BELMONT CENTRE MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO CLOSE

I WAS appalled to hear of the proposed closure of the Health and Wellbeing Centre (HAWC) in Belmont.

Five years ago St Laurence recognised a need and opened this centre. There are now 320 clients.

The growth in membership shows the importance and necessity both now, and in the future, of this type of facility.

Clients initially were older and many are still over 60, but there are younger people joining with progressive diseases such as MS. Without this service they would struggle and some may even become institutionalised.

This centre manages clients with various needs, all requiring some form of therapy. It caters for health issues, physical and psychological (including acquired brain injuries), and assists cancer survivors.

This latter group, run by volunteers, goes under the name of “Strive to Thrive”. Participants feel very comfortable, secure and support each other. Four times a year they run a 12-week program after which their clients leave with more confidence, greater hope and a determination to lead fulfilling lives.

The centre is managed by a small, dedicated group of people, each one highly professional, and extremely proficient. Staff work closely with each client, observing, guiding and advising.

Most of these clients require ongoing therapy. Losing a facility such as this could put an even greater burden on already overworked hospitals and rehabilitation centres. This is not a gym, it is a therapeutic centre.

My understanding is that there is only one other such facility in Australia.

The Belmont centre will close in June because St Laurence cannot get financial support.

This centre must not close. With an ageing population and earlier detection of neurological diseases, this centre and others like it will be needed. It not only provides an important service to this community, but it also provides jobs — something needed in Geelong.

Many members including myself have written to the appropriate politicians, but to date very little interest has been shown.

What an opportunity for Geelong to show the way. Jeanette Waterhouse, Highton