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Today is RU OK day. And it really couldn’t have come at a more timely time.

At ACC we’re focusing on the positives of living a contracted neighbourhood life, celebrating the daily things and little joys in these strange times. We’re hoping that our efforts are making a bit a difference to your life. And in addition we’re hoping that you are coping okay with all the other things.

So today we’re taking this opportunity to let you know that we are sincerely here and willing to listen and help as much as we can if you are feeling down or overwhelmed.

Call us if you need a one-off chat. If you need ongoing support we can facilitate a regular catch-up. We can connect you to fresh food services if you are struggling with bills and to pre-prepared food if you are struggling to get around to eating healthy meals.

If you are feeling completely or even mildly overwhelmed financially, we can help you navigate a raft of support and services.

We can also connect you to neighbours willing to shop for you, pick up prescriptions, or even bake you something to cheer you up (the offer is out there friends - community bakers with a good heart are LOOKING to share their talents … so don’t be shy to put your hand up for this one). And of course we can deliver you a mask if you need one.

Throughout this pandemic we’ve been talking to people regularly and responding to individual needs through little things like helping people access jam jars for pickling, helping people de-clutter through our op shop, helping out with IT questions, providing one-on-one zoom tutorials to get people digitally connected … and this week we’ve even taken delivery of some polyester stuffing that needed a good home. Nothing is too big or too small.

So, today we ask you again, R U OK? And if the answer is no … please get in contact and let us know how we can support you.

This week I was a little sad to see that the last inspirational graffiti we posted has been painted over (PTV is just too efficient - it was at the tunnel under the train line). But then I walked by this on Clarke Street and felt okay again.

Have you seen any other good words out there in your neighbourhood travels?

Yikes it’s easy to get caught up in negativity on social media of late isn’t it? It’s tricky ‘cos we’re all a bit anxious and cranky. So here’s a little tip -.to help you take that step back.

Just ask yourself, before you hit send:

Peace, love, good vibes and internet happiness neighbourhood friends!

We have so many talented people in our neighbourhood. We see this in abundance at the Alphington Show - from handmade toys, to home grown vegetables, painting, cooking and more.

A few weeks ago the lovely Pat, a long standing book club member, reached out to us to find a local maker who could knit a scarf to give as a present (which is just so nice in itself right!)

So we put her in touch with a member of our craft group. Elaine is an enthusiastic knitter. And a gem who always steps up and helps out - with our community lunches, makers market stalls and more. We love her!

So here is the story from Pat - 100% all about neighbourhoodliness!

During this long, cold isolation time, I go for a walk every afternoon leaving home about 4.15pm and walking for 50 minutes. I often see the same people out walking and we smile (under our masks)! 

There is an elderly gentleman who is very slim and very tall and he always gives me a wave and often we just stop to say "hello" and have a short chat.  About 6 weeks ago, he told me how cold he was feeling and I had a thought that I would like to knit him a scarf, but it has been years since I last took up the knitting needles!  So I e-mailed Alphington Community Centre asking if they had anyone that might be interested in knitting a scarf for me if I paid for the wool, etc. 

Kalimna passed on my request and I had a lovely reply from Elaine from the craft group. We arranged to meet for a chat/coffee on a Saturday morning outside ACC.  Elaine and I had a very nice meeting and she offered to make the scarf for me. She had found 5 balls of wool in the Centre supplies. 

Elaine and I met again last Saturday where she gave me the scarf. She had knitted it in moss stitch so it wouldn't stretch. 

I have since given my neighbourhood friend the scarf and he was so grateful.

And I am so happy that I met Elaine. I suggested to her that her craft group and my book club ladies have a get together and organise an informal BYO lunch at the ACC when we can come together in groups again.  

Lovely to see the neighbourhood restocking our street library! There were some great books in there when I last popped in, including Normal People, Helen Garner’s latest book and lots more … why not take a look on your next neighbourhood walk.