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Telecross
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The service
Telecross is a free service that provides a daily call to thousands of people across NSW every year.
Every morning, a trained Red Cross volunteer makes a short, friendly telephone call to a Telecross client to ensure that they are safe and well. If the call is not answered, a second call is made. If there is still no response, Red Cross initiates an emergency procedure and arranges assistance if necessary.
By assisting the elderly and medically dependent in their own homes, Telecross helps clients to maintain their independence, thereby improving quality of life and reducing the necessity to move into residential care.
Every year people are helped by this vital and confidential service. For many lonely or isolated people, this daily contact with Telecross relieves social isolation whilst assisting clients to maintain their independence.
Who is eligible to access Telecross?
Potential clients can refer themselves, or be referred by a relative, friend or health professional.
Telecross provides support and peace of mind not only to clients, but also to their families and friends.
Although a majority of Telecross clients are elderly, the service does not preclude people with disabilities or young clients who are medically dependent.
Telecross can be provided on a temporary basis, during a period of rehabilitation or when a carer is absent. Anyone who might benefit from a daily phone call for security, or to combat social isolation, is welcome to apply. Clients are reviewed every six months, to ensure that the service is fulfilling their expectations.
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How can I help?
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1. Become a volunteer
The success of the Telecross service is dependent upon the commitment of its volunteers. Making a brief phone call to a client between 8am and 9am, volunteers are rostered on for one month at a time. Volunteers are reviewed every three months, to ensure that their needs are being met.
For volunteers, rewards include the benefits of training and a sense of satisfaction in helping those most vulnerable in our community. Currently there are more than 3,000 volunteers making calls on a roster basis to more than 1,500 Telecross clients throughout NSW.
If you would like to volunteer, email nswvolunteers@redcross.org.au. For general inquiries about this program contact the Telecross Coordinator on 02 9229 4222, 02 9299 6777 or email nswtelecross@redcross.org.au.
Corporate volunteering
The nature of the Telecross service lends itself to corporate participation. Many employees are able to spare 5 minutes in the morning between 8.00am and 9.00am. A Telecross Coordinator can visit the place of employment to train employees, who can then be rostered to make a brief phone call each morning on a monthly basis. For further information, contact 02 9229 4130 or email corpsupport@redcross.org.au.
2. Make a donation
To support the delivery of Red Cross services and programs across Australia, go to the online donations form and select 'General Donation - Australia' from the Appeals drop-down menu. To support a specific local service or program such as Telecross, phone 1800 811 700.
3. Become a sponsor
Funding for the Telecross service is almost entirely sourced via donations from the general public. However, the Telecross services in the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley, Tweed, Hunter, Cessnock, Gosford and Nowra areas receive some funding from the Ageing and Disability Department, Home and Community Care Program.
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