By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A NEW centre in Berwick will provide vulnerable locals better access to support.
The Berwick Social Support Centre was opened on Thursday 23 October to provide recreational programs to people with a disability or the elderly.
The new facility is the third centre available for Casey’s Home and Community Care (HACC) clients and will cater to those who find it difficult to travel to the Narre Warren or Cranbourne site.
“As the City of Casey grows, so too do the demands on our social support services,” City of Casey mayor Mick Morland said.
“Council has worked closely with the Department of Health to deliver additional services to the growing number of HACC clients, but limited facilities have impacted council’s ability to meet the needs of the community.
“We’ve received strong feedback that travel time to access centre-based services is a real concern for our clients.”
The support centres provide recreational, social and cultural activities including gardening, exercise, cooking and social outings for clients.
Cr Morland said council had also established the Casey Social Support Planning Network which aimed to collaborate a range of social support agencies to better plan and co-ordinate recreational activities.
“By taking a co-ordinated approach, the network is able to identify gaps in services and develop new and innovative ways of delivering social support services to HACC eligible residents in Casey,” Cr Morland said.
The Berwick Social Support Centre is located at 110 High Street, Berwick.
For more information about activities available at the centre or HACC eligibility, contact the City of Casey.
