MEDIA RELEASE: 3 June 2020
Following the latest COVID-19 health advice, the Queensland Government is encouraging older Queenslanders to leave their homes to reconnect with family, friends and their communities and start going back to the things they enjoy.
Centacare FNQ and the Social Wellbeing Hub team are delighted to be able to throw the doors open to our centre in Holloways Beach and welcome clients back once again, while following strict social distancing and hygiene procedures.
Centacare FNQ has been proactive in ensuring clients’ needs are being met during this challenging time. At the end of March, the Social Wellbeing Hub team shifted service delivery from direct face to face support to making wellbeing checks via zoom, FaceTime, Skype and by phone to help self-isolating clients navigate these complex and confusing times and to help combat loneliness of being at home rather than out and about and meeting other people. This initiative has been met with great positivity with clients saying how much they enjoy it.
Social Wellbeing Hub client John has been very happy to receive the informative newsletters and ongoing communication during lockdown. John’s sister Marion said, “I am so grateful and impressed with the ongoing care and concern for the attendees of the hub. I know John enjoys the frequent phone conversations (and me too).”
Executive Director Anita Veivers said, “We understands these past months have been especially hard for our older community members to stay home. There is always concern that such a long time at home can lead to social isolation so, we’re delighted that our seniors can now begin to safely reconnect with their families, friends and communities and start to get back to a more usual routine. We expect to be following a COVIDSAFE plan for some time yet but it won’t stop us having fun and making sure we are supportive and welcoming.”
For the past few weeks Centacare FNQ has been preparing for the transition back to the office and being able to offer face to face services. Environments and practises have been created that comply with both Federal and State legislation to ensure all Centacare locations are as COVIDSAFE as possibly so, older community members can feel confidant to venture out safely.
For more information about the Social Wellbeing Hub please call 07 4055 0890 or email us at [email protected]
