Free meals and an optional assessment by a social worker are some of the services offered by a new group to Sunbury called Give Until it Hurts (GUIH).
Run by Garnet Jacob, a social worker and the not-for-profit’s president, the organisation opened its doors at the Evans St Youth Centre last Wednesday to offer free meals and support to those who want it.
UPDATE: [On 2 April 2025 the service moved to Wednesday 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Dr).]
Mr Jacob says: “As Sunbury’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for essential support services.
“At GUIH, we have a dedicated social worker and a team of trained community development volunteers who specialise in assisting individuals facing challenges such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, at-risk care recipients, unsupported youth, refugees, and those affected by mental health issues.”
Mr Jacob says volunteers can provide help with income support payments and general counselling, while the wider GUIH team can offer advocacy, one-on-one mentorship, and tailored support for vulnerable people.
“To better support the growing vulnerable population, we recognise the urgent need for an additional mid-week meal service. This would help ease financial strain and reduce social isolation for those in need,” he says.
The organisation is also preparing to launch a group to support vulnerable women.
Cooked meals and emergency food in Sunbury
- Mondays: Sunbury Neighbourhood Kitchen, 5pm to 6:30pm, serves meals every Monday night at the Sunbury Memorial Hall.
- Wednesday (GUIH) 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Dr.
- Salvos 27-37 Anderson Rd, emergency relief food parcels and vouchers. Call 03 9744 2095. Visit Wednesdays 9:30am to 12-noon, and Fridays 12:30pm to 2pm.
- Thursdays, 11am to 12-noon, food parcels, Community Centre behind Goonawarra Neighbourhood House, 8 Gullane Dr. Small charge may apply.
- See our community resource page here
