Residents of Northern Victoria feeling lonely and socially disconnected due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to receive emotional and practical support with a phone call to the Coronavirus hotline, thanks to a new Victorian Government initiative.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp, has announced the City of Greater Shepparton will receive $58,860 to act as a ‘community connector’ for people who may be experiencing social disconnection and loneliness.
The funding is part of the Victorian Government’s $6 million Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative.
The program will expand the Victorian Coronavirus hotline by partnering with psychological first aid-trained Red Cross volunteers, to provide support to callers who may be distressed or anxious.
The hotline will also link people in need to community connectors for local practical supports and social activities, such as video chats, online book clubs or fitness groups.
For assistance, call the Victorian coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 for police, ambulance or fire emergencies.
