Moshi moshi! Pronto, Allo? Hola, hello!
We all love to pick up the phone, especially when we know it’s a friendly face on the other side. From tin-can-telephones to smartphones, phone calls help to keep us connected when we are unable to meet face to face.
Is your phone a little quiet? Then you need a Sunshine Call.
Brightwater’s Sunshine Call program connects Brightwater volunteers with Brightwater at Home clients to buddy together and form connections. Sunshine Calls brighten and lighten your day by talking to someone with similar interests to you.
Brightwater at Home client, Shirley has been receiving Sunshine Calls after her coordinator let her know about the program. ‘I was a little apprehensive at first and thought I might have a problem talking to a stranger’ she says, ‘but my volunteer really knew what to ask, and was so easy to talk to and very non-judgemental.’
Shirley and her Sunshine Caller talk to each other on a Saturday and have spent the last couple of calls talking about her life. Shirley feels it has helped reduce her social isolation and feel better connected. ‘It’s been very distressing dealing with my health issues over the last 2 years, it’s good to know someone is listening, someone cares.’
She thinks it’s a great program and a great idea to connect with others. Her recommendation to other clients considering participating in the program? Be open. ‘It can be difficult to talk to someone, especially when you don’t know them from a bar of soap. But it really helps to reduce the weight of life’s challenges.’
Don’t let the sun set on your phone.
Our Sunshine Call Program is free for all Brightwater at Home clients. Our Volunteering team pairs clients with a volunteer who will ring the client at an agreed time.
Our clients and volunteers often discuss anything and everything, including life experiences, shared interests, and current hobbies. After being paired together, our ‘Sun Shiner’s’ often continue their phone calls on their own schedule.
The only thing our volunteers are unable to discuss or assist with is the scheduling, billing, or delivery of Brightwater at Home services. As they do not work for Brightwater at Home.
So shine the light on your phone.
Don’t delay and bring the sunshine back to your phone. If you would like to receive a Sunshine Call you can ring our Volunteering team on 1300 223 968 or speak to your coordinator.
