Bay Islands Community Services (BICSI) CAN-DO COMPANION LINE
Publisher/s
Redland Regional Care Coordinator
Author/s
Patrina Malopito
I had the pleasure of meeting with Tony Controneo and Angela Collins from Bay Islands Community Services Inc (BICSI). BICSI have been doing some fantastic work in the community including their CAN-Do group developing the BICSI CAN-DO companion line as a response during COVID 19.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BICSI and the CAN-DO group formed the CAN-DO COMPANION LINE. This is the same as the CARE ARMY. The Companion Line was formed four weeks before the CARE ARMY was introduced.
The Companion Line offers the following:
- A regular phone call at your discretion.
- A listening ear.
- A chance to tell us what is on your mind.
- Local advice on who may be able to help.
- An option to have your contact given to an organisation who can help your circumstance.
BICSI want the island community to know they are here for them. The worried the isolated the lonely the anxious for people who need reassurance or just want a chat. People can register with the CAN-DO COMPANION LINE by ringing two numbers Monday to Friday 9am – 3pm. 0422 465 493 or if you live on Lamb Island 0466 733 904.
BICS assisted and contacted over 250 people on the islands in less than 7 weeks at the launch of this line.
BCIS advise they have been receiving weekly 45 contacts and growing.