STEPS offers much more than access to health services for disadvantaged community members. Pictured are Karen Mullane, Michelle Dixon and Sue Hawkins. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Echuca-Moama is a thriving community that is only growing. One of the many reasons people love the region is the multitude of groups they can be a part of.
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To help you find the right group, check out our ‘Why not join...’ series, where we focus on a community group.
In today’s edition, Ryan Bellingham speaks to STEPS.
For over 27 years, STEPS has been helping out the Echuca-Moama community in multiple ways.
While the volunteer group offers services for those with a Health Care Card, it also acts as a drop-in centre for social connection and a morning tea, all for a gold coin donation.
Volunteer Anna Thompson at work in the kitchenette.
Co-ordinator Karen Mullane said anybody was welcome to attend STEPS, which operates three days per week out of the Echuca Moama Uniting Church.
“You don’t have to have a Health Care Card to actually have a sandwich and a cup of coffee — it’s just for the services,” she said.
Current services on offer include chiropractic, Bowen therapy, foot care, reiki and podiatry referral, delivered by volunteers.
Harry Nikas, David Turnbull, Cara Jones, Wendy Richardson and Michele Dixon enjoy a cuppa.
Long-time attendee David Turnbull said his older brother introduced him to the group in the 1990s, and he appreciated its positive effect on his mental health.
“I suffer from anxiety, and this is my go-to place, where I feel calm,” he said.
“I also like catching up with people I know, plus meeting new people when they come in.”
Attendees agreed that it was a safe place to come and enjoy a hot drink and meal while connecting with others.
As well as having a chance to socialise, foodstuffs donated by local businesses are available to take home, including from bakeries in the community.
“Our clients take whatever they want, and then we take what’s left over to Salvos or Neighbourhood House,” Ms Mullane said.
Referrals to food relief services in Echuca are encouraged for those who need it, and STEPS can point clients in the right direction for other healthcare services.
Shower facilities are also available in the church and can be used by clients as required.
To continue providing valued relief for community members, the group is calling on volunteers to donate any time they can spare.
“We would like some more volunteers, especially for the kitchen, to help out if anyone’s (able and interested) to give us an hour or two,” Ms Mullane said.
Therapists and co-ordinators are also encouraged to volunteer, and donations are welcomed, as the group does not receive ongoing funding.
STEPS is open to the public from 10am to 12.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week.
All are welcome to meet the group at the Echuca Moama Uniting Church via the Hare St entrance, which is accessible to people with mobility issues.
“You don’t join at all — just come, come and have a talk to someone and not be on your own,” Ms Mullane said.
For inquiries, email Sue Hawkins at suekins7@bigpond.com
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