Golden Plains Shire residents experiencing loneliness or social disconnection will receive support through a collaboration between the Victorian Government, the Australian Red Cross and Council.
The Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) expands the Victorian coronavirus hotline (1800 675 398) by providing an option for people to access social, physical and/or emotional support from Australian Red Cross volunteers and Council’s Community Connector.
Residents that call the hotline on 1800 675 398 will first speak with an Australian Red Cross volunteer, who are trained in psychological first aid to provide help to callers who may be distressed or anxious. Golden Plains residents will then be offered to be put in touch with Council for localised support services. Council’s Community Connector will contact the resident to organise locally available support, which may include:
- Emotional support, such as regular conversations with a like-minded local;
- Practical help, including running errands or assisting with video communications; or
- Social activities, such as online book clubs, fitness groups or volunteer opportunities.
Residents can also contact Council’s Community Connector directly for local support by calling 5220 7111 or emailing [email protected].
Golden Plains Shire Council received $58,000 from the Victorian Government in order to fund this component and expand existing local support networks. Council has established a CASI working group of representatives from local services and community organisations within Golden Plains Shire to assist Council deliver the program.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey says help is available for the Shire’s isolated and vulnerable residents through the expanded coronavirus hotline.
“While necessary, the current Stage Three restrictions are certainly challenging for many of our residents who are experiencing loneliness or isolation while doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This hotline initiative will be a real benefit to those members of our community.
“Council is really pleased to partner with the Victorian Government and the Australian Red Cross to make it as local and relevant as possible for any callers from Golden Plains.
“If anyone in our community is experiencing loneliness or social disconnection due to COVID-19, whether that’s from self-isolating while waiting on a test result or staying home due to your age or health condition, know that you can get support quickly over the phone by simply calling 1800 675 398.”