Posted in Age care, Caring Hands, Caring Hands Day, Community Care, Community Connect, Community Hub, Community services, Community Support, Southcare Stars, Support at Home, Volunteering

This Caring Hands Day (6 April 2026), Southcare is calling on the community to once again use its “caring hands” to support those in need — continuing a legacy of kindness that has spanned more than 40 years.

Chief Executive Officer Enda Fahy said this year’s focus is simple but powerful: lead with empathy, especially when supporting older people in our lives.

“Empathy is often described as ‘walking in someone else’s shoes’. It’s an essential part of how we connect with older people and sits at the heart of person-centred care,” Mr Fahy said.

“It doesn’t require grand gestures or perfect words. More often, it’s found in the quiet, consistent ways we show up for others — creating moments where people feel seen, heard and valued.”

Australia’s ageing population is facing a growing and often hidden challenge — social isolation and loneliness. Research shows that 1 in 4 older Australians live alone, with many going without meaningful contact for days, sometimes even weeks.

“This lack of connection can have serious consequences — from emotional distress and mental health challenges to increased risk of cognitive decline and physical health issues,” Mr Fahy said.

“Actions that foster empathy and cooperation help communities thrive. When people act with generosity, they not only support others — they inspire others to do the same.”

“Kindness has a ripple effect. We are naturally influenced by what we see around us. The more empathy we share, the more connected, compassionate and resilient our community becomes.”

Five ways to directly show empathy:

  • Sharing what you can
    • encouraging a more compassionate world happens when we all share what we have whenever possible. It could be something as easy as flowers from your garden, a cooked meal or offering a lift somewhere if the person doesn’t drive.
  • Helping hands
    • practice an act of kindness by running an errand or doing a job around the person’s home.  Many older people live alone and 40% say they need help getting out and about or doing things around the home.  Offer to change a light globe, mow a lawn or collect some shopping, and see where the conversation takes you!
  • Donating to charities
    • Donating food, clothing, homewares, or money to local charities is another excellent way to engage in empathetic behaviours.  Your act of kindness to Southcare means we can keep supporting people in need.
  • Volunteering
    • Kindness is all about offering your skills, time, energy and expertise to help the community.  At Southcare you can volunteer in our op shop, emergency relief or office-based teams, or sign up to run a community group and connect with others over shared passions.
  • Use your voice
    • If you see an older person that needs care or support at home to stay independent and healthy, refer them to an in-home aged care provider like Southcare so they can get the support they need.

Five ways to indirectly show empathy:

  • Emotional support
    • Often the simple act of listening to someone’s worries can help them feel less overwhelmed and alone.  As the saying goes: a problem shared is a problem halved.  Now more than ever, taking time to listen and connect is incredibly important.
  • Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and understanding what they’re going through can strengthen relationships and foster community
    • With friends or family, you can practice empathy by comforting them and acknowledging their feelings. The same is true for people you don’t know, by saying, for example, “I can only imagine how you’re feeling right now.”
  • Promote co-operation
    • We all have differences, but the ability to respect and understand other’s points of view makes for a more compassionate world.
  • Advocate for others
    • If you see someone being treated unfairly or left out, use your voice. Standing up for others helps create a culture where empathy and respect are the norm.
  • Be present
    • Sometimes empathy is simply about being there. Spending time with someone, checking in with a phone call or sharing a quiet moment together can help people feel valued and less alone.

While Caring Hands Day is recognised annually on 6 April, acts of empathy and kindness can be observed every day, and now is the time to get started.

“Empathy doesn’t require perfection — it requires intention,” Mr Fahy said.

“And when we choose empathy, even in the smallest moments, we create something powerful: a community where everyone feels they belong.”

Learn more and get involved

Use your caring hands to donate

Posted in Age care, Caring Hands, Caring Hands Day, Community Care, Community Connect, Community Hub, Community services, Community Support, Southcare Stars, Support at Home, Volunteering