By Jessica Anstice
A new program to help community members who are experiencing loneliness or social disconnection during the coronavirus pandemic is being delivered to residents in the Cardinia Shire. The Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative is set to offer social, emotional and practical support for people who are isolated.
Cardinia Shire Council has received funding from the State Government to deliver the program to the community, in partnership with the Red Cross, the Department of Health and Human Services and local providers.
Support might include wellbeing check-ins, assistance with video chatting to stay connected with family, linking people with online social and community activities, or providing help to run errands, collect items from the shops or with online applications.
Residents needing support can call the Covid-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 then choose option 3.
They will then speak to a Red Cross volunteer who has been specially trained to support people who might be distressed or anxious.
The Red Cross volunteer will connect callers with the right support or refer them to the council to connect them with local services and organisations.
Alternatively, those wanting support can call the council directly on 1300 787 624 to speak with a CASI support officer.
If you know of someone who may benefit from this support, you can also contact the Covid-19 hotline and get assistance on how to encourage others to seek support.
Cardinia Shire mayor Jeff Springfield said the council welcomed the funding for the much-needed initiative.
“Council is well placed to be able to help provide local, practical support to people struggling in our community,” he said.
“We’re proud that council is able to help deliver this important program.
“We look forward to working in close partnership with the Red Cross and our many wonderful local organisations to assist our most vulnerable community members.”
Cr Springfield said there is no doubt that “there are more people than ever who are feeling alone and a bit lost at sea due to Covid-19.
“For people who were already quite isolated, Covid-19 is exacerbating this due to restrictions and the need to physically distance. Others are needing to self-isolate due to age or poor health.
“And then there are others who don’t usually experience loneliness, but who are missing regular face-to-face interaction and struggling with the many changes that Covid-19 has brought to our lives.
“We hope this will be a valuable and comforting service in what is a lonely and difficult time for many.”
The council is currently working on a local support network directory of organisations able to offer support and relief services during Covid-19.
This will be available soon on the council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/casi
