Drop-in centre risks closure
Depression Support Network in trouble
TOOWOOMBA’S only drop-in centre to help people with mental illnesses is just weeks from closing if it can’t get more donations.
The Depression Support Network on Bell St has been a staple of Toowoomba’s community support for a decade, but organisers have said it would be forced to close if it couldn’t pay its rent or power.
The news would affect the dozens of people each week who use the service, as well as several Work For The Dole participants who use the DSN as a chance to gain work experience and upskill.
One participant is Blake Conroy, who wants to study counselling and has found the experience at DSN valuable.
He said the value of the centre was its role as a safe place for people struggling.
“I’ve had a few instances where people have come in and they have gone to other places and they didn’t help – they actually come here and try to get help through us,” Mr Conroy said.
“I’m going to be studying counselling very soon, which is the main reason why I joined here.
“There are a lot of regulars, but they come in whenever they feel like.”
Fellow WFTD participant Chris Rainbow started at the centre to help coordinators Kylie and Jenny Nicholson with their IT systems, but stayed on to help the clients.
“There have been a lot of people coming in and some of them have been in tears,” he said.
“We get plenty of walk-ins and there are several regulars, so if this place would close down, I don’t know what they’d do.”
Ms Nicholson said the DSN’s financial problems began last year when the organisation’s committee dissolved, taking with it a valuable sponsor.
“We have got some grant money, but basically that’s it,” she said.
To donate, like the Depression Support Network on Facebook and follow the links.