Roles groups adopt within communities

Satisfying specific needs

Providing resources required to achieve an adequate standard of living is the most highly prioritised role for community groups. 

• Clothing can be donated and then redistributed through 'opportunity shops' 

• Shelter services focus on emergency or temporary accommodation for sufferers of homelessness or domestic violence 

• Food can be provided in numerous forms. Daily drop-in centres, food parcels or pre-prepared meals and fresh food during crisis or emergency relief periods 

Health, education and employment needs can also be satisfied by community groups that specialise in a specific area. 

Charity or religious groups may offer a collective of programs to individuals and families. The organisation may have various arms that offer a  set of combined and integrated services. This allows the individual or family to meet multiple needs, whilst avoiding filling in multiple application forms and giving multiple explanations.

Building relationships

Relationships can be within families or between friends at school, work or for leisure and can be short term or enduring. How effective these relationships are can determine the quality of an individual's life. 

Positive and effective relationships within community groups are often characterised by;

• showing respect for each other

• having trust and confidence in each other

• sharing a purpose, intention or aspiration

• being open and honest in communication

Members of community groups may need to develop and/or rely upon various strategies to assist in building relationships with individuals they may deal with,  whether it is those who may experiencing hardship or those they are engaged with positively through volunteer work. 

Promoting wellbeing 

Community groups have a role in promoting a positive concept of wellbeing through their engagement with individuals and families. In times of hardship, promoting wellbeing will emerge as part of providing a supportive environment (develop caring relationships, promoting a sense of connection and belonging, satisfying specific needs).