Community Learning

Community Learning is one of four focus areas within The Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre.

Community Learning provides a group-learning environment for self help, personal education and growth. The focus area is supported by a team of trained and dedicated volunteers who are supported by part time paid staff.

Courses are held at various times throughout the year.

Most groups are time limited to a number of sessions, while others provide monthly ongoing support. All groups offer a confidential environment.

Our courses cost are kept to a minimum but this is not a condition of attendance, as these are always negotiable.

Some of our regular courses include:

Families in Transition

Incorporating Seasons™, for kids and parents experiencing family break down or death of a loved one.

When things change in life, we experience loss and grief. Seasons™ is run for 9 weeks, one afternoon per week for kids aged 6-12 years who have experienced separation/divorce in the family or the death of a loved one. Seasons™ helps children to better understand and cope with the loss experience by providing a safe and creative sharing environment .We also offer “Parenting in Transition” for parents/carers while children attend their group. Child minding is available for siblings.

Seasons™ grief and loss support for adults is also available, addressing any significant life events—death, separation/divorce, relationship breakdown, chronic illness, disability, unemployment.

Adult Literacy Program

The Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre’s Adult Literacy Program matches students with volunteer tutors on a one-to-one basis.

Individuals seeking assistance with literacy and /or numeracy skills can contact the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre to arrange an interview. The interview process assists the centre in clarifying the individual needs of each student, which in turn helps to match the student with a potential tutor.

INSIGHT Support Group

INSIGHT is a self-help support group for mothers living with depression.

The group meets monthly.

Mums who would like to meet with others who may be living with depression are welcome to attend, to share experiences and gain insight.

Self Esteem Courses for Children

This course is aimed at children aged 9 – 12.

Children will learn what self-esteem is and how to cope with bullying through resiliency and their own strengths.

Self Esteem Courses for Adults

Want high self-esteem? Work through the barriers and learn practical ways to help us reach high self-esteem and keep it. When you have finished this program you will have a set of life goals and the tools to get you where you want to be. There will be loads of opportunities for sharing, brainstorming, hand-on activities, fun and relaxation.

Mother’s Wellbeing Group

Provides a social environment where mothers can meet, learn together, share experiences and gain support.

Child minding is available.

Meetings are held monthly.

Kids Cooking

Held during the school holidays, theses are a great opportunity for kids aged 9 – 12 to learn some practical skills for cooking at the intermediate level. Children receive a copy of all recipes and of course get to eat the food.

Other courses and workshops that are offered throughout the year include:

• Men’s groups
• Various parenting courses and workshops
• Other personal development courses

Confidentiality

The Community Learning focus area keeps information about participants they receive as confidential.

The Centre’s Confidentiality and Privacy Policies comply with Federal Government Privacy Legislation and are available for you to view at your request.

No information will be released to others without your/guardians written consent except in the case of legal subpoena or if there is a risk of harm to self or others.

This focus area acknowledges the Australian Government Department of Families and Community Services, Department of Communities, Department of Employment and Training, and Zonta for their financial support.