Free local support services help COVID recovery

Free, localised support services to help in the recovery from COVID-19 have begun to be delivered in the South-West and Peel regions of Western Australia across communities where Alcoa operates its bauxite mines and alumina refineries.

Alcoa has partnered with Anglicare WA and Foodbank WA to help local families and individuals impacted by the pandemic in the local government areas of Kwinana, Murray and Waroona, as well as parts of the shires of Harvey and Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

Through Alcoa’s partnership with Anglicare WA, specific coronavirus support services tailored to meet the needs of each local community have commenced with the assistance of local partners GP down south and FinUCAre.

The free programs range from mental health support and assistance with financial instability, as well as parenting support services in some locations.

Anglicare WA Parenting Manager Justine Hansen said despite the spread of the virus being all but stopped in Western Australia, the social and economic impacts were still being felt widely and were likely to get worse before they got better.

Mrs Hansen said in Kwinana and Shires of Murray, Harvey and Waroona, people were doing it tough, many of whom had never had to ask for help before and mightn’t be aware of available support.

“People living in Kwinana, Pinjarra, Harvey, Yarloop, Cookenup and Waroona can now register for mental health and financial support services. Parenting support services will be available in some locations in coming months,” said Mrs Hansen. “The services are free and will be delivered until May 2021.”

At Kwinana’s Frank Konecny Community Centre, mental health counselling will be delivered by Anglicare WA on Wednesdays and financial support services will be provided by FinUCAre on Thursdays.

At Pinjarra’s Murray House Resource Centre, mental health counselling will be delivered by Anglicare WA on Mondays and financial support services will be provided by FinUCAre on Tuesdays.

At the Harvey and Yarloop Community Resource Centres, mental health counselling is provided fortnightly on Tuesdays by GP down south. Financial support services will also be available in the coming months.

At the Waroona Community Resource Centre, every Friday mental health counselling will be delivered by GP down south and financial support services will be provided by FinUCAre. Parenting support services will also be available in coming months.

Alcoa Corporate Affairs Manager Suellen Jerrard said the importance of locally tailored and delivered programs during this time of need could not be underestimated and the company was pleased to be able to assist organisations like Anglicare WA and Foodbank WA provide such support.

To access services in your local area, you can register by calling 1300 114 446, emailing info@anglicarewa.org.au or visiting the Anglicare WA website.