Windermere to support East Gippsland community during COVID-19

Windermere will be coordinating supports to East Gippsland residents as part of a new State Government COVID 19 Initiative: Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI).

The state-wide program has been set up to provide social, emotional and practical support to people experiencing vulnerability, loneliness or social disconnection during the pandemic. It is being delivered in partnership with the Red Cross and other community organisations.

“East Gippsland residents can self refer by contacting us directly and we will connect them to the local supports that they are needing,” says Helen Consta, Windermere Manager.

Windermere’s Community Connector workers will tailor support plans to individual needs and this may include facilitating links to local support services, groups, social activities or practical assistance.

“Practical assistance might include anything from help with their shopping, picking up pharmacy items or social contacts over the phone or online,” says Helen.

Windermere already has strong connections with the East Gippsland community and has previously provided drought and bushfire relief support. Most recently Windermere has been acting on behalf of Bushfire Recovery Victoria to provide the Bushfire Case Support program to people who were affected by last Summer‘s 2020 East Gippsland bushfires.

East Gippsland residents

Windermere’s Community Connector workers can receive direct referrals from East Gippsland residents via phone 0499 500 495 or email CASIcommunityconnector@windermere.org.au

Statewide COVID Hotline

Victorians who live outside East Gippsland can call the COVID Hotline on 1800 675 398 to be referred to the Community Connector organisation in their area.