The dedicated team behind eclectic community space BELLS on Main, is calling on the community to help keep its doors open to continue to provide vital outreach initiatives.
Run in conjunction with the Uniting Church, BELLS on Main took up space at 2/11 Bulcock Street Caloundra 15 months ago to provide the community with a range of services from:
- Free Homework Hub for primary students
- Haircuts for kids in care (through UnitingCare)
- Caloundra Women’s Shed ‘friendship circle’
- Jam Session to encourage musicians
- Chair Exercise for older folk
- Chatty Café
- Narcotics Anonymous and
- Drop-In Church in the Sunday markets
The team is asking locals for any support they can offer to help keep up with the growing demand for services.
Pastor Phil Smith said the facility was a beacon of hope for those at rock bottom.
“Perhaps the encounter I best recall was in the lead-up to a tough Christmas, ‘B’ walked through the door midmorning, saying, ‘I felt drawn to this place, like I’d be welcome – my life is shit, can we talk?” Pastor Smith said.
“The idea behind BELLS on Main comes from the ethos of the Uniting Church, and it’s probably best reflected in the diversity and partnerships we’ve seen develop in the past 15 months.
“Belonging is about finding our space, while creating space for others as well, to serve.”
Pastor Smith said locals had benefited from the space to work through the 12-step program, find new friendships after becoming widowed, meet people after moving to the area and even launching their careers as musicians.
“The Wednesday evening Jam Session has gathered musos of every stripe, who now pick up open mic gigs around the coast,” he said.
