In this fourth week of Lent, we reflect on the profound impact of genuine human connection in a world often marked by isolation. Join Deacon Paul in this episode of “Clearing the Clutter” where we hear about Linda’s commitment to embodying the Catholic values of human dignity and solidarity. Her work echoes Pope Francis’ call to communicate by encountering people where they are, using our gifts for genuine encounter. As we journey towards Easter, may we be inspired by Linda’s example to embrace those in need, reflecting God’s love through our actions and fostering an authentic culture of encounter in our communities.
Transcript
Australian social researcher Hugh Mackay highlights a modern dilemma. We’re more connected than ever through social media, yet we feel increasingly isolated. This kind of social loneliness isn’t just a downer, I mean, it can harm our physical and mental health, impacting everything from blood pressure to our immune function. Brain Fog. Real, face-to-face time with others can counter these effects, boosting our overall wellbeing. The fourth Sunday of Lent’s Gospel, has Jesus telling the story of the prodigal son, who leaves his family and friends, squanders his inheritance on wild living far from home. When he’s down to nothing and social isolated, he returns, ashamed and expecting rejection. Instead, his father welcomes him home with open arms, it’s a powerful reminder, no matter how far we stray, we can always come back to family, to community. This story and studies remind us that genuine connections are crucial, for our physical, mental and spiritual health.
How do I embrace those who have nowhere to turn? Hello, my name is Linda Abbott, and I am a Service Leader for CHSP clients in Aged Care and Housing, based at our Aspley Hub. I’ve been with Centacare Community Services for twenty-seven years, having worked in various roles throughout my career. I work alongside a dedicated Centacare team, including intake, rostering, my peers, our manager, and especially the support workers who deliver the services. Together, we ensure we meet each client’s individual needs and work with them to achieve their personal goals. A typical day for me involves collaborating with different departments across the community sector to ensure our clients’ needs are met. When I reflect on the question, How do I embrace those who have nowhere to turn? I realise that embracing those in need has been the core of my career and Centacare’s work. Many of our clients are socially isolated, lack family connections, or face physical or mental impairments. For many, Centacare is the only positive force in their lives. One of the key aspects of my role is reaching out to clients who need assistance to stay in their homes, whether it’s regular podiatry visits, help with household tasks, or more complex services like personal care and medication management. A big part of what I do is making sure clients understand the services available to them and how to access any additional support they may need. In addition to my other responsibilities, I also manage the Aspley Hub, a safe space where clients can spend their day. For a first-time visitor, walking into the Hub can be an anxious experience. To help ease that, we take extra steps to welcome them, giving them a tour of the Hub and pairing them with a client who shares similar interests, making sure they feel comfortable and supported. Another way we embrace those in need is by supporting the carers. We recognise that they, too, need a break from their caregiving duties and time to focus on their own well-being. By taking care of their loved ones, we give carers peace of mind, knowing their family member is safe and enjoying the company of others. No matter who our clients are or what their circumstances may be, my goal is to surround them with care and support. I firmly believe that happy, well-supported staff lead to happy, engaged clients. That’s why we make it a priority to listen to our staff, valuing their insights, concerns, and suggestions to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients. At the end of the day, if a client leaves the Hub with a smile on their face or if an in-home client is able to remain in the community of their choice, I know I’ve done my job. That’s the goal that motivates me and my team every single day. Thank you.