The North Bellarine has a new haven for people who need a shoulder to lean on, a new jumper or just a hot cup of coffee.
The new Local North Bellarine charity hub launched in Drysdale this week, welcoming hundreds of people for the official opening on Wednesday.
Brought to Drysdale by charity Local 2 Community, the bright and airy hub offers a full range of supports including crisis support, op shop, wellbeing spaces, foodbank, after-hours homeless support and a coffee bar.
Local 2 Community founder Rebecca Olver said she had been overwhelmed by the community’s enthusiasm for the new centre.
“I’m from the Bellarine Peninsula originally, but I lived in Frankston for eight years…where we formed Local 2 Community in Frankston North six and a half years ago,” she said.
“It’s been huge. We had hundreds of people through the door today…and so many people have said this is so well-needed, we love this’.
Ms Olver, who retired from a career in community-based work to found the initiative, said the heart of Local 2 Community was empowering locals to provide support, dignity and care to fellow community members in need.
“I’m passionate about getting people the help they need, but it doesn’t always need to be a professional approach, it can be a community approach,” she said.
“Psychologists and doctors are very important, but having family, neighbour or friend support can really help people with mental health or physical challenges.”
Visit The Local at 86 Murradoc Road, Drysdale, contact thelocalnorthbellarine@gmail.com or call 0447 099 886.
