Support older people with life changing access to their community

Support our Care Car program 

The Community Foundation’s Winter Appeal is raising awareness and funds to tackle loneliness and isolation with practical solutions.

 A major factor that can lead to isolation is that many older people need supported transport to leave their homes and safely access the community in order to connect with others. 

Unfortunately these age-friendly transport services can be hard to access and often unaffordable when used regularly. 

As the colder weather sets in for the southern parts of Australia, the warmth of connection becomes even more vital for older members of our community. 

A recent Australian study highlighted the importance of the Southern Cross Care Community Foundation’s transport programs in combatting loneliness and social isolation. 

The study said; “Out-of-home mobility is fundamental to older people's wellbeing and quality of life, enabling their access to activities that facilitate health…and support their connection to community…the act of getting out and about is valued by older people and perceived to be a contributor to their wellbeing.” (Ma et al. 2023). 

According to this study, more than one in ten older Australians would like to leave home more often than they do, and their wellbeing is negatively impacted by their inability to get out and about. 

This is where our Care Car program comes in.

Care Cars provide safe, affordable and age-friendly transport for people living in the community, who would otherwise find it difficult to get out and about. 

For many community members who can no longer drive, our Care Car program provides a vital social link that supports their independence.

By bringing people together through accessible transport, our Care Cars are driving loneliness away. 

More than 100 older people currently rely on the Care Car to help them access their community. More than 30 times each and every working day, our dedicated volunteer Care Car drivers open the door for an older person in need. 

But we can’t keep doing this without support.

The costs of purchasing, maintaining, running and managing Care Car vehicles are ever-increasing. To put it simply, this program would not exist without the financial support of people like you.

That is why we are asking you to support our Winter Appeal - raising vital funds for our Care Car Program. 

This year, thanks to support, we were able to invest $35,000 in a much-needed new Care Car. However, the ongoing costs of keeping a fleet of Care Cars on the road are substantial.

To keep the wheels turning and combat loneliness for over 100 seniors, we need your help. 

Please, will you help us drive loneliness away by making a generous gift to our Winter Appeal today? 

Visit our Community Foundation page to make a secure donation online.