Nexus Primary Health runs two social support groups for clients with diverse needs.
They provide clients with a chance to get out into the community and socialise, which is especially helpful to those who have access needs preventing them from leaving their residence.
Coming into her second year as the Volunteer Services Officer at Nexus Primary Health, Suzy Boulton is already overwhelmed by the support she has received from the community.
Ms Boulton, who has been with the company for 34 years, said the possibility of hosting 20 people for the Social Support Christmas party, held on December 19 last year, was dwindling.
Nexus has run social support groups with two 10-seater buses in the past, however, due to lack of use, one of the buses was removed from the program.
This meant that only 10 people would have been able to attend the festivities.
Ms Boulton was not going to let clients miss out on this opportunity, though.
After bringing the issue to Seymour Coaches General Manager Stuart Locke’s attention, Ms Boulton was overwhelmed by the generosity Nexus received.
Mr Locke provided the social support group with a small bus, free of charge with free fuel.
“Seymour Coaches are our biggest supporters,” Ms Boulton said.
“He [Mr Locke] gave us the bus free of charge and free fuel.
“He didn’t even hesitate.”
Selfless acts such as this one can be priceless to those in need.
Ms Boulton said a lot of the clients were worried that they wouldn’t be able to celebrate.
“We had so many clients who were so upset that they couldn’t go,” Ms Boulton said.
“They’re vulnerable clients.”
Ms Boulton said she could see how grateful her clients were.
“It just made their day,” Ms Boulton said.
Nexus was also assisted by Café 96 in Seymour, Broadford Bits and Bargains, and Victory Meats.
Ms Boulton estimated that the support they received allowed them to save close to $400.
The Nexus Health volunteer program runs on a strict budget, but the dedication of the volunteers, and support from the community allows it to stay afloat.
Staff like Ms Boulton, who are passionate about what they do, also offer a sense of stability in challenging times.
“I have 34 years of experience, and I just love helping people,” she said.
Many of the clients at Nexus are unable to see other people, and Ms Boulton said she feels privileged to be able to offer them opportunities to get out and curb their potential loneliness.
“It’s all about the clients,” Ms Boulton said.
Ms Boulton works with a small band of volunteers who help run these vital programs.
To find more information on how to volunteer, visit Nexus Primary Health’s website at www.nexusprimaryhealth.org.au/careers
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