10 ways you can use your caring hands this Caring Hands Day

Once again Southcare is encouraging the WA community to use its “caring hands” this Caring Hands Day to support those in need and continue a legacy of kindness that has spanned 40 years.

Chief Executive Officer Enda Fahy said getting involved is easy and anyone can participate by doing an act of giving or an act of kindness.

“The message we are sending to the community is clear: now, more than ever, the world needs helpers, and you can help by simply using your hands,” Enda said.

If you are able to give, we encourage you to support the work we do by donating, with funds raised helping us continue the work we do helping our community.

If you want to use your hands as an act of kindness, there are 10 simple ways to make a difference:

1. 1. Help at home
      Offer to clean, cook, or garden for someone who may need extra support. A small effort can make a big impact, and strike up conversation along the way.
   2. Run an errand
      Pick up groceries, collect a prescription, or help with appointments for someone who has trouble getting out and about.
   3. Lend an ear
      Take time to listen and chat with an older person who may feel lonely. A phone call or visit can brighten their day.
   4. Share your skills
      We all have talents, so why not offer yours to help: fix something or teach skills to help others.
   5. Volunteer your time
      Join a local community initiative or charity to assist those in need.
   6. Pay it forward
      Buy a coffee for the person behind you, donate to a charity, or surprise someone with flowers.
   7. Give to those in need
      Donate toys, clothes, or homewares to Southcare’s Op Shop, a toy library, or a shelter.
   8. Help the environment
      Pick up rubbish at a local park, river, or beach to create a cleaner, greener community.
   9. Foster connection
      Start and run a knitting or sewing circle, a community group, or simply invite someone for a friendly catch-up. Some of the ones we run are here and if you want to start a new club, let us know!
   10. Support a cause
       Visit Southcare’s Op Shop, volunteer, or contribute to a local charity to help those in need.

Caring Hands Day was established by Southcare to stop loneliness and isolation among our seniors and is celebrated annually on 6 April, but every day we can use our caring hands to help the 1 in 4 people aged over 65 who live alone. Many of these people don’t have any contact with anyone day-to-day and loneliness has some devastating effects:

• • mental illness, emotional distress and suicide
  • hypertension and high blood pressure
  • poor sleep and immune function
  • the development of dementia
  • premature death

Your hands have the power to help, heal, and connect!

This Caring Hands Day, take the opportunity to use them in a way that makes a real difference. A little kindness goes a long way!

Use your caring hands to give

A donation to Southcare means we can continue using our caring hands looking after others, as we have done since 1982.