The Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra has launched a new volunteer program to help support older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
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Unveiled during National Volunteers Week (May 21-27), Multicultural Elders Friendship Program will link community volunteers with older people who live alone.
Under the program, volunteers of all ages will be recruited and matched by MCCI to an older person who could benefit from some additional social support and community participation.
MCCI CEO Chris Lacey said the program is intended to offer a range of low-key social support for multicultural elders.
It could be as simple as a volunteer visiting someone at home for an hour a week to have a chat over morning or afternoon tea.
“There is a growing body of evidence that when older people who live alone, they are at greater risk of becoming socially isolated and their health and well-being can be adversely affected,” Mr Lacey said.
“Many studies have drawn a link between isolation and depression and anxiety. This can in turn impact on people’s physical health.
“Through this program we hope to do something positive about that for older people in the Illawarra community.”
He said the program will also act as an entry point to the national aged care system.
To register interest in Multicultural Elders Friendship Program, interested volunteers should contact MCCI on 4229 7566 or by emailing admin@mcci.org.au.