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The Let’s End Loneliness website provides a wealth of information.
Age Concern Rodney has appealed for more volunteer visitors to meet with lonely seniors in the Warkworth Wellsford area.
Visiting service coordinator Sue Robertson says Age Concern is getting referrals all the time and is eager for more volunteers to come on board.
Currently, Sue says she gets about two referrals a month, but it takes about six weeks to vet and train a volunteer.
Sue says people become isolated and lonely for various reasons but one of the main reasons is when they are no longer able to drive.
Volunteers are given a one-hour training session and can attend quarterly Volunteer Visitor Support Group meetings, which provide peer support and the opportunity to hear guest speakers.
Meanwhile, The New Zealand Coalition to End Loneliness has launched a new website to provide resources for anyone experiencing or concerned about social isolation. Age Concern chief executive Stephanie Clare says the “Let’s End Loneliness” website is a source of information, which also links people to support services.
“Everyone can feel loneliness at some time, but it can be addressed and solved, and together we can end loneliness for New Zealanders who feel isolated,” she says.
The Coalition to End Loneliness comprises Age Concern, St John, Carers New Zealand, Student Volunteer Army, the RSA, Alzheimers New Zealand and the Salvation Army.
St John director of community health services Sarah Manley says in the wake of Covid-19 it’s never been more important for people to stay connected.
“This new website is a great resource for Kiwis from all walks of life to find ways to connect and build healthier and stronger communities,” she says.
Catherine Hall, of Alzheimers New Zealand, says one group especially vulnerable to loneliness are the 70,000 New Zealanders living with dementia.
“Sadly, people living with dementia often find family, whānau and friends take a step back just when they need them most,” she says. The new website can be found at: letsendloneliness.co.nz To become a volunteer visitor with Age Concern, email: info@ageconcernrodney.org.nz
