Late last year the Village Listening Lounge celebrated its 15th birthday. Situated on the first floor of Corio Village Shopping Centre it’s a place where anyone is welcome to drop in for a free coffee and chat.
Rev Peter Jewell explained that the idea for the lounge was born in May 1998. A member of the Corio Shopping Centre Management approached Uniting Church minister, Rev Deacon Con Taylor with an offer to use a room in the centre as a place where people could meet. The lounge opened in September of that year.
“As the name suggests, the quiet space aims to offer a listening ear, friendship, a cuppa and a place to relax,” My Jewell said.
“It operates on the principle of hospitality available to all, with strong value placed on respect, encouragement, acceptance and listening to each other.”
Open from 11am to 3pm Monday to Thursday, the listening lounge is staffed by volunteers drawn from local churches and the wider community, working alongside a paid co-ordinator.
It is a ministry of the Uniting Church with strong support from Corio Village Centre Management.
“Though the physical space has gone through several changes in its 15 year history, it is still offered to us free of charge by Centre
Management, and is used by a wide variety of people from many different walks of life, and age groups.
It is a place where people can feel comfortable to be themselves, and know they have an understanding ear,” Mr Jewell said.
If you wish to know more or would like to volunteer, please contact the co-ordinator, Rev Peter Jewell: 5275 5807 or psjewell@netsapce.net.au
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