FEELING lonely and isolated can be a heavy burden to bear, but Sutherland Council's Befriending Program confronts the problem head on.
The program partners people who are feeling lonely or isolated with trained volunteers in an effort to eradicate social isolation.
Almost 23 per cent of the shire's local residents are aged over 60 years and of those aged over 65 years, almost 10% are living alone, with a similar number needing assistance with core activities due to disability.
The program connects trained volunteers with lonely and isolated residents through regular visits and phone calls.
Cronulla resident Ruth Gardener has been volunteering with BeConnected Community Services, which runs the program for 20 years.
She signed up for the Befriending Program when organisers started recruiting its first group of volunteers last October.
The 88 year-old former jewellery shop and toy store owner said volunteering had helped her remain connected with the community since she retired.
She said she had made some great friendships through the program - which she said was as beneficial for her as it was for her clients.
"Volunteering and keeping busy motivates me," she said.
"We are all human beings and those of us that are lonely can get so much joy from a simple cup of coffee and conversation or even a telephone call and someone asking 'how are you doing?'"
"I enjoy helping others, I'm always on the lookout for something I can do to help others and make their life a bit easier."
"When I heard of the Befriending Program, I thought it was a great chance for me to get involved and try to bring a bit of extra happiness to people who may be feeling alone."
One of Ruth's clients Olive said she was feeling lonely before hearing about the program because she finds it difficult to get out and about.
"When I heard about the Befriending Program and the idea of a volunteer who could come out to visit me at home - I thought finally someone who can give me a bit of company," she said.
Organisers currently have enough volunteers, but would like to hear from people who would like to be visited.
For more information, call (02) 9710-0422 or send an email.
