Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2025 Nominee
Priority Populations LiFE Award
The Priority Populations Life Award recognises the positive impact by individuals, organisations or community groups that are addressing, preventing or responding to suicidal behaviours in populations and groups disproportionately affected by suicide in Tasmania. They may also be highlighting the gaps and identifying strategies and embedding solutions specifically for people in need. This award highlights those who are culturally sensitive, overcome barriers, promote inclusion and delivers improved outcomes for priority populations.
Paula Proctor
For nearly a decade, Paula has been dedicated to helping older Tasmanians on the north-west coast stay connected to their community. She works tirelessly to recruit, train, and support volunteers to be friends for these older people. When a suitable volunteer isn’t available, Paula visits the older person herself to make sure they still have someone to talk to.
As people move through different life stages, their connection to their community changes. With challenges like retirement, mobility issues and the loss of loved ones, older Tasmanians often become lonely and feel disconnected from those around them. Paula’s work helps to address these barriers by matching older people with a volunteer to give them a connection to their community.
This is not just a one-way street, however. Paula works with the volunteer and the older person to make sure the program works for them both. The volunteer visits the older person in their home or aged care facility, but the activities they do are tailored to the two of them specifically. Some pairs do activities, while others just have a chat or watch TV.
Older people have contributed hugely to their community and this service gives back to them, making sure they are supported and remain connected to their community. If they can’t get into the community themselves, the community will come to them.
