In 2017 a small group of East Melbourne neighbours felt a need to band together for support, and started meeting for coffee each month to get to know one another.
Word soon spread and more residents got involved, with all of them sharing a desire for enhanced social wellbeing and community connection.
The group is now the incorporated East Melbourne Neighbour Network (EMNN), which focuses on promoting a spirit of neighbourliness and friendly mutual support.
‘We decided that everyone has something to offer so we banded together to support, engage, and connect residents in our local community,’ said Susan Henderson, President of the EMNN.
After the pandemic began, the network became even more essential in reducing social isolation.
‘Our health and wellbeing were impacted as people retreated to apartments, home offices and local parks. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of having our local network to help connect community members and assist with social isolation and mental health.’
During lockdowns, the EMNN delivered a COVID-19 direct care volunteer program by ‘buddying’ a younger resident with an older resident for regular contact and practical assistance.
It also established an online group called East Melbourne Connect, to enable members to share local news and activities, hints, tips and recipes.