PICAL opens its doors

As Neighbourhood House Week approaches, the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) is preparing to open its doors in a new way - offering guided tours to showcase the positive impact the centre has on the community.

Neighbourhood House Week celebrates the incredible work happening in local communities across Australia.

Every week, people walk through the doors of Neighbourhood Houses to access support, connection and opportunity.

The tours which will take place on May 13 and 15, are set to connect more locals to PICAL and their community, while also raising awareness of the breadth of work the centre delivers.

"It's time to open our doors in a different way - to showcase the work our volunteers do day-in, day-out and the true impact they make," says David Rooks, Centre Manager, PICAL.

In 2024, PICAL provided in excess of $3,705,650 in value to the Phillip Island community. This is based on the Neighbourhood House Survey 2024 and includes the value of:

• Improved quality of life through social connection with 295 locals participating in programmed activities each week
• Food and grocery support as seen in the 51,600 kilograms of food relief provided throughout 2024
• 264 hours of facilities use or hire per month, all of which helped people to connect
• 3600 healthy, ready-to-heat meals prepared by volunteer cooking groups and distributed by PICAL's Emergency Food Relief Pantry every month.

Bringing people together

"The value PICAL provides the community isn't just in the numbers," David explains.

"The value really is in how the centre brings people together to create a sense of belonging."

Loneliness and social isolation are serious public health issues. A report from Ending Loneliness Together highlights that Australians who feel lonely are 4.6 times more likely to have depression and 4.1 times more likely to have social anxiety.

That report also shows that people experiencing hardship are more likely to experience loneliness.

Alison Carey, who volunteers at PICAL and previously managed reception, explains how every volunteer in reception focuses on connection to help combat loneliness and social isolation.

"Our ethos in reception is that everyone should leave PICAL with something - whether that be a chat, a phone number or a flyer.

As volunteers in reception our aim is to connect with each and every individual who walks through our doors," explains Alison.

Neighbourhood House Week, May 11 to 17

Neighbourhood Houses, just like PICAL, welcome people of all ages, abilities and walks of life.

Focus of the houses is to create opportunities for people to enrich their lives through connections they might not otherwise make.

"As a Neighbourhood House, PICAL is place-based and community-led," David Rooks concludes.

"Because of this we're able to respond to the specific needs of our community and bringing people together is what we do best - not for charity, but for connection."

The theme of this year's Neighbourhood House Week is 'Your Place to Connect.

It will highlight how Neighbourhood Houses provide welcoming spaces where everyone can come together, share experiences, learn and support one another.

Book your PICAL tour

Tours of PICAL will take place on Wednesday May 13 and Friday May 15. They will start at 9.30am at PICAL's Blue Gum Reserve site - 119 Settlement Road, Cowes, home to PICAL's Pantry Garden, Coel's Shed, Workshop and Common Room.

The tour will then continue to PICAL's Warley Avenue site, and will be followed by morning tea.

To join the free tours RSVP to PICAL's reception via 03 5952 1131, reception@pical.org.au or in person 9am to 3pm at PICAL, 16 Warley Avenue, Cowes.