Free grief and loss support for residents of the Douglas Shire
Local support
People in the Douglas Shire who are experiencing loneliness and isolation through grief or loss now have the option to call-on the help of a supportive telephone companion.
The ‘Care-to-Call program’ is a free call ‘befriending’ service provided by Griefline, an Australia-wide non-profit organisation. The program is funded by the Douglas Community and the Tin Shed to support the lonely and isolated residents of the Douglas Shire.
Kyle Livingston, general manager at the Tin Shed, said the main factor for funding the program is the continuing growth of the ageing population in the Douglas Shire. “Our older generation are experiencing isolation due to ill health or loss of support they require for daily living”, he said.
“In the current pandemic, most people are afraid to leave their house in fear of contracting Covid-19. On top of that, there are multiple generations who grew up in our small shire and who struggle to ask for support without anyone knowing about it.”
Mr Livingston explained that grief and loss are a part of this program, “however, our focus is on providing support for those who are experiencing loneliness and isolation as a result of grief and loss”, he said. “The impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is amplifying the loneliness and isolation felt by Australians living in remote and rural areas.”
Louisa Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at Griefline, said that the program hopes to promote the benefits of making new connections through community events and social groups, both face to face and online. “This will increase a sense of belonging for those experiencing loneliness and isolation”, she explained.
“The Douglas Shire in North Queensland is a community that has suffered many losses in the pandemic thanks to domestic border closures preventing locals from being with their loved ones, and the devastating impact it has had on their local and international tourism economy”, Ms Smith said.
All hands on deck
According to Mr Livingston they are hands-on with the program. “We have an operational oversight group, which I am also a part of. Within this group we have the Griefline CMO and Community and Partnerships Coordinator. We also have representatives from Douglas Support Services, Port Douglas Community Service Network, Mossman Support Services and FNQ Family Therapy.
“Kim from the Tin Shed and Lynn from University of the third age (U3A), have put themselves forward for the community connection liaison volunteers. We are also sourcing sponsorships from local businesses to provide the resources to allow this program to run forever.”
Improving life quality
According to Griefline’s website, the rationale of the Care-to-Call befriending program is to improve the life quality and satisfaction of people suffering from the absence of emotional support or social relationships and to reduce the stigma surrounding loneliness and isolation.
Ms Smith said that the service is delivered by specially trained volunteers, also called ‘Carepal’. “They reach out to participants via a weekly check-in phone call”, she said. “They will give you tips and ideas for reconnecting with your local community and expanding your social network.”
Registrations are now open to community members and health professionals in the Douglas Shire via the Griefline website.