CatholicCare Social Services offers brighter future for Gloucester

This Tuesday 11 August, CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning will officially open a new office at 47 King Street, in the heart of Gloucester.

 
Bishop Bill Wright will join staff and clients of CatholicCare as well as representatives from the local parish, Gloucester Shire Council, and the government and non-government sectors for the opening and blessing of the new office at 11.00am.

 
CatholicCare Director, Helga Smit, said that the expansion of the services, already offered in Gloucester remotely from Taree, into Gloucester will make a real difference in people's lives.

 
"Like many small rural communities, Gloucester has significant needs in the areas of social and counselling services, our new office will give Gloucester community members access to a vital service and reduce the pressures on vulnerable people who currently travel long distances to seek the help and support they need," Ms Smit said.

 
Services provided by the Gloucester office include counselling, mental health support services (PHaMs), targeted early intervention services (Brighter Futures), youth services and disability support services.

 
The Leadership Team of St Joseph's Parish, Gloucester will also occupy a space on site, modelling a unique holistic approach to pastoral care and further adding value to the Gloucester through the offering of a variety of services, all from one location.

 
CatholicCare has operated in the Hunter and Manning region for over 50 years, providing services in counselling, foster care, disability care, youth services, relationship education and refugee support. The expansion of services into Gloucester takes the number of office locations to five (Gloucester, Taree, Cardiff, Mayfield and Maitland).

 
The opening event will feature performances and entertainment by local school students.

 
Members of the public can access the services of CatholicCare Gloucester by phoning (02) 6558 1777 or visiting www.catholiccare.org.au.

 

Media Opportunity

 
WHAT: Official Opening and Blessing of CatholicCare's new office at Gloucester

 
WHO: Bishop Bill Wright – Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, representatives from Gloucester Council, CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, and the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

 
WHERE: 47 King Street, Gloucester

 
WHEN: 11.00am for an 11.30am start, Tuesday 11 August 2015
Media are welcome to attend: to confirm your attendance at the event, please call CatholicCare Communications Co-ordinator, Jamie-Lee Habeler on 0437 307 425.