Year of Community - Carmel Care

Carmel Care had been a ministry within Mt Carmel Parish for many years. After a community meeting the group began again in May 2019.
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At that time we saw a number of possibilities to support members of our community.  These were:

• Provision of support to those in the community at times of crisis. This has included meals, help in adjustment in times of change, often unplanned, for the families involved.
• Transport for people to shopping, to church.
• Making contact with those who felt isolated or alone.
• Mindful of those who are experiencing change, loss and grief. One way that we can offer support is through our Seasons for Growth Adult program that is led by two parishioners who are trained companions.  We offer support to participants in learning about the impacts of change, loss and grief.
  
  

Since this time, COVID provided a challenge and has had an impact on our capacity to do anything on a face to face basis. 

The Carmel Care group continued to respond to need as requested. Also looked to respond in a different way . This was:

1. We identified a number of people in the community and, during the lockdown times, began a phone contact circle.
2. The need for meals at times was also ongoing.  With the use of the Mealtrain program, members of the community could volunteer meals when needed.
3. Offered a one day Grief Seminar and plan for a full program later in 2022.
4. Mt Carmel Place: Towards the end of 2020 the St Vincent de Paul Conference approached us to support them in an initiative which has been titled Mt Carmel Place.

Our role is a simple one but essential to the happy success so far.

• Mt Carmel Place takes place in the area near the Carmel Community Room.
• Members of Carmel Care provide the morning tea - a savoury and a sweet option.
• We arrive around 9 am – set-up and prepare the morning tea. 
• The SVDP members are the hosts, and they stay till 11am.  They also clean up and give any leftovers to those present to take home to enjoy. We are welcome to stay and join the group or if we other commitments we may leave after 9 30am.
• In 2021 it was every second Tuesday.  After a review, it is now once a month in 2022.

Our group is committed to continuing to support Mt Carmel Place and happy time for those who wish to come for a smiling greeting, a cuppa and a some homecooked goodies.

Future plans for Carmel Care?
As the impact of COVID lessens with vaccination we hope we can continue to reach out to the community through practical support and service;  offering connection and compassion in difficult times and at times of loss and grief.

In our own small and quiet way hope to enact the Parish Vision statement -
We seek the face of the living God, through the gift of contemplation, nurtured by the closely interwoven elements of prayer, community, and service and we look to Mary, Our Lady of Mt Carmel for protection, inspiration and guidance