Social Support

The Social Support Service helps people to stay connected with their community. It helps create social opportunities for older people and adults with a disability living in the community.

The service offers a Visiting Program for individuals and a Companion Walking Group.

Both the Visiting Program and Walking Group are volunteer-led. Our Social Support volunteers are women and men of all ages and backgrounds. They are positive, reliable people who have an interest in meeting and spending time with program clients. Our volunteers receive training and support and  give freely of their time. All volunteers have criminal and reference checks.

Visiting program

Clients are matched on a one-to-one basis with a volunteer for companionship, conversation, sharing of interests and possibly local outings. Most visits are weekly for one to two hours.

Companion Walking Group

A volunteer accompanies each walker on a weekly walk at the client’s pace around the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens or other local park.  This is followed by coffee or tea at a local café. The group is suitable for people with mobility limitations who want to join with others for some exercise in a friendly and supportive small group. Physiotherapy assessment may be required prior to acceptance. Transport assistance may be available.

Cost

Individuals are expected to meet their own expenses when out, such as meals, drinks and entry costs.

Eligibility 

The program is for frail, older people and adults with disabilities live at home, or in the home of a family member. You must also live in Mount Alexander Shire.

Service is dependent on available, appropriate volunteers able to meet the assessed need.

Referrals

Referrals to the service come from all sources including self, family members and service providers. Assessment for eligibility is required.

Self and family referrals can be made by contacting the Volunteer Office via the  Volunteer Office contact form or calling them on 5471 3566.

Agency referrals are received on SCTT forms in line with HACC funding requirements and are to be sent via Connecting Care.

Program supporters

Castlemaine Health Social Support Program is funded through the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program.