Companionship and Social Support

Red Cross social connection programs can support you and link you to other people and your community. An outing or a chat over a cup of coffee with a caring and friendly volunteer could become a highlight of your week, and give you the confidence to meet new people.

Programs include home visits, social outings, group activities, peer support and social phone calls.

Many programs will match you with a volunteer based on your interests and values, to be your companion so you can build up a friendship over time.

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
– a regular social chat on the phone.

This service is available through both the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care.

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
– People with disability
– People recovering from mental illness.

Cost

This service is available through both the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care.

How this service is delivered

• Face-to-face

  Come to our offices for some of our activities.

• Call or visit us online

  We can arrange a regular social chat on the phone.

• We'll come to you (outreach)

  We can visit you in your home for a cuppa and a friendly chat.