When Kerry Bellamy moved to Lakes Entrance, she was looking for ways to stay active in the community with her five-year-old King Charles Spaniel, Tilly.
Having volunteered together at a hospital in their previous home of Shepparton, the pair already knew helping others was something they loved doing.
Now Kerry and Tilly are regular visitors at our Gippsland Lakes Complete Health social support programs in Lakes Entrance.
Tilly – who prefers to be known as a princess rather than a King Charles Spaniel – lifts the atmosphere as soon as she arrives.
At GLCH, we run social support programs at our Jemmeson Street site to help people connect with others in the community, and there is currently space for new participants.
“We keep coming up here because we love spreading the joy,” Kerry said. “You see how happy Tilly makes people.”
After an hour of soaking up attention, Tilly heads home for a well-earned rest.
“We’re going to head home and have a treat for being a good little girl,” Kerry said. “Then she’ll lie on mum and dad’s bed – aka Tilly’s bed – for the rest of the day.”
Kerry encourages others in the community to consider volunteering.
“Just go for it,” she said. “You make people’s lives a bit better, and you walk away feeling really lovely yourself for doing something kind. Without being too corny, it’s just lovely.”
Social Support participant Joan Waites, from Lakes Entrance, said visits from Kerry and Tilly brighten everyone’s day.
“I like the company here, and I like the animals too,” Joan said. “It’s very nice to have Tilly come and visit, it’s a change.
“I had a dog like her a long, long time ago. I think it just makes people happy. Most people like animals, particularly dogs.”
GLCH is currently recruiting volunteers to support our Social Support program, as well as other initiatives including Meals on Wheels and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.
Places are also available in our Social Support groups for people who would like to connect with others in a safe and welcoming environment.
NDIS support workers, Support at Home care partners and participants are encouraged to get in touch to learn more about the programs available.
To find out more, call 5155 8300 or visit glch.org.au.