Services operate despite community centre closure

While the Peninsula Community Centre has been closed by Central Coast Council due to the coronavirus, many of the services offered on the Peninsula by its operator continue.

The Coast Community Connections' youth and counselling services moved several weeks ago to a telehealth platform, offering contact by phone, text, teleconference, messaging, Skype, Zoom and Facetime.

The youth team offers a free service available Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30pm.

Gambling counselling services are available by phone, text, teleconference and messaging, and after hours counselling is provided on request subject to availability.

All home modifications and home maintenance services are continuing as scheduled and available.

The Umina and Woy Woy Before and After School Care services have been consolidated and are being run at Woy Woy at 93 McMasters Rd.

The Woy Woy and Umina vacation care services have been consolidated for the April School holidays and be held in Gosford.

A large outdoor area and three separate indoor areas to allow staff to manage small groups of children of varying age.

The occasional care service has been closed until further notice.

Although the office is closed, finance and executive staff can be contacted by phone, as can the aged care and disability staff

Chief executive Mr Bruce Davis said: "It was important for us to adapt our services in line with current social distancing measures so we could continue to provide important services to our community.

He said the consolidated Vacation Care service had proven to be successful during the first week of the April school holidays, with places still available, and will continue to operate during week two.

"The Home Maintenance and Modifications team are also currently completing several major projects to the value of $350,000 under the NDIS and Commonwealth Home Support schemes," He said.

"We are working hard to adapt to current restrictions and ensure residents in need in the local community are well supported with essential services and equipment such as grab rails, hand showers, so that they feel a greater sense of care and independence in these tough times."

SOURCE:

Interview (Ross Barry), 16 Apr 2002

Bruce Davis, Coast Communiy Connections