Mossman Support Services building a stronger community
LOCAL CHARITIES
In the last week of Newsport’s series on local charitable organisations, we turn our focus to the important work of the Mossman Support Services.
Mossman Support Services is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a combination of different community services, programs, and activities to help people in need in the Douglas and Cook Shires.
Manager Christine Woods said the organisation supports vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community, youth, people with a disability, people living with severe mental illness and their families and carers.
“It is pivotal to the town, we are the only centre based organisation of its kind in Mossman with the services that we provide,” she said.
In 1989, concerned community members saw a need for a local service to be established to help people in the area who had nowhere left to go.
This led to the opening of the Mossman Community Centre and from there the organisation has continued to grow, branching out into different areas of community support.
“The community centre runs different support groups; we have a women’s group, interest groups, emergency relief programs, and employment services.
“One of the interesting initiatives is the Community Connect Worker that works for people that are marginalised or people seeking extended support.
“So that may be grief counselling, referrals to other specialist services, or even seeing if someone needs emergency accommodation,” Ms Woods said.
The organisation’s most recent development is an activity hub that aims to connect homeless people in the community with essential services.
“We have our new activity hub and that is based around people that are homeless or impacted by homelessness.
“They can come into the hub and cook their own meals, use the bathrooms, and hang out in a safe area for a while,” she said.
The hub, located on Mill Street will officially open on 8 August.
Other services offered by the organisation include the Men’s Shed, where men can come together and learn new skills while building and restoring items.
Also a Work for The Dole program, community development services, counselling, and lifestyle support for people with disabilities.
“With our disability service and the NDIS we have about 39 clients who are being supported with individual support,” said Ms Woods.
She added that the Mossman Youth centre is also a large part of the organisation and provides a safe place for young people who are disengaged with the community, to hang out.
The Youth Service incorporates case management, child protection, and support to young people, along with education upskilling programs including helping teenagers obtain their learners drivers licence.
Mossman Support Services and their staff and volunteers are dedicated to developing the community and providing essential services and safe places for people who really need a helping hand.
“It is all about community,” said Ms Woods.
For more information about how you can seek help or volunteer your time visit Mossman Support Services.
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