By Alana Mitchelson
THE Cockatoo Ready2Go heat health program has reminded vulnerable residents that there are still places available for both participants and volunteers as summer approaches.
Cockatoo residents can apply to receive support during heatwaves and other emergencies.
Ready2Go lead volunteer Sue Wales said the annual training day was this weekend and that the group was seeking more volunteers, especially for this summer season.
“The program enables vulnerable people who cannot leave Cockatoo on their own, in situations of heatwave or other emergencies, to be relocated by volunteer drivers to safe places in Pakenham,” Ms Wales said.
“Much of its success lies in the drive and leadership the community of Cockatoo has brought to the design of the program.
“For more vulnerable community members, local groups and individuals provide a trusted link to the wider community and, as such, can be a critical conduit to accessing support services and reducing the isolation that many vulnerable people experience.”
A participant aged in their eighties, who has family overseas, told the Gazette that the Ready2Go program gave them “peace of mind” that someone was always looking out for them.
The program received a Highly Commended award at the state Resilient Australia awards evening in September.
This year’s training day will be held on Saturday 5 November.
For more information, contact Sue Wales on 0407 365 711 or Wayne Collins on 5968 4460.
