Volunteers provide a lifeline this Christmas

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Volunteers provide a lifeline this Christmas

6 yrs ago

CHRISTMAS AND LONELINESS – GRIEFLINE OFFERS A FRIENDLY VOICE

Christmas is one of the loneliest times of the year if there is no family or friends around to share the celebrations and family gatherings, according to GriefLine’s Kathy Wells, Manager Helpline & Bereavement Counsellor.

She and other volunteers work throughout the festive season, making sure that there is a voice at the end of the telephone to listen, care and support people who are alone.

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deep and difficult challenge at any time. But the holiday season can magnify your sense of loss and mourning. Family gatherings and seasonal events can be painful reminders of loss,” Ms Wells said. “For many it’s the time for reliving family breakdown”.

Based in Melbourne, GriefLine operates nationally, providing a listening ear to people who are grieving or are isolated.

“Calls from people concerned about Christmas begin at the end of November, and build up as the festive season approaches,” Ms Wells said.

“Often the calls are instigated by intense loneliness from those who are spending their Christmas alone to people whose loved ones have died and they are now being bombarded by invitations from well-meaning friends and do not know what to do. I urge people not to isolate themselves”.

“Financial issues are also a major difficulty for the unemployed at Christmas, as well as the expenses of another school year”.

GriefLine’s volunteers provide a friendly voice, and the chance for people by themselves to connect with someone.

People who want to access support can call between 12.00 noon and 3.00 a.m. seven days a week, 365 days a year.

GriefLine: National: (03) 9935 7400

National: 1300 845 745 (landline only)

About GriefLine

GriefLine is Australia's only dedicated loss and grief helpline service that provides counselling support services free of charge to individuals and families. These include: telephone support; online counselling; in-house one on one counselling; education and training and health support programs. Callers to the GriefLine Helplines have the opportunity to share their stories anonymously and confidentially with someone who will listen. griefline.org.au

4 comments

PlanB

6 yrs ago

DArn right Volunteers do so much and if it was not for them the Government would be in deep doo-doo -- they help so much and cost the Government nothing -- and are never recognised by the Government

Don't know where you're from, PlanB, but here in NSW, the government acknowledges volunteers and issues a badge which may be worn on the lapel. Most of the volunteers I come in contact with choose not to wear the badge as we don't volunteer for recognition but do so to give back to the community which has been good to us.

PlanB

6 yrs ago

Old Man, a Badge -- for heaven sake -- big deal -- it was just the other day when Chris Porter said he was going to make everyone do so much paidwork -- I was talking about recognition -- and saying how much these Volunteers saved the Government in money --- they do a wonderful job -- and yes I am sure they are not people to want to advertise the work they do.

Adrianus

6 yrs ago

PlanB, you must be from Victoria where they try to run volunteers out of town. What happened to the volunteer fire fighters??

I'm taking the opportunity, as I have done in previous years) to door knock in my neighbourhood to spread some goodwill. I recomend it, especially if you take a little gift.

Sophie

6 yrs ago

Goodwill also involves not bearing false witness Frank...

PlanB

6 yrs ago

No I am in NSW Frank

catsahoy

6 yrs ago

i think ALL volunteers , in whatever capasity do a fantastic job, from the fireys to the paramedics, to the social workers who do meals on wheels, without them the place wouldnt function, they give of there own time, not seeing there own families, to help others, here in victoria they get recognised, but not nearly enough in my opinion,

PlanB

6 yrs ago

Yes Cats you are so right there

Suze

6 yrs ago

Hence what a great initiative it is by the Government in introducing Volunteer work in "Work for the Dole"

Adrianus

6 yrs ago

Agree 100%. What a great initiative!!

25 hours per week for under 30 year olds and 15 hours for over 30. The over 50's can do it for 6 months of the year. This is such a great opportunity for those who wish to develope their confidence and self esteem. While adding something of value to their local community.

PlanB

6 yrs ago

The trouble is most volunteers do it because they want to -- if these are forced to do it they may not do a proper job and if that comes down to maybe looking after people that are vulnerable it could turn out bad

4 comments

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Volunteers provide a lifeline this Christmas

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