What’s involved?

• Group Social Support: lunches, scenic drives, movies, markets and more.
• Individual Social Support: one-on-one support of your choosing at home or out in the community.
• Allied Health – Social Work and Counselling: individual or group work with trained professionals onsite or in your own home.

What’s the difference between Chats and Aged Care Community Visitors Scheme?

Chats, unlike the Aged Care Community Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), provides support under the entry level Commonwealth Home Support Program or via the Tasmanian Home and Community Care Program.

ACVVS has a focus of isolated individuals who live in a residential aged care facility or have an assigned Home Care Package. Both programs however provide 1-on-1 or group support, depending on the individual.

I don’t drive anymore, how will I get there?

Chats can pick you up from your front door and drop you back after the activity finishes. We have participants enjoy group trips on our Chats bus or in small outings in the Chats cars.

What sort of training do the volunteers have?

Our volunteers have been equipped with the knowledge required to assist our staff with group activities. Additionally, they are all first aid qualified and have undergone necessary checks prior to becoming a volunteer with the program.

What social connections will I make?

Chats offers group social outings and activities from lunches, scenic drives and walks to visiting museums and markets just to name a few, all whilst making new social connections with fellow Chats participants.

I’m not sure I can make it every month…can I still be involved?

There is no minimum participation required. Your involvement in the program is tailored to your needs and schedule

Who this service is for

Chats is supported by both the Australian and Tasmanian Governments. The Australian Government, under the entry-level Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), provides access to the Chats program for people:

• 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
• 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), on a low income and homeless, or at risk of being homeless.​

The Tasmanian Government, through the Tasmanian Home and Community Care Program (HACC) provides access to the Chats program for:

• Anyone who is aged under 65, or
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are aged under 50.

Cost

While it's free to participate in the Chats Program, participants will be required to cover their own expenses while on an activity (costs will depend on the activity - free activities are often available).

Opening Hours

8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

How this service is delivered

• Call or visit us online

  Simply contact your local Chats office for advice and assistance on the next steps.