While many doors have closed on the volunteering activities we love, the need to reach out and help others is even greater. Tasmanians are generous volunteers and now is the time to activate that generosity so we can all get through this crisis together.
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Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
The State of Volunteering Report 2019 told us that about 300,000 Tasmanians had volunteered in some way in the previous 12 months. With delays and cancellations in sporting rosters, festivals, events and a whole range of community activities, many volunteers may feel they are no longer required.
Those volunteers who have the resources and capacity may wish to continue to contribute to their community in different ways.
Many people will find this journey harder than others. They may not have the resources to stock up on food, may not have people they can rely on and are particularly vulnerable to social isolation.
Several Tasmanian charities are experiencing enormous demand as they deliver essential services. Their volunteers play a vital role in delivering services such as community transport, meal delivery, social connection (phone and online), shopping and food preparation.
Organisations that manage these activities are moving quickly to find ways to do things differently to ensure the vulnerable get the support they need. Their challenge is compounded by the fact that many of their volunteers are over 65 have been asked to self-isolate as they are vulnerable themselves.
We need more Tasmanians to come forward to volunteer. Through organisations they will be called upon to help out with tasks like checking up on the elderly and those who are isolated, as well as delivering food and supplies. This help must be delivered in safe ways.
Now more than ever it is a time for Tasmanians to truly connect. Reach out and support your friends your family and your broader networks, check in on one another and try to provide the support your close connections need. But we are also asking you to reach out to those you don't know that may also be in need. We are calling on Tasmanians to step forward and offer your time to volunteer.
Volunteering contributes $3 billion to Tasmania's economy each year. But the real value is how it connects us, to ourselves and each other. We know that the connections forged by volunteering are good for our mental health and wellbeing.
It is through these connections that we will build stronger, more resilient and more inclusive communities into the future.
There are already many stories of Tasmanians coming together to support each other. This is our time to build even stronger bonds. Let's work together to build communities that can always rely on each other no matter what happens. Tasmanians who now wish to volunteer can register at emergencyvolunteering.com.au or 1800 677 895.
- Lisa Schimanski, Volunteering Tasmania chief executive
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