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Chats is about having fun, meeting new people and building relationships which create a feeling of friendship, support and connection. Chats volunteers offer emotional and social support to older people who may otherwise be at risk from loneliness. Our volunteers respond to participants’ needs and support them in the direction they have chosen for their life. Our goal is always to encourage and increase participants’ connection to their community.
What does Chats offer participants?
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a weekly phone call
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a monthly newsletter (the Chats News)
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social activities
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links to other community organisations
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transport to social events
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the opportunity to contribute to Chats as a volunteer if and when they feel confident enough to do so
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intensive, individualised support is available for those who find it very difficult to reconnect socially.
Chats volunteers and participants receive a monthly copy of the Chats News which outlines upcoming activities and provides information about Chats. Participants and volunteers are encouraged to contribute to the Chats News which is a great way to share stories, artwork, jokes etc. Our newsletter is yet another way of helping to build a sense of belonging and friendship.
Participants receive a friendly phone call from a volunteer each week. The purpose of the call is to stay in touch and to provide friendly conversation. Participants have the opportunity to talk with many different volunteers over time, building meaningful connections with each of them. Volunteer callers ring at a pre-arranged time and can also provide information as required. There is no pressure for participants to join groups or activities. Our focus is on getting to know participants and supporting the direction each person chooses for their life.
Chats offers a wide variety of social activities. Many are organised in conjunction with other organisations and allow participants to meet people in your local community and join existing groups. Other activities are organised by Chats and offer the chance to mingle with Chats participants and volunteers. Some activities take place on a regular basis at a consistent time and place while others are one-off events such as bus trips or special celebrations. There is always someone to give a warm welcome and help things run smoothly.
For those who find it difficult to get involved in social activities, there is our Reconnect Program. Reconnect allows individuals to work towards their own specific goals for re-engagement in a way which suits their specific circumstances. Staff and volunteers will work with participants to help them become more socially connected. Volunteers can meet with participants individually and accompany them to activities. We offer support through Reconnect for a pre-determined period of time until participants feel confident enough to get out and about by themselves.
We are keen to respond to the desires of our participants. We work enthusiastically to put their ideas into action. Many of our activities are organised in response to ideas from participants so if there’s somewhere our members like to go or something they’d like to do we will do whatever we can to make it happen!
We understand that transport may be a barrier to community involvement for older people so we arrange and subsidise transport for social activities. Transport may be taxis, a bus or one of the Chats vehicles.
Who can join Chats as a participant?
Anyone over 60 years of age, living independently in the community who would like to increase their social contact, is eligible to join Chats. We would love to hear from you and talk about how Chats might fit into your life or the life of someone you know. There is no waiting list and no cost to join.
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