GOC Care Welfare Centre

The aim of the Greek Welfare Centre is to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the Greek Community, in order to enable them to achieve their full potential in the wider community by facilitating access to mainstream services.

GOC Care Greek Social Welfare Centre offers the following services:

· An information and referral service to the Greek community
(including telephone enquiries and face to face interviews)

· Provision of secondary consultation to mainstream providers in order that we may assist them in developing a culturally sensitive practice.

· Facilitating and improving client access to specialist and mainstream services.

· Community education programs which take the form of community workshops, seminars and forums for the Greek Community and mainstream service providers.

· Counselling – in relation to both individual and family issues

· Family Support – the provision of a range of services that respond to needs and build on family, community and cultural strengths

· Advocacy – assistance with difficulties in accessing services, entitlements and benefits

· Links to Mental Health Services

· Links to Aged Care Services

· Emergency Relief – assistance with food and medication

· Cultural Group Development – development of cultural
activities based on need.

Women’s Exercise Group
This group focuses on offering isolated women in the Greek Community access to organised exercise and social contact on a weekly basis.

60’s and Better Program
This group focuses on offering a culturally appropriate social and educational program for men and women over the age of sixty three days per week.

Senior Citizen’s Group
This group focuses on offering the Greek Community’s senior citizen’s a culturally appropriate social outlet on a fortnightly basis.

Playgroup
This group focuses on mothers of children under five who desire an opportunity to socialise and seek support while their children play in an educational and appropriate environment. This group is run on a weekly basis.

Marriage Preparation Course
This two evening course is aimed at couples who are planning to marry. It is an educational seminar with components covering the Church wedding and spiritual aspects of a marriage, medical and sexual aspects of a marriage, and relationship and psychological aspects of a marriage. This course is run on a needs basis.

Youth Program This program offers a variety of groups to cater to a wide range of interests that young people may have.

1. Youth Drama Group Drama is used as a vehicle for spiritual and personal growth aimed at 13 years +. Held on a fortnightly basis.

2. Youth Fellowship This group is run in partnership with the Church and is aimed at offering a holistic experience of spiritual education, emotional and psychological growth, and a sense of belonging. It is aimed at 13 years+. Held on a fortnightly basis.

3. Junior GOYA This is a social group aimed at 8-13 year olds and is run on a monthly basis.

How to make a referral
· Referrals can be made by self, relative, friend or healthcare worker

How to contact the Greek Welfare Centre

Address
36 Browning Street
South Brisbane 4101

Postal Address
PO Box 3620
South Brisbane 4101

Telephone 07 3844 3669

Fax 07 3844 0967

Email welfare@gocstgeorge.com.au

Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
9am – 4.30pm
Workers are not always available at the office
Please telephone to make an appointment