Belmont: Silver Chain in need of volunteers to combat social isolation and loneliness

SILVER Chain is hoping to draw on the season’s good will and call on volunteers for a Belmont area program to combat social isolation and loneliness.

The not-for-profit community health and aged care provider is looking for passionate, empathetic and self-aware volunteers in Belmont who could provide support for clients to be connected and active within their community.

Silver Chain’s general manager for Social Care WA Anne-Marie Cox said with more people choosing to be cared for at home, and the projected increasing population of older people, a growing number are expected to experience social isolation or loneliness.

“To help combat this issue we are establishing a volunteer program to connect clients who may be feeling lonely or disconnected from their community with activities and people in their local area,” Ms Cox said.

The volunteer program will be for the benefit of both the ongoing wellbeing of the client but also the volunteers who will be supported by the other health and aged care services Silver Chain provides.

Full training and support is provided.

It will be up to each volunteer to enable a client to re-establish social connections and relationships and support them in doing so.

“We’ll match volunteers to clients in a safe and well-governed way. They’ll be paired based on common interests, skills and availability as well as where they live,” Ms Cox said.

“Volunteering has enormous benefits; volunteers gain new skills, meet new people and enjoy a sense of purpose. It can help them stay active, engaged and connected to the community, enhancing their own wellbeing.”

To register or for more information email volunteer@silverchain.org.au, or call 9242 0242.