The Chats Program offers a variety of social activities each month that enable participants to get out of the house, meet new people, share new experiences, and develop friendships.

Who can be involved?

The Chats Program is available to all Tasmanians who are socially isolated or lonely. Chats is supported by both the Australian and Tasmanian Government. The Australian Government, under the the entry level Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), provides access to the Chats program for people:

- 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or

- 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.

The Tasmanian Government, through the Tasmanian Home and Community Care Program (HACC) provides access to the Chats program for:

- Anyone who is aged under 65, or

- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are aged under 50.

What cost is involved?

For participants who access Chats through CHSP:

Activity Type	Type	Fee per Participant
Individual Social Support -   shopping, visit	Per hour	$10.00
Individual Social Support -   community group outing   Transport	Attendance fee*   Short journey (within a 10 km radius from office) Long journey (over 11 km radius from office)	$10.00   $10.00   $15.00

*Attendance fees covers the event coordination and attendance on the day for support

For participants who access Chats through HACC:

Individual Social Support -  shopping, visit, community group outing	1 visit per week	2 or more visits per week (capped)
Pensioner	$5.00	$10.00
Non-pensioner	$20.00	$30.00
Workers’ compensation clients	Full cost*	Full cost*

*As advised by Lifeline Tasmania – effectively the same as fee-for-service (FFS).

What sort of activities do you do?

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 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.

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.

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.

What's the difference between Chats and Community Visitors Scheme?

Chats, unlike the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS), provides support under the entry level Commonwealth Home Support Program or via the Tasmanian Home and Community Care Program. CVS 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.