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NALAG (NSW) GUNNEDAH DISTRICT CHAPTER |
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION for LOSS and GRIEF - NSW (NALAG) |
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This Chapter was officially opened at a Dinner on 21st July 2003 following a review by New England Area Health in 2001 ascertaining a need for grief and loss support in the area. An interim Committee was established in July 2002. Trudy Hanson and volunteers from Dubbo held two weekend workshops on Basic Counselling Skills and Assessment. Tools for Loss and Grief. Rick Keith NEAH held one on Suicide Risk and Assessment Training and Robina Otripcek held a Telephone Answering Course. Police and Working With Children checks were organised by Dubbo Office and eight volunteer members were interviewed and the Volunteer Agreement signed. Accredited volunteers are able to give 2 hours per week in support and long term NALAG member Merrilyn Bell; Clinical Nurse Specialist and Mental Health Counsellor in Gunnedah NEAH provides monthly supervision and training. Other volunteer members have chosen to man the office in 41342 Conadilly Street from 1 10am to 2pm on Mondays & Thursdays and some Wednesdays. Help raise funds, provide community education days and do some visiting. We currently have 24 financial mernbers and welcome new ones. Any donations are tax deductable. People who have had to make changes in their lives which cause them sorrow and stress and wish to tell their story can self refer to a co ordinator for a volunteer, They come from the community with a wide background of skills. We liase with Coonabarabran and Armidale NALAG Chapters. Meetings are held on 2nd Tuesdays at 5.30pm in Education Centre in Hospital grounds. President being Elva Shumack, Vice President Shirley Hall, Secretary Jeanerie Clifton, Treasurer Ula Lightfoot. Our AGM will be at 5.30pm on Friday July 23 followed by an Accreditation Workshop for anyone interested at 7pm going through Saturday July 24, 2004. |