Improving health and wellbeing

Narrabri and District Community Aid Service Inc has been steadfast in its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people in the region since 1974.

The non-for-profit organisation was recently recognised at the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for continuing to fulfil its vision of achieving ‘a connected, inclusive, vibrant community that is safe, healthy, and resilient’.

NDCAS was named runner-up in the ‘Medical and Health Related Services’ category.

“We were surprised but very grateful and appreciative,” said NDCAS community development officer Kayla Nehrkorn.

“I was very proud of our team because our team works really hard,” added NDCAS manager Joshua Pattison.

“We picked this job and we’re in this field to help the community, from the NDCAS admin staff through to the staff seeing clients every day – we’re here to help people.”

The local non-for-profit organisation is a constant source of support for individuals and families, offering vital services to the homeless, domestic violence victims, sole parents, expectant parents, family groups as well as providing a women and children’s refuge, youth centre, toy library and playgroup.

“We want to be that place where you can come and an NDCAS person can walk with you and help you find some hope for where you’re at and whatever you’re going through,” said Joshua.

“We value the community and believe there’s opportunities for every person to have hope even if they can’t see it for themselves.”

NDCAS works side-by-side with people to help them find realistic and sustainable solutions, so they can achieve their goals.

Empowering clients through learning opportunities and assistance with life skills, such as how to obtain and maintain permanent accommodation or parenting programs providing strategies to manage a child’s behaviour.

It’s life-changing work that Joshua and Kayla said has been strengthened in the last year by NDCAS’ collaboration with other organisations.

“Through our partnership with Summit Community Housing we’ve really been able to increase the positive outcomes for people at-risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness in a climate where homelessness and housing pressures are quite significant,” said Joshua.

NDCAS is also well-known for bringing fun and free events to the shire, providing entertainment for families, children, and teenagers.

From the thrill of the popular Colour Run initiative to the travelling toy library, youth breakfast initiative and high school programs to build self-esteem, NDCAS plays a huge role in boosting the physical and mental wellbeing of young people across the shire in a comfortable, engaging, and enjoyable way.

“The purpose of all the events we hold is to create that sense of belonging and increase participation within the community, so getting people out and together is what it’s all about.”