Real Hope: Community & FamilyShembull

A FAMILY FOR ALL

The last national census in Australia showed that two million people in Australia live alone; more than half of this number represents women. With the acknowledgement of this reality, there has been an increasing concern related to the vulnerability, especially of the elderly, who are living alone, isolated with little or no connection within their local community.

The ‘stay home’ model that was adopted to flatten the curve of the coronavirus further highlighted the vulnerability of the elderly living alone and a national call to check in with our neighbours inspired me to check in with my elderly neighbours. Even though I have been aware of the elderly widowers who live in our neighbourhood, my connection with them has been limited to a quick hello at the shops and the exchanging of Christmas cards. I decided to call weekly and now these calls have become a special part of my week, which I hope will continue past the time of this current crisis. 

I have been reminded that a simple act, like a regular phone call, can help place someone who is alone into a family. God’s heart has always been for people to be a part of His family; I am only sorry it took a pandemic for me to get inspired to take up the invitation to connect and welcome others into my family.

written by KATH HENRY

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