THE EASTER spirit has arrived early for some housebound Limestone Coast residents who yesterday received gifts symbolising love and comfort from The South East Junction.
The not-for-profit organisation distributed around 20 Easter gift packs to regular program participants and volunteers to boost social inclusion and community engagement.
The Junction coordinator Nel Jans said with the centre’s doors closed, self isolation was a concerning risk for people who previously used the facility as a communal outlet.
“At the best of times social isolation is not good for one’s mental health,” Ms Jans said.
“COVID-19 restrictions have made it difficult to connect with each other so we brainstormed an idea to maintain a social connection while maintaining physical distance.
“For us, we always do something to connect with each other on Easter because we think it is important to share those moments.”
Ms Jans said the packs included chocolate eggs, a handmade card with tips to maintain a healthy mindset and a homemade apple pie by volunteer and qualified chef cook Michael.
According to Ms Jans, apple pie was a symbol of family and cosiness and she hoped when people who received the items would feel as if they were surrounded by loved ones.
“I always find when I eat apple pie, I find myself in a cosy place,” she said.
“When you heat it up a little bit it floods the room with a warm smell.
“It gives this vibe of love, kindness and community.”
Labelling the initiative Apple Pie Chat, Ms Jans said at each drop-off point, a volunteer would have a quick 10-minute talk with the recipient while maintaining social distance.
“Texting, Skype and Zoom are great, but I think people still like to see each other,” Ms Jans said.
“We also see this initiative as a symbol for housebound residents taking power and making their own choices during this time where they may feel like they can not.
“The situation we find ourselves in can trigger a lot of people so we hope this can help everybody feel connected again.”
Facility volunteer Laurena Byers said the initiative showcased the core beliefs of The Junction.
“We are always looking at creative and innovative ways to connect with our members and this is just one example,” she said.
“We also kept with an established routine and distributed these on a Thursday as this is when participants would usually visit us to connect.
“It is a great all-round gift having elements of participants involvement through inclusion of their artwork, but also a part of the volunteers through Michael’s apple pie.”
Ms Jans said Millicent’s outlet also implemented a similar imitative for regular participants and volunteers.
Although closed to the public, The Junction can still be contacted for resources and information through email junctioncoord@gmail.com or by contacting 0477 886 450.
