The existence of Community Northern Beaches, and it’s ability to help so many people in the Manly area, is no small task. The organisation is the product of many individuals working together with one common goal, to give a helping hand to those in need.
Over the next few weeks we want to introduce you to some of the friendly faces you can find within Community Northern Beaches, and give you an insight into what they do, and how you can get involved too.
Chrissie has volunteered with CNB for the last three years, spending a day or two a week working on the front desk.
‘It’s a nice place to be, really, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a client, a volunteer, or a staff member… it’s a real sense of community.’
Social isolation can be a large factor in many individuals lives, so having friendly volunteers like Chrissie in the centre always up for a chat are great ways to increase interactions and offer support for many individuals, even just with a cup of tea.
‘Just to give them as much comfort, or peace of mind, or security I suppose, to let them know they’re in a safe place. That’s really all we can do.’
Chrissie is one of twenty volunteers who works in reception of CNB. These ladies are the first faces many clients see when they walk through the door, and all play a large role in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
‘As I get to know the different people who tend to come in here, It makes me realise that there are a couple of situations in my life, that makes me think…it could so easily happen to anybody. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor, or where you come from, anyone can easily get themselves into a very vulnerable situation. It could easily happen to anybody.’
Chrissie, now retired, says she first decided to volunteer due to her desire to give back to the manly community.
‘It makes me feel good, and I hope it makes them feel good too.’
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If you want to know how you can get involved in volunteering for Community Northern Beaches, please visit our website: https://www.cnb.org.au/take-action/
Or fill out an enquiry form: https://www.cnb.org.au/volunteering
