Red Cross volunteers provide free telephone calls people living alone, giving them a regular social connection. (Photo: Helen White/Australian Red Cross)
This service is available in ACT and SE NSW, QLD and VIC.
A regular phone call providing friendship and support
Red Cross provides regular telephone calls to people who have little or no social connection with other people. Friendly volunteers call participants at an agreed time, generally once a week, for an open ended chat. Participants are matched with volunteers based on their interests, hobbies and availability.
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"She listens to me and I listen to her, and we can talk for more than fifteen minutes! It makes me feel good, it makes me feel I'm worth something… (the good feeling) lasts for the rest of the day"
- TeleCHAT participant. |
Is there any cost?
TeleCHAT is a free service.
Why use TeleCHAT?
TeleCHAT offers a connection to the community providing regular contact with the same volunteer. People receiving calls speak of the companionship and friendship they feel from having another person to talk with.
Telechat calls provide regular contact with the same volunteer so participants and volunteers can build a supportive friendship.
How can I access this service?
For information about accessing TeleCHAT and to see if this program is suitable for you please contact Red Cross. We are seeking to expand the TeleCHAT services further, check this page for new developments and locations for this service.
ACT and SE NSW
Participant criteria: For people who live independently and have minimal social contact.
Area covered: ACT, Queanbeyan, Cooma Monaro, Goulburn Mulwarree, Palarang, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Bombala, Gundagai, Yass Valley and Snowy River.
Phone: 02 6234 7634
Queensland
Participant criteria: For people who live independently and have minimal social contact.
Area covered: All areas of Queensland.
Phone: 1300 885 698
Victoria
Participant criteria: The service is available for people over the age of 65 (or 55 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) who live independently and have minimal social contact.
Area covered: Greater Melbourne, bordered by Werribee to the West, Whittlesea to the North, Lilydale to the East, Pakenham to the South East and Mornington Peninsula to the South - phone numbers beginning with 9 or 8.
Phone: 03 8346 8342