Chats participants
Kaye
Chats is my second family! I have met so many wonderful, kind, and thoughtful people. I joined at a low point in my life and Chats made me realise there is more to life, and I can enjoy it.
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I so look forward to receiving the newsletter and choosing my outings, which are the highlight of my week.
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Christine
I only joined Chats back in May this year and I can’t believe how much it has helped me. Getting out and about, going on amazing adventures and enjoying my life, meeting new people, and just having a ball.
The staff and volunteers are the most helpful and caring people and I just love everything about it Chats and look forward to many more outings.
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Pam
I think the staff at Chats are exceptional in the way they care for us, it’s not just a job to them they genuinely care about us.
I enjoy getting out of the house and going on trips, these outings and company are always the highlight of my day.
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Julie
I love my Chats outings! I enjoy the company and the outings; Chats has given me so many good memories. The quality of care and compassion I am given by staff and volunteers is above and beyond and means the world to me.
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Why join Chats?
What's involved?
Group Social Support: lunches, scenic drives, movies, markets and more.
Individual Social Support: one-on-one support of your choosing at home or out in the community.
Allied Health - Social Work and Counselling: individual or group work with trained professionals onsite or in your own home.
What's the difference between Chats and Aged Care Community Visitors Scheme?
Chats, unlike the Aged Care Community Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), provides support under the entry level Commonwealth Home Support Program or via the Tasmanian Home and Community Care Program.
ACVVS has a focus of isolated individuals who live in a residential aged care facility or have an assigned Home Care Package.
Both programs however provide 1-on-1 or group support, depending on the individual.
I don't drive anymore, how will I get there?
Chats can pick you up from your front door and drop you back after the activity finishes. We have participants enjoy group trips on our Chats bus or in small outings in the Chats cars.
What sort of training do the volunteers have?
Our volunteers have been equipped with the knowledge required to assist our staff with group activities. Additionally, they are all first aid qualified and have undergone necessary checks prior to becoming a volunteer with the program.
Who can participate in Chats?
Chats is supported by both the Australian and Tasmanian Governments. The Australian Government, under the entry-level Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), provides access to the Chats program for people:
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65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
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50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), on a low income and homeless, or at risk of being homeless.​
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The Tasmanian Government, through the Tasmanian Home and Community Care Program (HACC) provides access to the Chats program for:
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Anyone who is aged under 65, or
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are aged under 50.
What social connections will I make?
Chats offers group social outings and activities from lunches, scenic drives and walks to visiting museums and markets just to name a few, all whilst making new social connections with fellow Chats participants.
I'm not sure I can make it every month...can I still be involved?
There is no minimum participation required. Your involvement in the program is tailored to your needs and schedule.
For more information, contact:
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