At 93, Rose Banford has many stories to tell. She just needed someone to listen.
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As a teenager Ms Banford narrowly escaped death when her house in Birmingham, England was bombed during World War II.
She spent more than two days hiding in a cellar. Her sister was tragically killed while at home in Coventry during another bombing raid.
Years later when she was 17, an ammunition factory she was working at was bombed by the German Luftwaffe.
The year was 1943 and after a quick escape, she was forced to leave an apron containing her father's World War I medals in a cloak room.
Sadly, the only belongings she had left of her father had been lost forever.
Decades later these memories remain as vivid as the day they happened. Now living in Wesbury, after the death of her husband a decade ago Ms Banford rarely left the house - until she met Pauline Ross.
A volunteer with the Red Cross' community visitor scheme, Mr Ross was recently awarded a Tasmanian Service Award.
A big part of the recognition was because of the friendship she had formed with Ms Banford. The two have spent a day together every week since first meeting in 2015.
From countless cups of teas, shopping trips and many "good old fashioned chin wags", the pair have struck a friendship Ms Ross said she valued more than anything.
"We hit it off straight away," she said.
"I think it's because we share a sense of humour. We are both history buffs. That's what we talk about.
"Rose has led such an interesting life, she has so many stories to tell. And I will always listen. We have become very firm friends."
Originally from Melbourne, Ms Ross moved to Tasmania with her husband in 2007.
She said it had always been a dream to spend their retirement in the Apple Isle, describing the move as the best thing they had ever done.
Looking to find a sense of purpose with her new found spare time, Ms Ross began volunteering with the Red Cross. But she said she never expected the "kick" she would get out of helping others.
"Where do I begin," she said.
"It just teaches you that there are other people out there who you can help. The more you help, the more you want to help. The benefits are endless.
"When I met Rose, I could see the difference I was making. She started to come out of her shell. She lost her husband 10 years ago. Five years ago when we met, she was on her own.
"She had carers coming in, but she didn't go out. Now we go out for lunch, we have girly days. We shop for make-up and shoes. It's the best."
The community visitor scheme is designed to provide companionship and social support to the elderly, particularly those who live alone.
However Julie Milloy, Red Cross' regional coordinator for social inclusion, said many clients were often hesitant in signing up.
"If they are socially isolated and have been for some time, it's a really big step for them," she said.
"They are at home and might have been confined for quite a long time. We always encourage them to try it."
With programs including home visits, social outings, group activities, peer support and phone calls, Ms Milloy said volunteers like Ms Ross far exceeded the expectations.
Reading from Ms Ross' nomination for the Tasmanian Achievement Awards, she said it was clear how special her friendship with Ms Banford was.
"On average they spend seven hours a week together - so it's a full day out," she said.
"Usually, when Pauline visits Rose they start the day having a coffee and a chat.
"They will head into town to do a bit of shopping, have lunch ... generally there is time for a bit more shopping on the way home.
"If Rose has bought some trousers, Pauline will take them home and hem them for her. Before Pauline leaves, she makes sure the blinds are closed and Rose is comfortable for the night.
"Rose has spent quite a bit of time in hospital, and Pauline will always go an visit her there as well.
"When I catch up with Rose, she is always telling me how grateful she is for the visits from Pauline."
Ms Banford said she felt better about herself, because of her "special friend".
"When I go out I feel like I've done something with my life, instead of sitting in the house all day," she said.
For more information on the Red Cross community visitor scheme, visit redcross.org.au.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
