What makes Neighbourhood Houses so great?
Neighbourhood Houses are the heart of our communities. They bring people together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community through social, educational, recreational and support activities.
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Also commonly known as community centres, learning centres, community houses or neighbourhood centres, these inclusive community-based organisations welcome people of all ages, abilities and walks of life, creating opportunities for people to enrich their lives through connections they might not otherwise make.
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There are over 400 Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria, but no two Neighbourhood Houses are ever the same. Guided by a community development approach, they each engage and respond to the needs and priorities of the communities they serve.
They strengthen community connection
Neighbourhood Houses bring people within the local area together to meet, socialise, and mobilise to achieve positive community outcomes. They strengthen community spirit, pride and connection.
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Neighbourhood Houses combat social isolation and loneliness by being accessible, non-threatening and inclusive spaces that welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, ability or economic status. They provide the opportunity for people to mix, learn from each other, and support each other.
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Many Neighbourhood Houses are also involved in community partnerships with other local service providers, small businesses, and community groups to maximise their impact and form stronger connections within the local community.
They are responsive to community needs
"No two Neighbourhood Houses are ever the same!" you'll often here us say.
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This is because Neighbourhood Houses are flexible and diverse in their delivery, responding to the needs of their communities at any given time.
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The services, program and activities which may be relevant for one community may be completely different to another. For example, for areas with low socio-economic populations, the Neighbourhood House may run a food pantry to ensure people have the essentials to put food on the table. For a community with a high migrant population, the Neighbourhood House may deliver programs that help migrants settle into Australian life and gain independence.
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When communities are impacted by emergencies such as bushfires, Neighbourhood Houses are often on the frontline supporting responders in any way they can, and play a significant role in disaster recovery.
They improve job skills
Many Neighbourhood Houses offer pre-accredited and accredited adult education to assist people in their career pathways. These Neighbourhood Houses are known as Learn Local providers.
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People may choose to begin their learning journey at a Neighbourhood Houses over TAFE or University due to their affordability, flexibility and because they provide a less intimidating, community-friendly setting compared to the big educational institutions.
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Courses range from developing skills in speaking and writing English, computers, hospitality, construction, community services, to reception work and how to run a small business.
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Some even provide job ready courses to assist people with the job seeking process including how to search for a job, resume and cover letter writing and interview techniques.
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Neighbourhood Houses also have diverse volunteering programs which increases a participant's skills and experience working in a professional work setting.
They improve personal wellbeing, health and confidence
Neighbourhood Houses have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of the people that participate at them.
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Many provide health and wellbeing activities such as soft exercise and yoga classes, walking groups, tai chi and healthy cooking classes to promote healthy living. Many provide arts and crafts activities, or musical groups, for people to engage creatively in a relaxed, social setting. For seniors, they promote an active and positive ageing experience.
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Some Neighbourhood Houses host support groups for parents, people with disability, people struggling with mental health issues, addiction issues so they receive the care and support they need.
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More broadly speaking, Neighbourhood Houses open up people's interpersonal networks, and break down social isolation through community participation and inclusion. People make new friends, share time with others, and feel a deeper sense of purpose by contributing to their community in a meaningful and impactful way.
Activities you may find at your local Neighbourhood House include:
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Adult education (pre-accredited and accredited training)
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Art and craft classes
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Childcare
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Community events
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Community lunches / Social eating groups
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Community gardens
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Digital literacy training
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Food banks
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Government services such as Centrelink, Vic Roads
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Job seeking support
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Health and wellbeing activities such as exercise, walking groups, yoga and tai chi
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Internet access
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Library or book swap services
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Maternal child health
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Men's Sheds
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Migrant support programs e.g. English classes
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Playgroups
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Room hire
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Referrals
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Self help and support groups
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Seniors' groups
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Toy libraries
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Visitor/tourist information
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Volunteering opportunities
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Youth programs
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Community advocacy is also an important role of Neighbourhood Houses. Often they will advocate to their local council, MPs and other relevant bodies on issues of importance to their local communities.
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They also play a key role assisting in emergency management and building community resilience during and in the aftermath of local emergencies such as bushfires, floods etc.
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In a nutshell, Neighbourhood Houses are the key to your local community.