Beating the COVID Blues
A free program that helped participants get out of the blues and back into the things they love.
Funded by the 
COVID-19 hasn’t been easy for anyone, with social activities and rituals interrupted and cancelled for many people. It's normal that people experience feelings of loneliness, boredom, anxiety and depression as a result of this loss of social interaction.
Our 12-week program, Beating the COVID Blues was designed specifically to help. It was based on what’s called 'Social Prescribing', and helped connect participants with the local community, social activities, services and advice as to the best medicine for their wellbeing. We looked at the bigger picture of their lives to help them be healthy. It didn't ask, "what’s the matter with you?". Instead, it asked: "What matters to you?"
To begin, a Feros Care Wellbeing Coach connected with participants to talk about their life, relationships, interests – all the things important to who they are! Coaches supported to identify what was missing and helped set goals to achieve what was needed.
Whether that was getting back into exercise, social excursions, seeing family and friends, volunteering, arts and crafts or accessing services, we found ways to do so. The Wellbeing Coach assisted in working it out, so that participants got a spring back in their step.
The Beating the COVID Blues program was supported by the Hunter, New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
Beating the COVID Blues has now closed to new participants. Find out how it worked below.
How does the program work?
- You can get in touch with us directly to enquire about the program; or your General Practitioner (GP), aged care provider, service provider or health professional refers you to us. Once we’ve received your enquiry or referral, we’ll contact you to check that you’re eligible for the program.
- If we think the program will be a good fit*, we’ll book an appointment for our Wellbeing Coach to visit you at a time that works for you.
* Don’t worry if the program is not quite right for you! We’ll refer to another program that best suits your needs. - The Wellbeing Coach will work with you to understand how you’re feeling, and the things you could achieve - such as seeing friends and family, or doing activities you used to enjoy. Together, you will create a plan to get these things back into your life.
- Over 12 weeks, your Wellbeing Coach will continue to work with you, the community and organisations to support you to make the connections you need, until you’ve found your feet again.
- At the end of the program, your Wellbeing Coach will help you see how far you have come and set a plan to keep going, with further links and support as required!
How much does it cost?
This is the best part – it’s free of charge. The Primary Health Network (PHN) have funded Feros Care to provide the Beating the COVID Blues program to older Australians in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region.
Am I eligible?
You may like to ask yourself…
- Have I lost a bit of confidence, or sense of purpose since COVID-19's restrictions?
- Am I experiencing loneliness, or a sense of isolation?
- Am I missing social or physical activities that I used to enjoy?
- Have I lost touch with my community, friends and family?
If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, and you are 65 years of age or over (or 50 years and over if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) and residing in the Newcastle or Lake Macquarie region this program could be the perfect fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
If you feel that this program would help you, or someone you know, please call 1300 987 203 or request a call back.
You can also double check with your General Practitioner (GP), pharmacist, aged care service provider or other health professional*, as they can also refer you to the program.
* Health professionals that can refer you to the program include:
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Pharmacist
- Aged Care provider
- Hospital
- Social worker
- Service provider or emergency services for example police officer, ambulance driver or paramedic
- Hospital staff
The program is not a clinical mental health or crisis service. If you need immediate help, contact one of the below crisis services:
- Emergency services on 000
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
The Beating the COVID Blues program is there to help older Australians vulnerable to, or experiencing low intensity mental health issues or the mild effects of COVID related loneliness.
This is not a clinical service and not suited to those experiencing more severe mental health challenges. If in doubt, please contact your General Practitioner (GP) to discuss your suitability for the Beating the COVID Blues program. We can provide you with information to take to your GP.
We will be delighted to work with your General Practitioner (GP) or other health professional, if that is your preference, to share details of how we are working together with you and your progress.
However, it is not a requirement of the program and as always, you have the right to keep details of your participation private.
