Dropping in for a chat at Box Hill
Dropping in for a chat at Box Hill
28 February 2023
The CHATS group at Box Hill Corps in Melbourne attracts up to 50 people each week.
For some people, the CHATS group at Box Hill is their only connection to the corps in Melbourne’s east.
“There are lots of older, lonely people in our community, so this gives them a purpose,” said James Allen, CHATS group leader. “People just seem to love getting together.”
CHATS stands for Community Hub At The Salvos, mainly catering to people in their 70s to 90s. Most of the participants attend the corps, but there are also some from other corps, and other community members.
Captain Karyn Wishart chats with participants at the weekly CHATS group at Box Hill Corps.
“For 30 years we used to be called the Companion Club, but that sounded a bit like a dating group, so we changed it to a more modern name,” James wryly explained.
Group meetings each week usually attract about 50 people. Organisers provide a variety of activities such as games or a quiz, with a guest speaker who can be anyone from the chaplain to the Essendon Football Club to an intrepid adventurer. There’s a devotional time and, of course, plenty of time to chat over morning tea.
One particular cohort that benefits greatly from the CHATS group is carers. “CHATS helps them get their clients out of their houses each week,” said Captain Karen Harrison, Box Hill Corps Officer. “If it wasn’t for CHATS they would only have their partners to connect with, and it’s certainly a bit more exciting than a GP visit!
“We love CHATS because we get to hang out with the group, who obviously enjoy each other,” said Captain Karyn Wishart, Box Hill Corps Officer. “We get to talk about life with them as they deal with such challenges such as being a carer, and people experiencing cancer, dementia, and Parkinsons.”
“People just keep coming,” James said. “It’s all about connection, and reaching out to each other that makes it special.”
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