By Shelby Brooks
Newly elected Pakenham MP Emma Vulin toured Living Learning Pakenham on Monday 27 February to hear about the centre’s needs moving forward.
Glenda George, community engagement manager, said it was great to be able to speak to the MP about significant projects happening in the area over the next four years, and the support available for the local community.
“We work with the multicultural community and support them. There are very little services out here for those communities,” Glenda said.
“We’d like to see more projects to support them.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, LLP ran a food pack program to support the multicultural community.
“We’re seeing that need continue with the increase in rental costs and higher mortgages. A lot of people on temporary visas need that support,” Glenda said.
“We’d welcome funding to continue that food pack program.”
LLP provides training, education and skill development and delivers programs and activities promoting participation and inclusion – from English language classes to safe driving, home-based small business courses, money management programs and a beautiful community garden.
LLP also works in partnership with a range of free services to provide much-needed specialised support to the local community.
A number of years ago, LLP’s chief executive Miriam Cadwallader identified the enormous need for more support services to be located in Cardinia Shire.
“I have an issue with organisations who are funded by government to deliver services in specific local government areas but expect community to travel long distances to access them,” Miriam said.
“At LLP, we have established shared spaces and consulting suites for services to run outreach programs. Having locally-based services supports the local community – it’s a win-win.”
The services located at LLP include:
* BSL Jobs Victoria Program is for long-term jobseekers, providing one-on-one support to help renew jobseekers’ confidence and connect them with employment opportunities. Kylie is available Tuesdays to Thursdays to assist with employment, including resume development, job application,
interview coaching and training opportunities. Call 0491 050 613 to discuss how they can help.
* Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC) provides a Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program on Thursdays for people in private rentals, rooming houses and caravan parks who need help with urgent repairs, rent arrears, notices to vacate and bond claims. PCLC also provides free legal advice on a broad range of matters including family, criminal and civil law on Fridays.
* Missions Australia’s ParentsNext program helps parents with children receiving parenting payments to overcome barriers to participating and/or returning to the workforce. Through a tailored planned approach and preparation, parents are supported with future study opportunities or employment.
* ermha365 provides Assertive Outreach as part of its Commonwealth Psychosocial Support service on Wednesdays 9am-12pm. ermha365 provides mental health support services for people living with a mental illness in the south eastern region of Melbourne.
For further information about Living Learning Pakenham’s programs and support services, call LLP on 5941 2389 weekdays between 9am and 5pm or visit the website livinglearning.org.au
