Reaching our Community
Through Services, Projects and Partnerships
Voices of Frankston
The Voices of Frankston Choir (VoF), which commenced
in October 2014, currently has 40 Choir members, most
of whom are residents of the Frankston community and
have varying degrees of disadvantage. A contingency of 10+
volunteers and choir buddies also benefit from the program.
Community Support Frankston is delighted to be part of
the Steering Committee coordinating this fantastic project
which is helping to engage some of Frankston’s most
financially and socially isolated members (including CSF
clients) through the arts in a free and fun social engagement
activity.
Reaching our Community
The choir takes place on a regular weekly basis for
rehearsals at the Uniting Church, Frankston and includes
a free lunch, singing concerts and performances. For many
members of the choir, VoF is the first time they have sung
and performed (especially to members of the public) and
this has been a fantastic confidence boost.
VoF brings community members together to make
new networks, engage in singing and performance as
professionally directed by the School of Hard Knocks.
In addition, the program, through CSF, provides a free
community lunch for participants on a weekly basis by
sourcing and providing healthy meal options through the
in-kind donations of community partners, donors and
volunteers.
A large percentage of Choir members (including Choir
‘buddies’ and supporters) look to the VoF program as not
just a social, but in some instances, therapeutic measure to
assist with loneliness, isolation, physical and mental health
barriers.
Through Services, Projects and Partnerships
Pets in the Park
Community Support Frankston seeks to build relationships
with, and improve the wellbeing of, homeless people
(including those at risk of homelessness) in our society
living with companion animals. The Pets in the Park (PITP)
initiative provides basic health care for animals (on referral)
and promotes responsible pet ownership through the many
partners involved with the program.
70% on either a Newstart or Disability Support Pension.
Around 65% of clients are female and just under 10% of
participants identify as Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanders.
CSF is proud to be involved in the initial set-up of this
project, the Steering Committee, the administration of
client referrals and assisting with volunteers on the day.
PITP provided 39 vaccinations, 107 worming and flea
controls and 26 other medical procedures, including
treatment for infections, arthritis, wounds and skin disease.
PITP Frankston launched in January 2015, after holding two
successful pilot clinics in October and November 2014. PITP
Frankston is modelled on the PITP Sydney program and
operates a free veterinary clinic on the last Sunday of every
month run by volunteer vets, veterinary nurses & helpers.
Without this free service, run entirely by volunteers, these
animals would have either gone untreated or placed a
severe financial burden on their owners.
Analysis of client data to date shows 100% of PITP Frankston
pet owners are on some form of Centrelink payment, with
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Since the launch of Pets in the Park Frankston, up to the end
of June 2015, PITP volunteers treated a total of 75 dogs, 47
cats and four other companion species.
In many instances these animals are one of the most
significant relationships our clients have in their lives, and
by providing adequate care for their pets, the wellbeing of
the owners and animals can greatly improve.
The measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members
Community Support Frankston
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Annual Report 2015
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