From Monday, vulnerable West Australians isolating at home will have free access to essential shopping and delivery services as part of a new state government initiative.
Cahoots Connects will use a 1300 helpline to connect people to emergency relief services and volunteers, who will deliver essential shopping items for free to those isolating at home.
The service will be delivered in partnership with the Department of Communities, National Disability Services, suppliers and retail partners, including supermarkets and pharmacies.
It will support individuals isolated in their homes, including people with disability and mental health conditions, older Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a central 1300 helpline, with information and links to emergency relief services.
Cahoots Connects is free for eligible Western Australians. People pay only for goods purchased, with experienced staff and volunteers available to take calls and deliver essentials.
Cahoots will manage the project and oversee all delivery to ensure a quality service is delivered across the State. Eligible people will also receive training through the help line to use pre-existing online shopping services.
Cahoots (previously Kids' Camps Inc.) is a non-profit organisation supported by the State Government through the Department of Communities, Disability Services to provide inclusive opportunities for children and young people with disability and others who face exceptional challenges to develop friendships, skills and confidence.
It is also registered through the NDIS to deliver individually-funded social, recreational and respite services to people with disability and their families.
"It's very reassuring to know that Cahoots Connect, in partnership with Department of Communities is able to provide this vital service to some of the most vulnerable people in our community," Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson said.
"Cahoots Connect allows people with disability and other vulnerable people to self-isolate without fear of going without essential items."
Cahoots Connects will be launched on Monday April 20, 2020. Call 1300 103 880 or visit http://www.cahoots.org.au/cahootsconnects for more information including eligibility details.
