b'Its so good to be home.The Engagement Hub in St Kilda has provided a safe space forpeople experiencing social isolation and mental illness as well as support, connection with the local community and a place to belongfor the past 42 years.Some participants have been coming here forJust knowing we are here, and we are holding this decades, says Jodie, the Hubs Team Leader. safe space for them is really important.There are some wonderful friendships whichFundamentally thats what we all want, to feel people have formed who otherwise would havethat connection to others.been really isolated. The Engagement Hub only reopened its doors in The Engagement Hub is a drop-in centre offeringMay following Melbournes lockdowns.essential services such as laundry, showers andDuring lockdowns we handed out hot meals and cooked meals. tried to connect with people and just make sure It also offers that all-important connection withthey were okay, says Jodiecommunity through a range of structured andWhen we at last could re-open the Hub, someone unstructured activities like playing board games,said to me Its so good to be home again.listening to and making music, gardening, sewingWe have long term staff who have strong and meditation. connections to our participants.We can have upwards of 100 people walkingIts almost like they become each others family.through the doors on any given day, says Jodie.The centre is about decreasing isolation and beingAfter missing out on celebrating the Engagement able to promote a sense of community, while alsoHubs 40th anniversary in 2020, staff are planning delivering mental health support. a big event for its 42nd year.The Hub works in collaboration with clinicalRegardless of the chaos happening in our world mental health and emergency relief servicesover the last couple of years, the one consistency which serve a critical role in connecting people tofor all of our participants has been us, says Jodie.additional support in times of need.In the first instance its just about having a senseMore aboutMore aboutof belonging, explains Jodie. Mental Health Crisis servicesSupporter Newsletter Spring 2022 9'