Dear Ed,

We acknowledge the incredible efforts of your readers who are staying at home and helping to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all do our bit to prevent the spread of the virus, it can be easy to lose the connections that can give us meaning and make us feel part of a community. We know the one thing many of us are missing right now is human contact. For those who are living alone or who are in isolation this becomes more acute.

Red Cross is now offering a free national telephone service to fill some of that void and help people maintain or improve their level of social connection. COVID CONNECT allows regular access to a friendly voice, a listening ear and tips to improve social connection.

Red Cross volunteers are making these social phone calls to people wherever they are during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping reduce the stress of isolation.

If you or someone you know would like to start receiving these calls please register at www.connect.redcross.org.au/covid-connect or by ringing 1800 733 276. We’re looking forward to chatting with you!

Poppy Brown
NSW & ACT State Director
Australian Red Cross