Council helps Community Support Frankston assist those in need
Published on 02 June 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, support from Council has helped Frankston City’s most vulnerable access warm meals and other essentials at Community Support Frankston (CSF).
CSF received a grant from Council to aid in the purchase of emergency food and equipment as part of the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Package, unanimously endorsed on 11 May 2020.
The grant was backed up by staff redeployment support to help with increased community needs and assistance in the creation of a takeaway meal service.
CSF Manager, Steve Phillips said, “We have managed to stay connected with chronically disadvantaged people and new faces who had needed to reach out for the first time.”
“A minor renovation enabled us to maintain the service. The new space has allowed us a safe area to keep providing face-to-face assistance to, including hot and nutritious takeaway meals, between 12 and 2pm daily.
“We have been working with Meals on Wheels and other local businesses to provide gluten free, vegan and vegetarian meal options,” Mr Phillips said.
The funding has also allowed CSF to complete phone-based assessments and make daily deliveries to those unable to leave their homes.
Mr Phillips said food and vouchers for clothing, petrol, whitegoods and food had been delivered to many who had called for an assessment during the pandemic.
“We’re also assisting people to stay connected with utility essentials, paying bills, providing chemist letters for essential medications, laundry vouchers, accommodation support and home schooling devices.”
Mr Phillips added that he was extremely proud of CSF volunteers who had adapted to service changes during what had been a very challenging time, and was grateful for Council’s support.
“Frankston City Council’s support since the start of this pandemic has been invaluable,” he said.
Frankston City Mayor, Sandra Mayer, said CSF was Council’s primary partner in the emergency relief space and thanked the organisation for its unwavering commitment to those in need.
“Community Support Frankston works incredibly hard to support the vulnerable members of our community, including the homeless, and we value their efforts immensely.”
To learn more about Council’s COVID‐19 Relief and Recovery Package visit: frankston.vic.gov.au/RRP
For assistance navigating the resources and support available call Council on 1300 322 322 and ask to be put through to the Community Recovery Call Centre.