Beating the COVID Blues
A free program to help you get out of the blues and back into the things you 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 if you are experiencing feelings of loneliness, boredom, anxiety and depression as a result of this loss of social interaction.
We're here to help with our 12-week program, Beating the COVID Blues. It’s based on what’s called 'Social Prescribing', helping you connect with your local community, social activities, services and advice as the best medicine for your wellbeing. We look at the bigger picture of your life to help you to be healthy. We don’t ask, "what’s the matter with you?". Instead, we ask: "What matters to you?"
To begin, a Feros Care Wellbeing Coach will connect with you to talk about your life, your relationships, your interests – all the things that make you, you! They will support you to identify what you’re missing and help you set some goals to achieve what it is you need.
Whether you're looking to get back into exercise, social excursions, seeing family and friends, volunteering, arts and crafts or accessing services, there’s a way to do so. Your Wellbeing Coach can assist in working it out, so that you get a spring back in your step.
The Beating the COVID Blues program is supported by the Hunter, New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
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.
