Salvation Army to launch support service for elderly

"Make a difference over a cuppa'' is the slogan behind a service focusing on the needs of elderly people set to be launched in Queenstown and Wanaka next week.Salvation Army Senior Services will offer friendship and support for older people living alone who may have become isolated from friends and the wider community.

The district's co-ordinator Jo Shaw is putting together a volunteer visitor team in the towns as part of the free community-based service and is accepting client referrals from social agencies and community health organisations.

The district will be just the fourth in the country to get the service and it will be the first time the Salvation Army has had a presence in Wanaka.

The organisation was hoping to expand its services in Wanaka in the future, Ms Shaw said.

Offers of help from volunteers could cover a ‘‘multitude of needs'' - from reading to an elderly person or taking them grocery shopping to helping them write a letter or email, repairing things around their home or just stopping by for a chat.

‘‘If someone comes in and has a cuppa with you, it brightens your day,'' Ms Shaw said.
As well as sending volunteer visitors, Senior Services will link elderly people with social groups and church activities and advocate for clients with government agencies.

Ms Shaw said because people were typically having to work long hours to meet the financial demands of living in Queenstown and Wanaka, elderly people sometimes missed out on the company of others.

‘‘If people can find an hour, whether it be once a week or once a month, it's going to make a difference.''

• For more information, phone Jo Shaw on 442-5103 or 027 776-3932.

Volunteers will be police-vetted.