A friend on the line for Hume’s most vulnerable

Senior Sergeant Shayne Kerley, volunteer co-ordinatior Fatima Milhem, and volunteer Lena Reale. Picture: Damjan Janevski.

Volunteers from across Hume are picking up the phone to check in with the municipality’s vulnerable residents.

As part of Dianella Health’s Hume Community Register, the volunteers make regular phone calls to check on the wellbeing of Hume residents who are more than 50 years old or have a disability who are living independently.

During heatwaves, calls are made daily to those at most risk of heat-related illnesses.

Dianella chief executive Neil Cowen said the register was established with funding from the Office of Senior Victorians and that it was confidential and secure.

He said the register gave families peace of mind when they couldn’t be with their loved ones.

“It is important for people of all ages and abilities to live an independent life,” he said. “Some live alone or with a partner and may feel alone or isolated.

“This initiative is particularly important as it creates a community and feeling of inclusiveness, not just for those listed on the register, but also for Dianella Health volunteers who have signed up to donate their time to the project.”

Dianella Health is looking for more volunteers to make phone calls.

Details: 8301 6736