From school children to the elderly, New Zealanders have found support by contacting helplines during the tough Covid-19 isolation period.
Wellington Samaritans has received an increasing number of calls since the Government introduced strict household quarantining near the end of March, to try to contain the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Some callers are ringing a helpline for the first time which takes courage, says Wellington Samaritans Board Member and Volunteer, Kelly Wright.
Since late March, demand and response rates have increased 23 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, compared with the same period last year. Remarkably, about half the number of volunteers answered these calls because fewer have been available to work during the Covid-19 crisis.
For 55 years, the service has run from the crypt of the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, however due to the coronavirus restrictions, staff and volunteers are operating from their homes.
Callers’ major problems are loneliness and anxiety. These are concerns in normal times, however the crisis has heightened them, Kelly says.
In usual times, those who feel lonely can go for walks or play bowls, visit charity shops or cafes and simply be among people. During the quarantine, such places have been closed and some individuals have felt afraid to go walking plus have needed to keep a safe distance from others.
“They’ve lost that sense of connection with the community,” she says.
At present, the helpline exists to “offer hope and encouragement to people…just someone to listen brings huge comfort”.
Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand encompasses centres in Wellington, Levin, Palmerston North and Rotorua/Hawke’s Bay.
For further information:
Samaritans helpline 0800 72 66 66 and about volunteering
First published by Daily Encourager – click here to read the full article.