Join us as we meet some of our amazing community service workers.
Meet Belinda, a clinically trained counsellor and Manager of our Tuggerah HopeStreet hub on the Central Coast.
Belinda started her journey with BaptistCare over ten years ago when she joined as an aged care worker.
After taking a few years’ break to complete her master’s degree in counselling, she moved into BaptistCare’s community work, supporting people who have experienced great disadvantage and distress in their lives.
“Working across both aged care and community services was very different, but ultimately, the purpose and motivation are the same – we want to empower people to live safer, fuller, and more satisfying lives.”
Along with her clinically trained team, Belinda provides a range of discounted services that would otherwise be unaffordable for many of her clients.
“Counselling is expensive, and not everybody can afford it,” Belinda explains. “Many of our clients fall into this category, and it’s wonderful that we can make these services accessible to them.”
Day to day, Belinda’s responsibilities include:
- Counselling clients - in person, over the phone, or via video link.
- Running programs and group activities.
- Interacting / networking with local agencies and organisations.
- Supporting her counselling team with debriefs
- Managing operations at the office
Outside of work, Belinda is a passionate Sydney Swans fan and tries to get to as many games as she can.
She also enjoys being creative - creating pottery, doing puzzles, and especially - Lego! Her miniature creations are nothing short of impressive!
Belinda’s tip for living well is to be curious about yourself and the things around you – this will help you to better understand your reactions and have more control over your life.
“When you're curious about yourself in this way, a neurological shift takes place,” Belinda says. “We start to move from that fearful fight or flight response and can reengage the logical part of our brain.”
