JourneyOnline
BLUE Care Rangeview, which provides respite and social support in Ashgrove, celebrated its 25th anniversary and the opening of its new $150,000 Men's Shed on Friday 2 November.
Attending the event were Queensland Premier and Member for Ashgrove, Campbell Newman; Federal Member for Ryan, Jane Prentice; Perpetual Philanthropic Services General Manager, Andrew Thomas; and Blue Care Executives, staff and friends.
Blue Care Rangeview Service Manager Caroline McCormack said the Men's Shed would not had been possible without generous funding from the John Thomas Wilson Endowment, managed by Perpetual, for which Blue Care was extremely grateful.
"This event will not only celebrate the centre's past 25 years but also the changes which have taken place to ensure the services offered remain current and valued in the local community," Mrs McCormack said.
"The Men's Shed is an example of a modern service which will reconnect men with their community and give them an exclusive area to socialise and take part in male-orientated activities.
"A Men's Shed and establishing a social men's group had been a dream of mine for quite some time after I saw how many men were not settling well into social respite or 'club' activities.
"Dreams really can come true – but not without wonderful community support and the generous funding from the John Thomas Wilson Endowment managed through Perpetual.
"The Lions Club of Ashgrove has been involved with this project right from day one and this community connection has been essential to get the shed to what it is today."
The Ashgrove Men's Shed membership is open to all men in the local community. Those interested are encouraged to attend an open day on Wednesday 14 November. Members can enjoy features such as a large-screen television, library, barbeque and outdoor facilities, work shed and gym.
Mrs McCormack said much had changed since the centre first opened in 1988 in terms of how services have been delivered.
"Our services now have a wellness, person-centred focus where the primary things we look at are helping clients reach their potential physically, emotionally and cognitively so that they feel motivated and positively energised," she said.
"Clients don't think of Rangeview Place as respite, rather as a social club to which they are members, where they come to meet new people, make friends and have an enjoyable time.
"When members come in, they all do different things, and form little groups based on their interests − one group might decide one day they would like to go on a day trip to an art gallery in New Farm, so we support them to do that."
Blue Care Rangeview is available for people who are cared for by a friend or family member, or who live alone. A pick up and drop off service is available.
For more information please phone 07 3514 4900.
Photo : Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, Men’s Shed members John Andersen, Rod Cottle, and Alex Pope, with Blue Care Rangeview Service Manger Caroline McCormack (centre).
