Kiama will this weekend become the first area in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven to welcome the internationally regarded Compassionate Communities (ComCom) model.
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The ComCom model looks at the important role community can play in supporting each other during times of loss and grief, rather than it just being a matter for health and social services.
"The recent suicides in the region have highlighted the need to broaden the conversation to encompass a whole of life perspective around death, grief and bereavement,'' project local lead Gretel Van-Lane said.
The GroundSwell Project, in partnership with the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Local Health District, received NSW Health funding earlier this year to bring the model to the district.
The recent suicides in the region have highlighted the need to broaden the conversation to encompass a whole of life perspective around death, grief and bereavement.
- Gretel Van-Lane
Ms Van-Lane said Kiama was chosen a few months ago because of the readiness of the community.
"When we were funded at the beginning of the year we were looking across the district at different communities that will be ready for Compassionate Communities," she said.
"We found because Kiama already has a really strong volunteer base, there is Dementia Friendly Kiama and a number of initiatives already in the community, that told us there was already an appetite for it.
"Bringing the Compassionate Communities model to Kiama is an opportunity to bring together many existing community groups, individuals and organisations who are active in this space and offers a chance to work together.
Workshops are being held at the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre on Sunday, August 30 (10am-2pm), Monday (9am-12pm or 6-9pm) and Tuesday, September 1 online from 12pm to 2pm.
Email gretel@thegroundswellproject.com to register.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
