A Council-run group dedicated to helping isolated men get back into the community has received recognition through a grant worth $1600 from ClubGRANTS NSW.
Run by Orange City Council’s ‘Choices at Home’ community services wing, the Men’s Group provides ongoing support for men of all ages.
It’s in a relaxed environment where men can meet like-minded people and access information on services available to help them at home.
Orange City Council’s Services Committee chair, Councillor Ron Gander said aim of the group was to help men who feel isolated from society and need extra support to move back into the community.
“The program started with a group of men who didn’t know each other, but has now turned into a group of friends.
“The men are in charge of what happens in their group. “They discuss and choose where each week will take them.”
With the help of a 12-seater bus, the group has travelled to the Millthorpe Museum, Mount Panorama and is set to visit the Parkes Telescope as the weather warms up, said Cr Gander.
The Men’s Group meets every second Friday of the month and the meetings generally attract between 10-20 men.
Group member Ted Mortimer started attending the Men’s Group after he moved to Orange from Dubbo.
“I moved to Orange two years ago,” he said.
“I heard about this group from the people at Home & Community Care and I’ve been coming ever since.”
The clubs grant will be used to subsidise entry fees and travel costs.
