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Companionship and social support

Services available in ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA

Connecting you to your community

Having good social connections are essential for all aspects of your health, especially as you age. Red Cross can support you to improve your social connections and connect with your community for your wellbeing. An outing or a chat over a cup of coffee with a caring and friendly volunteer could become a highlight of your week, and give you the confidence to meet new people.

Is this program for you?

These services are for people who are not in regular social contact with other people.

  • Older people who live alone (including people on home care packages or living in an aged care home)
  • Older people who are few social connections outside home
  • People with disability

  • People recovering from mental illness.

About the service

Red Cross social connection programs can support you and link you to other people and your community. Programs include home visits, social outings, group activities, peer support and social phone calls.

Many programs will match you with a volunteer based on your interests and values, to be your companion so you can build up a friendship over time.

Activities might include:

  • taking part in community interest groups
  • outings to cafes, galleries, the footy or other places of interest
  • going for a walk
  • friendly in-home visits

  • a regular social chat on the phone.

This service is available through both the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care.

Contact us for more information