Charlotte Varcoe
A MAJOR funding partnership between the Mount Gambier In Home Hospice Care and the Freemasons will enable a grief, loss and bereavement care program to begin.
The Grand Lodge of Freemasons South Australia and Northern Territory will give $90,000 in grant funding to the organisation over the next three years to support the extension program.
Aimed at supporting family members, volunteers and staff who are involved in the care of those experiencing end-of-life issues, the program will include individual and group counselling, information sessions for clients, families and carers.
A part-time social worker will also be employed as part of the newly established employee assistance program which will provide support to those in need.
In Home Hospice Care now supports 35 volunteers for the overall program with another 10 ready to join the ranks.
Chairperson Maureen Klintberg said volunteers, workers, clients and families who will utilise the program were extremely grateful to the Masonic Charities Trust.
Ms Klintberg said the counselling program would be of great benefit to the broader community.
“The program will encourage our volunteers and staff to seek out support early, helping to ensure we adopt a proactive, preventative approach to mental health and assist in creating a culture of care by helping volunteers and staff to resolve issues and stress before it becomes overwhelming,” Ms Klintberg said.
“It will also enable an expansion to our community services and provide compassionate support and information about grief and bereavement, and help people overcome loneliness and isolation, providing the ability to connect with people in similar circumstances.”
Grand Lodge of Freemasons South Australia and Northern Territory Grand Master David Booker said all members agreed the project would best support the local community.
“We assessed the application based on the merits of what we believe would best support the broader community and this was one that ticked all the boxes,” Mr Booker said.
“The In Home Hospice Care Program obviously has fantastic support from the community and both local councils, has a lot of volunteers who participate and it is a great program because there are no other services or outlets that provide this care.”
Hospice manager Sandi Elliot said the initial idea came after identifying the need for further grief and loss counselling.
“We spoke with the Freemason’s regional manager about our idea for the counselling and they said it was something they would be interested in supporting and encouraged us to apply,” Ms Elliot said.
“We believe it is a perfect add-on to our programs we have currently and will really enhance what we are doing now.”
The organisation will also host a fundraising event at the Glenburnie Hall with the band Back Room Panic playing for guests.
The event will be held on May 28 with tickets on sale beginning from $30.
Each ticket holder will receive a free raffle entry as well as nibbles and tea and coffee upon arrival.
