One of the goals of the Rotary Club of Banora Tweed is to support the maintenance of mental wellbeing in the Tweed Banora community. We are all on a spectrum somewhere between mentally healthy and mentally ill and there are public and private opportunities available that people can access that supports mental health. It’s important to recognise that mentally ill people are the domain of mental health professionals and that non-professional interventions can do more harm than good. However, there are many gaps in the mental health field. Our club has two initiatives specifically aimed at supporting people in our area with social connection and engagement. Social connection is a very important component underpinning mental health.
Initiative 1. Flood effected and Challenged People
Chinderah has a large population of low-income people living in caravans and residences adjacent to the Tweed River. In 2022 (similar to Lismore) these communities were heavy impacted by flooding with their caravans and residences being severely damaged. The Chinderah Community Hub was established to support flood effected residents of Chinderah in the Tweed Valley. The Chinderah Community Hub and the existing Tweed Family Centre provide support to challenged people in the Banora Tweed community. The Chinderah Community Hub provides flood effected residents with food, clothing, household items and advice and information regarding accessing flood recovery assistance.
A Rotarian member interviewed both of these organisations to assess whether there were practical things we could do to support the mental health of their clients.
The interview indicated that these people had lost their hobby materials e.g. knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading and games which provided residents with enjoyable and often meaningful activities. Through the club we provided book cases, lots of novels and magazines, knitting needles, wool, crocheting needles and material. This gave flood effected people something to engage with each day. We also financially assisted the Chinderah Community Hub to provide some Christmas cheer and the Club put on lunch for the residents of one of the caravan parks. It was the first time the residents had come together since the flood. In a small way it helped residents to connect with each other. Similarly, we supported The Family Centre to provide Christmas cheer to disadvantaged families at a time that was challenging for families.
Imitative 2 Activity for Senior Men
The Banora Tweed area has a larger than normal senior population, many who have moved to the area to retire. Research indicates that some men experience a loss of purpose, meaning and loneliness in retirement. Whilst there are excellent organisations like the Men’s Shed and golf clubs, they don’t meet everyone’s needs. The Rotary Club of Banora Tweed initiated a Menz group. The objective of the group is to provide an opportunity for men to meet other men in a safe environment. Through the sharing of conversation, their life stories and banter, they build connection and trust which enables some to feel comfortable enough to request support for any current challenges. Just knowing someone is listening to their challenges is beneficial.
The Menz Mob meet twice a month, have a coffee and a facilitated conversation for 2 hours, and then we have lunch together. The South Tweed Sports Club provides a room for us. A Rotarian and a Beyond Blue Counsellor facilitate the group. We have a fairly standard process of a check-in, where all attendees indicate how they are. (it’s supposed to be about their feelings, health, well-being but it often strays into other areas). Secondly, they are invited to discuss any of their concerns, issues etc and then the conversation is usually directed to current affairs type topics. Most members of the Menz group follow on with lunch together in a relaxed environment. This initiative is an opportunity for senior men to build new social connections and to feel comfortable in seeking help if needed.
Finally, to improve social connection within the club, we have implemented a monthly coffee morning catchup with instruction that we don’t discuss Rotary matters.
