Bears go bush

Coastal Castaways Taree’s LGBTIQ social group is organising a Bear Camp. This is the group’s annual men-only weekend and it is their fourth camp.

It is happening over the Easter weekend on a mountaintop near Pacific Palms out of Forster on the Lakes way and is set on 350 acres of solitude and privacy. The facilities range from camping sites to accommodation in the lodge. Booking is essential and further enquiries can be made to Ray at [email protected]

This event is presented by Coastal Castaways Inc and supported by the Harbour City Bears.

So if you are up for a bit of forest fun or just want to relax, play, dance, eat and sleep, drop Ray an email.

During what is often considered the ‘downtime’ of the year, some of you may be looking for something extra to keep you busy. If you are, then how about doing some volunteer work? Volunteering can be a very fulfilling way to spend your spare time, meet new people or even a great way to slowly get back into the workforce after a break.

Lifeline North Coast (NSW), which has been operating in Coffs Harbour for 20 years, will hold its next volunteer telephone counselling training course in March.

If you’re interested in attending this training, or would like more information, call Lifeline on 02 6651 4093.

The Coffs Harbour Women’s Resource and Information Centre is open from Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm. Services offered include counselling and support groups to assist women who have past or current experiences of domestic violence.

The centre also provides both telephone and face-to-face support and can provide information, referrals to other agencies and advocacy. Call 02 6652 9944 to make an appointment with a counsellor. All services are confidential.

INFO: For more about groups, services, organisations or community events on the Mid North Coast, contact ACON Coffs Harbour Outreach on 02 6651 6017 or email [email protected] or ACON Port Macquarie on 02 6584 0943 or email [email protected]

By Anabell Thoener, the ACON Health Promotion Officer at the ACON outreach office in Coffs Harbour.