A new community service based in Boonah will help the vulnerable and elderly who are struggling with yard maintenance at their home.
An initiative of Carinity Fassifern Community Centre, the Carinity Connections Project was launched on June 29. The community service enables locals to access help with tasks such as lawnmowing and rubbish removal, in exchange for monetary donations.
Funds donated by Carinity Connections clients will support the running of social engagement programs for locals held at Carinity Fassifern Community Centre in Boonah.
Samantha Caves from the Carinity Fassifern Community Centre said the Carinity Connections Project is designed to assist people in need and help alleviate social isolation in the community.
"Fassifern Community Centre often receives calls from older and vulnerable members who need assistance with lawnmowing services, rubbish removal, pet feeding or simply moving a piece of furniture," Samantha said.
"Our new service will offer practical supports for vulnerable people and the elderly who may be socially isolated or have no transportation. It will also reduce social isolation impacts for vulnerable community members, by helping them to make social connections with others."
"Jobs can include small yard mowing, whipper snipping, weeding gardens, rubbish removal, dump runs, small errands, even feeding animals if elderly people are unable to are or in hospital, for example."
Gardening equipment and a box trailer used for the service has been funded by Scenic Rim Regional Council's Community Grant Program.
Services will be delivered by volunteers, Carinity Bunderra disability clients, and Fassifern Suicide Prevention Network members.
Samantha anticipates the Carinity Connections Project will "assist the development of daily living and life skills" for participants.
"It is proposed the project will engage the long-term unemployed, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients and volunteers," Samantha said.
"Providing individual life skills development and training, and social and recreational participation, will increase participants' independence in daily personal activities - and hopefully enable them to obtain employment."
Carinity Connections services will be available on the fourth Thursday of each month and will run until November this year.
It is part of Community Connectors, which connects people in the western Scenic Rim region, Boonah and Fassifern to other people or groups in their community.
To enquire about the Carinity Connections Project or make an appointment for a service phone 5463 2966.
