Kinds of check-ins

• Daily call/text at a regular time

• Initial check-in call and then the person keeps your number as someone to call in case they need emotional support or advice

General Procedure

1. Sign up to volunteer using the sign up form
2. You will get a message with a request alert that specifies (1) the nature of the request (2) the approximate location
3. Reply within 2 hours if you have the ability to fulfil the request within the next 12 hours and say that you're keen to help
4. You will get sent the details of a person with a check in request
5. Call up the person to check in on them and establish the kind of check-in they are looking for and that you can provide
6. Text the initial number to let them know the nature of the check-in you are providing (also note if you need any additional assistance or do not feel you can adequately help the person for any reason)

Things to do or say

• Introduce yourself and clarify that you're not a trained mental health professional and can't provide counselling etc. If they need to talk to a professional mental health or crisis support service you can share some of the numbers from the Mental Health and Wellbeing page.

  Mental health and wellbeing

• Remind them that they're not alone and that we're a community of people all in it together

• Learn about them and their interests. For example you may discuss work, study, art, hobbies, or any books/movies/TV shows you enjoy

• Hold space for them to talk about their worries and concerns in terms of COVID-19

• Do an activity together. Some examples could be:

  • Work on a crossword or word puzzle together (either you read out the clues or they can if they have one on them)
  • Read them a story or poem or ask them to read you one
  • Take an online quiz together and discuss your results
  • Recommend some cool online activities they can do on their own (virtual museum tours, TV shows, movies, podcasts, online courses, etc.)

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