The Australian Red Cross is calling on older people in Metropolitan Melbourne and the Barwon regions who receive a home package to join its Community Visitors Scheme (CVS), which endeavours to bring older members of the community who may be lonely and isolated in contact with friendly volunteers who can make regular visits.
“If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it is the importance of staying socially connected,” says Red Cross Community Programs Manager, Victoria, Kaja Andersen.
“The weekly visits can involve anything from doing the quiz in the paper, reminiscing on childhood, or simply having a chat and a laugh.
“Our connections with older people matter – we have so much to learn from them and enjoy with them.
“At the same time, we can support their mental health and happiness in the later stages of life.”
The Red Cross has operated the CVS across Australia for more than 25 years, with older people living in aged care facilities being matched with a friendly volunteer for weekly or fortnightly visits.
CVS has since been expanded to take in regular social visits to older people living on a home care package, who may receive few or now social visits.
The scheme is provided as part of a suite of services designed to increase people’s wellbeing and quality of life.
For more information about joining the CVS as a participant or a volunteer, please call Phil Mayers on 0403 986 951 or email vicsocialconnections@redcross.org.au.
