Painting the picture

For Sann, 59,  from Werribee, a phone call from LINK Community and Transport, especially during lockdown, was so much more than the words expressed and sentences weaved together.  It was a time to reflect, to share and to comfort.

Sann has always loved a good conversation but no more so than during the various Melbourne lockdowns during the pandemic.

As a LINK Community and Transport client, Sann turned to the organisation and its team for not only to cater for her transport needs, but also for friendship and company.

With LINK’s services on hold during the pandemic, Sann’s connection with the organisation remained, with her daily conversations with Naomi, LINK’s Customer Relations Officer.

There would be laughter, banter and a few tears, but Sann’s cup was filled with a sense of value and worth, even during the challenging times, especially with the death of her beloved pet, Befa the Budgie.

For Sann, during those endless lockdowns, it was the isolation that hit the hardest.

“I had not only lost Befa, but I was also unable to reconnect with my friends and my mum, who is in aged care, and that was tough.  That constant quietness and inability to meet up with loved ones was really hard but the kind and warm voice from LINK on the other end of the line did provide some solace for me and for that, I am forever grateful,” Sann said.

“Our conversations could cover the simplest of topics – sewing, trying out new recipes as all as my love for arts and crafts.  Knowing that someone is listening, that someone cares about my wellbeing, was a great comfort.

“It was also an opportunity for me to dig myself out of depressive hole when I was feeling really down.  But I have great resilience as I was escaped a domestic violence situation two decades earlier so I have lived through the toughest of situations.”

LINK’s role

As services return to normal, so did Sann and her regular adventures.

Sann loves to go on LINK’s social outings including day visits to Geelong as well as using LINK’s transport facilities to get to her medical appointments.

“I have a lot of mobility issues and use a walking frame, and need to visit the physiotherapist on a weekly basis.

“I don’t like taxis and I prefer the LINK drivers who are so friendly and helpful.

Moving forward

Sann still enjoys her regular phone catch ups with LINK as genuine friendships have been formed and nurtured.

“As Naomi kept saying during lockdown, ‘there is light at the end of the tunnel,’ and she was right.  We all had to endure this, with some experiencing more challenging times.  But I have come out of it stronger and happier, with a greater appreciation for the simpler things including having coffee with my friends with LINK.

“I am feeling better than I have in such a long time and it is great to be out and out again.  I have LINK to thank for in having my back, all this time.”

“And I have just got a new baby budgie who I already adore.”

Painting the picture For Sann, 59,  from Werribee, a phone call from LINK Community and Transport, especially during lockdown, was so much more than the words expressed and sentences weaved together.  It was a time to reflect, to share and to comfort. Sann has always loved a good conversation but no more so than during […]