Riverwood Lunch and Leisure Club
The Riverwood Lunch & Leisure Club, an initiative of Riverwood Punchbowl Anglican Church, has a wide and varied program designed to enhance self-esteem, establish friendships and gain personal insight.
“Each Wednesday the club provides a meal and a space for safe social contact, plus opportunities to participate in recreational activities like sightseeing in Sydney, listening to guest speakers and participating in workshops, exploring their creative sides through Music, Dance and Art Therapy or simply sharing a meal and some great conversation.”
Riverwood has a large demographic living in public housing and represents greater levels of disability than many other urban communities. It has the highest density of bedsit accommodation of all the NSW Department of Housing Estates (250 total). Many residents:
- Receive the Disability Support Pension
- Lack a family or supporters to live with
- Have not been able to successfully maintain private rental accommodation
- Have chronic disabilities
- Didn’t grow up nearby or choose to live in this community.
According to SANE Australia, approximately one in five Australians are affected by mental illness every year. Mental illness is a major cause of social isolation and marginalisation in Australia.
Key Facts
- 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness every year
- 9.5% of people in Riverwood are unemployed (compared to the NSW average of 6.3%)
- Riverwood has the highest density of bedsit accommodation of all the NSW Department of Housing Estates (250 total)
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Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity..