Beechworth volunteer community Christmas action group activities include Indigo Calling

A volunteer community Christmas action group made up of BHS, representatives from the community, Salvation Army Beechworth, Quercus and Indigo Shire have come up with ways to reach out.

Meals and Christmas hampers will be distributed and a program called Indigo Calling will be expanded to cover the Christmas period.

Beechworth Health Service volunteer co-ordinator, Marianne Thompson, connects volunteers with residents as part of the program.

"It's usually a weekly friendly chat and it's up to the volunteer and whoever they're calling to set a time and day," she said.

"It's just that friendly chat, catching up with someone.

"We've been able to identify a range of issues earlier on and made referrals, so it's been a good result."

Ms Thompson said there had been increased demand for the support.

"During COVID, we've increased not only our volunteers that are actually on the program, but also the people they're calling," she said.

"It's really starting to take off in these last couple of months.

"It's the community looking out for everybody else in the current situation that we're in.

"If anybody would like to become an Indigo caller or receiver they can contact Beechworth Health Service, or maybe somebody might know someone who could use a call."

Salvation Army Beechworth Captain Pauline Middleton said her team and Quercus would collate hampers.

"The hampers will relieve some financial pressure and provide some Christmas cheer," she said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Quercus Beechworth manager Anita Chennell felt it was important that tradition of the community lunch continued in a form.

"Alongside the hampers, Quercus Beechworth will have a free, take home traditional Christmas lunch meal available that can simply be reheated," she said.

"This is an extension of our community food program."

Those interested in hampers or meals should pre-order before December 4.