Wandin Italian Project
Ranges CHS has been working with the Italian community over the past 4 years, with a view to improve the social connections for the Italian Community in the Wandin Monbulk area.
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Needs of the group
Issues such as loneliness and inactivity were the main areas that
required immediate attention. Community involvement has been the main focus to
ensure that the needs of this target group were met, but also to include, working in close partnership with other agencies to support this process.
Linking with the Italian Community was the first priority to help us identify their health needs, and allowed Ranges staff to familiarise themselves with this community.
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Partnerships
To improve the social connectness of the Italian Community, partnering with other agencies was critical. Keen interest was expressed by the Shire of Yarra Ranges and Mont De Lancey, who saw this partnership as an opportunity to engage with this community.
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Outcomes
A range of positive outcomes have resulted from the ongoing work with the Italian community
over the past 12 months. The highlights include:
** A number of social activities were planned and implemented throughout the year
** Monthly shopping trips were organised with an external agency
** Access to library services were made available to the Italian Community
** Walking groups were organised at Wandin through the Shire
** Information about services available to the Wandin community were
distributed in Italian and speakers were invited to talk on various health topics
** The provision of transport to attend specific activities were made available through the support of volunteers and other key transport services
** Collaboration with Eastern Volunteers (Yarra Valley Community Access Project) to have the Volunteer Transport brochures translated into Italian
and distributed to the Lilydale and Wandin Communities
** Links were developed with agencies and organisations to support
community networks for collation of Italian heritage
** Staff within Ranges CHS received specific training from VITS (Victorian Interpreting and Translation Service) and MIC (Migrant Information Centre)
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For further information
For more information, please contact Fran Foote or Sig Angerer at Ranges Community Health Service on 9739 4577.
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