Originally created to assist those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the program will link people in need with volunteers from churches who can help.
Hello Hunter aids people who are feeling isolated, lonely or anxious. Volunteers are available to make a friendly call, deliver essentials, assist in finding specialised help or on request pray with the person.
Hello Hunter has a call centre, which takes requests for assistance, then neighbourhood hubs mobilise their volunteers. Hubs are formed according to suburb and postcode. The goal is to have the person in need assisted by their nearest neighbour.
Launched on 5 June, Hello Hunter began due to talks between a group of church leaders within Newcastle, headed up by Rick Prosser from Kingdom Works.
Director of Pastoral Ministries, Teresa Brierley, is the representative for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Mrs Brierley said Hello Hunter allows local churches to work together, instead of trying to meet the need on their own.
“We all live in a community, so if that community can look after one another, how good would that be?” Mrs Brierley said.
Hello Hunter is looking for volunteers and hub leaders. Volunteers will have to submit a form, validated by their local parish priest or parish leader. Go to hellohunter.org.au for more information.
Once the coronavirus pandemic ends, Hello Hunter will continue to be an ongoing link for those in need.
