Group 61 Inc. (ABN 27 088 945 247) is an incorporated volunteer organisation which enables fullness of life through friendship with people affected by mental health issues.
The group is a registered charity (No. CH2020).
The group has deductible gift recipiency status with the Australian Tax Office, which means that donations are deductible from your income tax.
People being supported are referred to as Friends because that is how they are treated and that is what they become.
Through friendship comes understanding.
From the volunteer – Friend relationship comes empowerment, which brings fullness of life and the achievement of personal potential.
Group 61 currently operates from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast as far west as Ipswich.
2020 Group 61 AGM Nominations
- Kim Richards - President
- Rebecca Pini - Vice President
- Amanda Goddard - Secretary
- Barry Schipplock - Treasurer
See Group 61 Inc - ACNC Register for a list of all management committee members
Innovation Fund 2020/2020
Group61 has been called to collaborate with other voluntary organizations to work on Partners in Recovery’s innovation fund 2020/2020 project which was just launched last month. In a recent interview, Paul Martin of Partners in Recovery had a brief discussion with Sharon Munn and Julie Richardson of Group61 about our organization’s general background, our main purpose and the different objectives that we intend to achieve. For further information, watch the vodcast of this interview in the video provided below.
Pilot Community Connection Program with the RBWH
This six month pilot program, commencing 1st October, 2020 will provide a visitation program, access to our existing service and warm-line support to inpatients living in the northern metropolitan areas of Brisbane at the critical hospital to home transition.
Twenty-eight enthusiastic volunteers are eagerly waiting to connect with the RBWH inpatients and are preparing an activity program in conjunction with the staff. Visits to the wards will begin on 15 October.
Mobile Phone Connection
Once the RBWH pilot program is underway volunteers will be supplied with a Telstra mobile phone to enable them to make direct contact with their Program Area Coordinator and the inpatient (potential friend) once he/ she transitions to home. These are closed network mobile phones for use in the RBWH Pilot Community Connection Program exclusively. Friends will only be able to call their volunteer. Telstra will also provide mobile phone induction to the inpatients.
Mental Health First Aid Training Course
The first Mental Health First Aid Training Course was held on the 13th & 14th of September. The event was a resounding success with good attendance. Our lively and informative presenter, Amanda Morris, kept everyone interested and involved. This is an excellent course which provides skills for supporting people who are struggling with mental health issues and encouraging them to seek professional help.
If you know of anyone who would like to volunteer their time to assist with this exciting program please phone Group61’s office
3367 8674 or email [email protected] for more information.
Safelink Mentoring Tenant Project
Several tenants, who would benefit from volunteer assistance, have been identified for inclusion in The Safelink Tenant Mentoring Project. Three volunteers have signed up for the program and one more is needed. One of the Safelink volunteers is also working on the RBWH program and, to encourage the integration of our programs, Andy Denniss and Jodie Mears from Churches of Christ Care attended the September volunteer network meeting to speak to our volunteers about the Safelink program. Every effort is being made to coordinate all Group61 projects to facilitate service delivery and we are advertising widely for volunteers. If you would like to participate in the Safelink Mentoring Tenant Project or the Pilot Community Connection Program with the RBWH please contact Julie Richardson at Group61’s office 07 3367 8674 to register your interest.
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