'Community shop' to deliver social services

• Therapy Through Technology gets $146,000 to open The Community Shop
• Social Innovation Grants Program to benefit Midland residents  

An innovative shop-front service delivering social welfare and service support to City of Swan residents has been established at Centrepoint Shopping Centre in Midland.

Part of the State Government's latest round of $14million Social Innovation Grants Program, Therapy Through Technology received $146,000 to deliver the service.

Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney applauded the innovative idea of Therapy Through Technology - The Community Shop project.   

"The Community Shop will provide a highly visible support service in Centrepoint Shopping Centre in Midland to assist local people to connect with the relevant government agencies to meet their needs," Mrs McSweeney said.

"This unique service is a great example of best practice in social innovation.  I have no doubt this project will deliver tangible benefits to the local community."

Four organisations will share in $2.1million in the second round of Social Innovation Grants announced in December 2011.  Round four of the grants program is open until February 24, 2012.  

"The Social Innovation Grants Program is expected to make a significant contribution over time towards the establishment of a culture of innovation in the delivery of human services in Western Australia," the Minister said.

      Fact File

• $14million allocated over four years to assist community organisations deliver innovative social and community services
• Social Innovation Grants Program guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from the Department for Communities' website: http://www.communities.wa.gov.au 

Minister's office - 9222 8950