ISOLATION from your community, your loved ones and from the world around you will likely take a mental toll before any physical toll, which is why a former Ballarat senior citizen of the year is hoping to bring a little cheer to those that might need it most.
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Lidia Aitken has come up with a simple idea she hopes will bring some little bit of cheer into the lives of Ballarat's most vulnerable.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS HELPING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY? Let us know at the bottom of this story
The idea is a series of small cards which will be distributed across the city, particularly to elderly residents, telling people there are people looking out for them.
"I wanted to be a bit proactive with older people within the community," Ms Aitken said.
"I spoke to the Rotary Club of Ballarat West and they were keen to assist and then Wayne Edwards from Kwik Kopy in Bakery Hill came straight on board and offered to print 500 cards for free.
"I've also contacted (City of Ballarat coronavirus taskforce manager) Neville Ivey who has agreed to have the cards go out with meals on wheels.
"I felt I had to do something, I just can't stop working and this is just a little way we can let other people know we are thinking about them."
Ms Aitken said she and her family were also self isolating but this was designed So the people know that people out there, total strangers, are thinking about them.
"It's trying to give people tools to show we all care about each other and how important it is to consider mental health," she said.
"I'm doing my best to ring all my friends and speak to them, it's so important to know that others are thinking of them.
"I know of one lady who has been doing a short walk to the Lake every day and just looking at the lake, saying how wonderful it is, that is so important for everyone."
Tell us here if you know of any community initiatives in Ballarat to help others get through the coronavirus?
