Who would have thought we’d be in the middle of an international Coronavirus pandemic in April 2020? After the drought and the fires, a bit of breathing space would have been welcome. 
 
But here we are. 
 
Although we knew about Coronavirus in China as early as January, things didn’t get serious in Australia until early March. And didn’t the action accelerate swiftly from there? The last 6 weeks has felt like an eternity. We find ourselves in the most restrictive environment since World War 2, with physical distancing and infection control protocols now a normal way of life.
 
COVID-19 has caused devastating effects on some people’s health, the economy and our social life. There is no end of commentary in the traditional and social media about how we got here, how to survive it, and when the restrictions should be lifted. No clear sign of when or if daily life will return to normal. Everyone has an opinion, but no one really knows how this is going to play out.
 
It’s been difficult for The Family Centre, as it has been for all community organisations and businesses, to quickly adapt to the changes. We are an essential service and are operating within stringent physical distancing and infection control guidelines. The Family Centre is extremely fortunate that we have government grants to guarantee our funding and maintain the employment of our staff to provide essential services. Others have not been so lucky.
 
Many people in our community have lost their jobs or at least part of their income. Others are isolated and alone. We know people and families are hurting, and that things will get tougher as we go along. 
 
We’re here for you. Our offices are open, our services are available. Don’t hesitate to call us. Together we can work out the best way to support you. 
 
Our team are grateful for the opportunity and ready to serve the community during this difficult time. 

Our 6 Playgroups have come up with some entertaining online delivery to their groups whilst we have been in isolation.
 
Simone, Vanessa, Simon and Ela have all taken to our Family Centre Playgroups Facebook* pages and have been putting a smile on Mums, dads, carers and children’s faces. Some of the sessions are pre-recorded which include story time, craft and backing. The team have also been doing live streaming and it’s great to see everyone interacting and shouting out a big HI!
 
It has also been lovely receiving pictures of the craft and baked goods the children are making after the online sessions.
 
There may not be a bear in there, and a chair as well…but our playgroup workers have talent and are doing an amazing job of putting a smile in everyone’s day! It’s great for the children to see a familiar face on their screens.
 
To find out more about joining The Family Centre’s Playgroups call (07) 5524 8711 or go to [insert link]
 
*These pages are closed groups and only members of The Family Centre Playgroups can join.

Pictured – Above: Playgroup Ballina/Byron – Ela and her 2 children doing craft online. Below: Playgroup Ballina/Byron – Simon doing storytime online. Playgroup Tweed – Vanessa doing Easter craft online and Simone doing storytime online.

Our supporters OzHarvest have continued to deliver rescued food weekly to The Family Centre, from which our staff and volunteers create hampers for participants in our programs. The amount of food received has been overwhelming considering the environment we are in – with many cafes and restaurants closed and supermarkets with shelves empty it has been hard for OzHarvest to keep up the demand for those in need.
 
The weekly hampers make a big difference to the young people and families in our community who receive them.

Pictured: our Frances Street receptionist Karla Middleton and volunteer Trish Cunningham doing a great job packing hampers.

Our Connecting Home team are working on the ground through the COVID-19 pandemic supporting young people who are at risk of homelessness, are homeless or are living in one of Connecting Home properties. Each Tuesday Senior Youth and Family Worker – Kym Greensill visit properties to check in with the young people. During this time Kym has had to be strategic in her delivery of service for the safety of the young people and herself.
 
When the pandemic broke new guidelines were given to young people around what to do if they not feeling well and services to access. If a young person isn’t well Kym can do her regular visit by chatting to the young person at a distance on the front porch.
 
Social isolation can leave young people feeling very disconnected from their networks and the majority of the young people are now studying by distance online or have been stood down from their jobs. The Connecting Home team are finding they are needing to spend extra time with the young people giving them some reassurance and security around the situation.
 
Kym has also put together a list of resources for they young people to access including: free TAFE courses, health and fitness apps, mental health apps.
 
The Connecting Home program currently houses 23 young people in 12 properties in the Tweed, Byron and Ballina Shires.

Pictured: Executive Diretor, David Boutkan joined Kym Greensill on visits to young people in the Connecting Home Program