New hub a place to connect

A Redcliffe charity that’s tackling loneliness by creating community connections is one of the first tenants in a communal space at Peninsula Fair Shopping Centre.

Band of Brothers president Bryan Wiseman says with one in four people on the Peninsula experiencing loneliness, having a central space where people can catch up with others to play board games, share their passion for craft and take part in other activities is a game-changer.

Gifted to the community by Peninsula Fair, the space sits at the bottom of the cinema escalators and is already home to the weekly Shuffle n Roll games group that meets on Tuesdays from noon-2pm and the Kippa Crafters group, which meets on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm.

“People who wouldn’t think they’re lonely and then see people enjoying themselves - it strikes a chord and they’re more likely to join in,” Bryan explains.

“People don’t wake up and say ‘I want to be lonely today’.

“They might be suffering from bereavement or they’ve forgotten how to make friends.

“Loneliness has a social stigma and the only way we’re going to get out of that is bringing it out into the open.”

Creating a safe space

Peninsula Fair marketing manager Anna Butler (pictured above) says the centre is delighted to offer the space to community groups.

“Our biggest focus is putting the community at the centre of what we do,” Anna says.

“We want to spread awareness of the space and encourage community groups to reach out - we want to create a safe space for people in our community.”

She says community groups using the space can take advantage of free undercover parking, airconditioned comfort and proximity to cafes in the food court.

“We just want to give back to the community by giving the space to different groups.”

To find out more about using the space phone Bryan at Band of Brothers on (07) 2105 5959.