The recent lockdowns in NSW and the ACT have caused a new wave of anxiety and uncertainty first experienced in the 2020 lockdowns. Families can’t leave their homes, people living alone are left further isolated, and those who are vulnerable are struggling the most.
People have approached Anglicare emergency relief services for help wearing T-shirts wrapped around their faces because they haven’t been able to buy a mask, or asking for food which they have to eat while stranded in their cars as they have no-where else to stay during lockdowns.
The situation is heartbreaking, and the full impact on people’s wellbeing will probably not be known for many months after the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.
But in the midst of the uncertainty and chaos, Anglicare teams across the region are working hard to remain a safe place and haven of stability for people most in need.
One of these people is David.
David is in his 40s and lives in Canberra. In early 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself struggling mentally and emotionally. The trauma of being alone was compounded by other circumstances in his life that had left him further isolated and feeling like he had no-one to turn to for help.
When he was at his lowest, David reached out to the team at Gordon Community Centre. The centre is based in the south of Canberra and runs as a partnership between Anglicare and Lanyon Valley Anglican Church.
“I knew the community centre had a food hub, so I came here using that as an excuse to ask for counselling because I was in such a bad spot,” says David. “There wasn’t a counselling service offered, but one of the volunteers at the centre said ‘There’s a minister here. You can talk to him if you like?’”
Rev’d Jonathan Holt from Lanyon Valley church was working at the Gordon Community Centre that day and was happy to meet with Justin. “I could tell that Justin really wanted to someone to talk to and connect with. He’s such a generous guy who loves to care for people, and genuine connection was clearly on his heart,” recalls Jonathan. “I knew I’d need to do a lot of listening and make it safe for Justin to share as much of his story as he as he wanted to.”
Jonathan made time to catch up with Justin for an hour or so each week where they would discuss different issues. These catch ups continued by phone during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Jonathan was surprised and encouraged by Justin’s courage and his dedication to meet up every week to discover truths within the Bible that addressed his needs and circumstances.
While most people who reach out for emergency assistance need food or help with bills, at Anglicare we know that often people are experiencing deep feelings of rejection, anxiety and disconnection. Many times this sort of need is hidden out of shame or anxiety. Anglicare, with the support of church partners like Lanyon Valley Anglican Church, want to see these hidden needs addressed too.
“Coming to Gordon Community Centre was one of the best things I’ve ever done! I’ve been speaking with Jonathan since 2020 and it still continues to this day,” says David. “It’s changed my life dramatically. Through Anglicare I’ve found my belief in God again. I’d lost my belief. Just catching up with one person, and discussing this one book [the Bible] has changed my life!”
David now lends a hand with events at the centre by cooking on the BBQ and assisting the volunteer team.
An estimated 80-100 people come through the Gordon Community Centre every month to receive food assistance, participate in the playgroup activities or informal classes, and join the community lunch or just catch up for a ‘cuppa’. All these activities are designed to support the local area and keep people connected, with services adapting and continuing, even during COVID-19 lockdowns.
“I want other people to be part of this centre in the same way as David so they can begin that step by step journey to healing and connection with others,” explains Jonathan. “In the years we’ve been running Gordon Community Centre so many lives, like David’s, have been changed. We want this centre to continue to be a safe place where people in any kind of need can come. The kindness shown by the staff and volunteers here is the type of care that can change lives and communities.”
Many times the work of Anglicare is evident in tangible ways through food parcels, material aid, case management or referral services. But the work of Anglicare is intangible too. David’s story is just one of many in which Anglicare’s services are a connection point where people find healing in their own hearts; where their view of themselves and their outlook on life can be transformed in healthy and truthful ways. For David, it led him to renewed faith.
“When I walk in each week, the volunteers know my name and call out hello to me,” says David. “Outside this building, people look down on me and I don’t feel that I’m worth much, but when I come in here I feel wanted and worthwhile. It shocked me a bit at first. It’s overwhelming.”
All our centres are still operating during lockdowns because we know that vulnerable individuals and families still need help. Our teams are adapting our services to ensure we can support everyone in a safe way.
Pictured below: Staff, volunteers and local community members at Gordon Community Centre.
