The National Association of Loss and Grief (NALAG) has opened its Centre for Loss and Grief at 107 Mortimer Street in Mudgee.
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NALAG is a non-for-profit organisation formed after the Granville Train Disaster in 1977.
Its main aim is to encourage and promote professional and community education in loss, grief, bereavement and trauma.
Trained volunteers offer one-on-one support for people experiencing grief and loss, either face to face at the Mortimer Street centre or via the telephone.
NALAG also plans to use the centre for community education programs, such as recent programs on suicide prevention and working with children experiencing loss and grief.
“Sometimes it’s good to talk to someone you don’t know, in a comfortable setting where you feel safe.”
NALAG has also developed the Blue Healer program, helping people to manage and learn strategies for coping with depression, stress and anxiety. The program is run regularly through NALAG branches throughout the year.
Mudgee NALAG co-ordinator Ruth Gobbitt said the centre does not offer counselling, but simply supports people experience grief and loss.
She said grief could arise not only from the loss of a loved one, but also events such as divorce, job loss, illness or financial difficulties.
“Grief affects everyone in a different way,” she said. “There are no rules – it’s different with every individual.
“Not everyone has a support network, and not everyone wants to open up to family members.
“Sometimes it’s good to talk to someone you don’t know, in a comfortable setting where you feel safe.”
Mrs Gobbitt said the centre in Mortimer Street was designed to be welcoming, with an atmosphere she described as “a bit like grandma’s house”.
“A lot of people have donated furniture so that it has a homelike atmosphere,” she said.
Mrs Gobbitt said NALAG was grateful to Kanandah, who have made the building available rent-free and also to local community groups who have assisted NALAG.
The centre will be open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 4pm.
People can also contact NALAG by phone (0488 225 710). You can find out more about NALAG on the website: www.nalag.org.au.