We’ve launched a new social connection program at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, helping people who live alone enjoy regular conversation and companionship at home.
For Lakes Entrance resident Colin Stone, 85, the new Cuppa Connections program has been a welcome addition to his week.
Colin has lived alone since his late wife, Pat, passed away three years ago. While he has a large family, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are spread across Perth, Adelaide, Gundagai, Benalla, Tasmania and Sydney, making visits difficult.
He lives on a beautiful property filled with birdlife and surrounded by items he and Pat collected during their travels around the world.
What he’s short on is conversation, which is why he signed up for Cuppa Connections.
“I used to be very involved when the children were growing up. I was on the school council and school committees. I can remember doing 12 meetings in one week at one stage. Now I have a quieter life,” Colin said.
“It’s very quiet when you live by yourself. It’s great to have someone coming around, and you think about what you’re going to say, and after they’ve gone you think about what you’ve talked about. It’s a good thing to do.”
Volunteer David Peters, from Lake Bunga, visits Colin and the pair quickly discovered they share plenty of interests.
“The things he’s interested in are the same things I’m interested in. Historical stuff, geographical stuff, archaeology, artworks, books and travel. We’re never at a loose end to know what to talk about,” David said.
While both men are members of the Lakes Entrance Garden Club, it took GLCH’s program for them to really get to know each other.
“It was a natural progression of dialogue. Colin can talk about anything; we get along very well together.
“We have a really good camaraderie about the whole thing.”
Colin agrees.
“It’s supposed to be an hour, but it’s been longer once we get going,” he said.
GLCH also supports Colin to continue living at home through the Federal Government’s Support at Home program.
Cuppa Connections pairs trained volunteers with GLCH clients for regular home visits focused on companionship. Volunteers visit weekly or fortnightly to share a cup of tea, conversation and quality time.
GLCH Volunteer Engagement Officer Karren Hackling said the program responds to a growing need for social connection, particularly among older people and those living alone.
“Cuppa Connections is about human connection — not appointments or services,” Karren said.
“For some people, having someone sit down for a cuppa and a chat can make a real difference to their week.”
Visits usually last around an hour and are arranged at a time that suits both the volunteer and the participant. Activities are informal and guided by shared interests, including conversation, cards or board games.
GLCH offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, with flexible options to suit different interests and time commitments.
To learn more about volunteering with GLCH, contact Karren Hackling on 5150 9388 or visit www.glch.org.au