Within 60 minutes his whereabouts was on Facebook and the dog collected.

I was reminded of the close communication and support that is possible in our community……and of the value of social media!

There are also some wonderful support groups in our town that cover a variety of social and health needs.

Groups like the Braidwood Life Centre and other religious based groups such as St Vincent de Paul help in a great range of social, personal and medical areas, often where government institutions cannot give such personal and more flexible help. 

There are other important groups such as the Men’s Shed and Braidwood Seniors and all the social, sporting and special interest groups.

One local group of women has recently been thinking about the issue of domestic violence, including the need for increasing information and the availability of services.

This brings in the wider subject of present stresses, in all age groups.

This is an increasing challenge in so many areas of society including education and health services.

I try to seek out the positives.

We do have an increasing number of services and so much more education on these issues, but above all a caring community with a drive to support and look out for each other.