BHRG president Kate Holmes said a key objective of the organisation’s response to homelessness, hardship and disadvantage was to ensure its volunteers were also supported through the development of skills necessary to run the Welcome Place programs.
“Many of our volunteer team have committed to weekly shifts since last September, and with the opening of the Welcome Place Night Shelter, we have a large cohort of new volunteers dedicating their evenings and overnight time to opening the shelter doors,” she said.
The Centre chief executive Sue Geals said it was a great collaboration.
“The Centre is delighted to work with Benalla Homelessness Response Group and Waminda Community House to deliver first aid training to volunteers in Benalla,” she said.
“Training that builds the capability and capacity of volunteers, whose dedication and selfless commitment to our community is part of what makes the community of Benalla such a great place to work and live.”
Waminda Community House manager Leeane Bullard said it was focused on supporting and advancing community and individuals.
“The foundations of this work relies on our terrific partnerships and wonderful volunteers,” she said.
“The first aid course delivered for volunteers recently grew from a desire of the Benalla Homelessness Response Group and Waminda to recognise and upskill our volunteers.
“The Centre’s Sue Geals has been a wonderful supporter of both our organisations and, along with her staff, created the first aid training opportunity right here in Benalla.”
This first aid training, delivered by The Centre, is the first of three training opportunities for Welcome Place volunteers.
BHRG is also offering accidental counsellor and safeTALK suicide alert training to its Welcome Place team, as well as volunteers across the community.
“These courses, delivered by the Anxiety Recovery Centre of Victoria, will be offered free of charge to registered volunteers within the Benalla community, thanks to funding through the Social inclusion Action Group and Tomorrow Today Foundation,” Ms Holmes said.
“Skills development programs offered through our organisation are a way of giving back to volunteers, building community resilience and supporting everyday people to be able to respond to hardship and homelessness.”
Accidental counsellor training is a full-day course running on Saturday, August 30 from 9am to 5pm, and will be followed by safeTALK suicide alert training on Saturday, September 6 from 10am to 2pm.
It will take place at the Benalla Presbyterian Church, 3 Church St, Benalla.
Participants must register to attend and can email their interest to welcomeplacenightshelter@gmail.com.
The Welcome Place, Benalla’s night shelter, is open throughout winter from 6pm to 7am.
On Sunday and Monday it is located at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 67 Arundel St.
On Tuesday and Wednesday it is located at the Benalla Baptist Church, 57-59 Bridge St West.
On Thursday and Friday it is located at the Benalla Presbyterian Church, 3 Church St.
If you need somewhere warm to stay, call or text 0494 134 957.
