Society of St Vincent de Paul Response Centre - Ballarat

About Society of St Vincent de Paul Response Centre - Ballarat

This service is dependant on parish-based groups of volunteers who respond to calls for assistance from people in need in their local community hence not all areas maybe serviced. There is very little or no government funding for this service. Volunteers visit people in their own homes and help to find the most appropriate response to the person's or family's needs. This involves being a supportive listener and may include providing food or food vouchers, clothing, furniture, budget support, assistance with utility bills or back to school costs, information and advocacy. Volunteers meet on a regular basis and work closely with St Vincent de Paul Society's Vinnies Centres assistance. Volunteers also engage in activities such as visiting people in aged residential care, in prisons and provide assistance to Migrants and Refugees, Family Support, Overseas Development and Soup Vans. All services are about offering friendship and establishing relationships with people in need.