Having good social connections is essential for all aspects of your health, especially as you get older.  Red Cross can support you to improve your social connections by matching you with a friendly volunteer for a regular visit.  The Aged Care Volunteer Visiting Scheme can support you if you are living in your own home through your home care package, or if you are living in an Aged Care Facility.  You can go on outings or a chat over a cup of coffee with a caring and friendly volunteer who could become a highlight of your week, and give you the confidence to meet new people.

Activities might include:
– taking part in community interest groups
– outings to cafes, galleries, the footy or other places of interest
– going for a walk
– friendly in-home visits

This service can be accessed via your Home Care Package provider or if you are in an Aged Care Facility you can speak with the staff at the facility to put you in touch with one of our support officers.

Who this service is for

These services are for people who are not in regular social contact with other people.

- Older people who live alone (including people on home care packages or living in an aged care home)
- Older people who have few social connections outside home

Cost

This is a free service and is available through My Aged Care.

How this service is delivered

• We'll come to you (outreach)

  Volunteers visit people in their own home or in Aged Care Facilities for a cuppa and a friendly chat. We visit anyone on a home care package (HCP) or live in an Aged Care Facility