community Health healthy communities program leader Gemma Beavis said.
“They are so grateful because at these times they feel as if they are treated like humans and belong in the community. For a moment they forget their traumas and the solitude of facing difficult times in their lives.
“Sometimes all a person needs is a dignity pack, such as the bags donated by the Country Women’s Association to people facing difficult times and at risk of homelessness, without the community helping us, our job would be more difficult.
“It is true Christmas spirit which is incredibly appreciated by Grampians Community Health and the people we provide services too, thank you so much all the local business and the overall community for lending us a hand to continue to help vulnerable people in our communities, not just now but throughout the year” added Mr Little