A NEW Hunter charity is offering comfort, company and kindness for those feeling lonely and isolated in our community.
Hello Hunter is the work of church leaders across multiple denominations in the region who hope to offer a friendly chat, a helping hand, or even a prayer for people who could use a little companionship and support.
Hello Hunter chief, Pastor Rick Prosser of Soul Cafe, said something as simple as a friendly chat could significantly impact people feeling lonely and socially isolated.
So when the region's church leaders came together in April to discuss a whole-of-church response to the "epidemic" of loneliness, offering an opportunity for caring and connection in the community became a priority.
"As a result of that - there was research, pilot programs, community consultation that went into developing what has now become Hello Hunter," he said.
Mr Prosser said they had been contacted by a lady longing to have a longer conversation.
"She was very grateful and spoke very highly of the in-home care she was receiving, but everyone was on a tight timeline, and didn't really have much time just to sit and talk," he said. "When we said we could arrange that, there were tears on the other end of the phone - and largely disbelief that someone would be willing and prepared to have a conversation with her."
Mr Prosser said Hello Hunter was not a crisis line, like Lifeline.
"We've observed what's out there in our community, and we've just tried to fill a gap we have observed, with the capacity we have," he said. "We don't want to complicate and duplicate, but rather complement what's actually in our community, for our community."
Teresa Brierley, of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland - Newcastle, said loneliness and isolation had been a critical problem long before COVID-19 exacerbated it.
"Hello Hunter is based on volunteers, and there are four aspects," she said. "It could be a friendly chat, it might be simple deliveries for that person, it could be referrals if they present with some more complex issues, or they might request a prayer."
All callers are triaged by trained volunteers at the charity's Charlestown call centre.
"There is going to be some people who, for whatever reason, are lonely, and haven't got those connections that many of us take for granted," Matt Brown, of Swansea District Baptist Church and Baptist Services, added.
"I think this will be a great help."
To connect, call 49HUNTER (49486837) or visit info.hellohunter.org.au.
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