Australians with chronic health conditions are 1.5 times more likely to experience persistent loneliness compared to those with no chronic health conditions*
Frenchs Forest, NSW – 19 December 2024: Social isolation and loneliness are often a year-long struggle for many people with chronic health and mental health conditions, but the extended holiday break at the end of the year can increase these feelings. Proveda is looking to help reduce social isolation and loneliness through its award-winning community program, Belong Club, a vibrant initiative offering in-person and online activities to connect people in the community. The program would not be possible without the contribution and time of those in the community who volunteer to host and run the events.
Thanks to funding from the Northern Beaches Council, the Belong Club is thrilled to offer fortnightly classes of its interactive All Abilities Dance Class with Dance Health Alliance starting in the new year. Additionally, the Belong Club was named a recipient of the Bupa Foundation's Community Grants program, allowing the club to begin to offer fortnightly dance classes in Seaforth.
The Proveda volunteer program itself is unique in the sense that anyone can make a referral, this could be someone who needs to engage in social interaction to improve their health and wellbeing or reduce their social isolation, either in their own home, in a Residential Aged Care Home or in the community. Volunteers support people with walk and talks, IT support, meal deliveries, shopping and other small tasks.
This holiday season, Proveda is seeking volunteers over the age of 18 years to help connect with vulnerable people in the community who are looking for connection either by visiting them in their homes or residential living, going for walks or meeting up for a coffee across the Northern Beaches and North Sydney.
Cate Archibald, Co-ordinator of Proveda's Volunteer Program manages over 160 volunteers and works by connecting volunteers with people in the community who require assistance across aged care, palliative care, mental health and various other services.
"The holidays can be a very lonely time for many isolated Australians and our volunteers can make a huge difference by connecting and showing up for them," said Archibald. "It's amazing to see the incredible impact volunteering has not only on those in need but for our volunteers as well. It's a season of giving and so many of our volunteers mention the positive impact giving back to the community has had on their own emotional wellbeing. It's inspiring to witness what our volunteers do for the community, everyone is trying their hardest to commit their time and energy with very positive results for the whole community."
With programs like the Belong Club, which won the Social Inclusion category at the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards, connecting people, being compassionate, and working towards a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging is core to Proveda's purpose.
For those looking for somewhere to spend Christmas Day this year, Tramshed Café in Narrabeen (1395a Pittwater Road) is the place to go. Taking place from 11:30am-3:30pm on 25th December, everyone in the community is welcome to stop by for a special community event, proudly hosted by MoWaNa (a community-based mental health organisation). Whether you're without family, feeling lonely, or experiencing financial hardship, the event is a chance to share in the holiday season and a chance to connect with others in the community.
