Your NNC: Blog
BHOS beach day gives boarding house residents a boost
Community News May 2023 Boarding House Outreach Services team hosts client beach day
Sometimes a change of scenery is just what people need to reinvigorate and reconnect. Our Boarding House Outreach Services (BHOS) team delivered just that when they hosted a day at Shelly Beach for residents last month. A change can be as good as holiday There is nothing like that feeling when you arrive at the beach. Everything is so much more vibrant. The sounds of ocean waves crashing on the shore and the calls from the seagulls above in the sky provide the perfect soundtrack for a day of rest and relaxation. Suddenly, you’re completely at ease. Your guard is down and there’s almost a meditative quality in the way the hustle and bustle of the world slips away as you breathe in the fresh and salty air. Who wouldn’t love a day at the beach, right? At Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC), we know that a change can be as good as a holiday. We’re human after all, which is why our person-centred, strengths-based outreach model of service means clients can meet with their case managers in a variety of community settings, rather than in an office. Last month’s excursion to Cronulla’s Shelly Beach was one such opportunity that provided residents with a day out of their regular support setting to create social connection and, most of all, have a fun day out. Connection is key to NNC’s boarding house support program While the primary goal for BHOS is to reduce the underlying causes of homelessness and assist people to achieve housing stability, the heart of the service is focussed on fostering a sense of connection between residents and the community. “People can quickly become socially isolated when experiencing homelessness, and we know that this, combined with the uncertainty of living in temporary boarding housing and not having a real sense of ‘home’, can significantly impact on people's mental wellbeing,” explains Grace Dawson, NNC Boarding House Outreach Team Leader. “That is why it’s important to take them out of their everyday environment to improve their mental wellbeing and get to know them better, building trust with our clients.” “By strengthening our relationships with residents, we can be more than just a service; we can better understand and support their unique needs. In this way, NNC aims to help to create a more inclusive, resilient, vibrant and self-reliant community,” says Grace. Beach vibes bring positivity for clients The day by the seaside proved just the ticket with positive feedback from those attending the day: “I feel very rejuvenated after the great feed, swim and interactions.” “NNC is the best bunch of social workers that I have ever encountered. I’ve been homeless in South Australia and Queensland and I’ve never received assistance like I have at NNC. All your social workers care and are non-judgemental.” How you can help BHOS If you would like to get in contact with NNC’s Boarding House Outreach Services and volunteer for the next excursion, or would like to enquire about how you can support BHOS programs, please get in touch at: [email protected]. About BHOS NNC’s Boarding House Outreach Services (BHOS) team provides support for residents and owners of general boarding houses across six Inner West Local Government Areas; including parts of the City of Sydney, the Inner West Council, Canterbury-Bankstown, Burwood, Canada Bay and Strathfield. The team provides ongoing case management to people living in boarding houses and assists those experiencing homelessness to gain access to temporary housing with a view to finding more long-term housing solutions. In addition, residents are also supported to access mainstream and specialist services. |
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