The Innovation Awards celebrate and recognise creative ideas, programs and partnerships that extend the impact of Meals on Wheels beyond meal delivery. The 2026 theme is “Innovation Beyond the Meal,” recognizing projects which embody the More Than Just a Meal TM philosophy and make a meaningful difference to clients, volunteers and/or communities.

About Call Companions

Call Companions is a free telephone-based service designed to support older clients who may experience social isolation, loneliness, or barriers to getting out and connecting with others.

The program provides regular, friendly phone calls from a staff member to participating clients. Calls offer an opportunity to check in on the person’s wellbeing, provide reassurance and support. The service is simple and accessible, recognising that for some older people, a phone call can be a meaningful and reliable way to stay connected without needing to leave home. It demonstrates how a person-centred approach can make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing and quality of life of older people in the community.

Why it started

Lauren Copland, Special Projects Administrator at Nepean Food Services, says Call Companions was developed in response to the growing need for meaningful social connection among older people in their community. 

“Many of our elderly clients experience loneliness or social isolation and may face barriers to leaving their homes, participating in activities, or maintaining regular social connections,” says Ms Copland. 

While face-to-face social activities and community programs are valuable, they are not suitable or accessible for everyone. For some clients, a regular phone call can be the difference between feeling disconnected and feeling remembered, valued and supported.

Call Companions was created to address this gap by providing free, regular telephone contact with a staff member. The initiative recognises that wellbeing is not only about physical health and practical support, but also about companionship, conversation and having someone who genuinely checks in.

The program provides a low-barrier way to strengthen social connection, identify wellbeing concerns early and ensure older clients know that someone is there for them.

The difference it makes

Call Companions embodies the “More Than Just a Meal” philosophy by recognising that supporting older people goes beyond meeting their practical needs. For clients experiencing loneliness, social isolation or difficulty leaving their homes, a regular phone call can provide a meaningful source of companionship.

Clients who participate in the program value having a familiar staff member regularly check in with them and take the time to have a genuine conversation. The calls provide an important opportunity for clients to talk, share what is happening in their lives and feel connected to someone outside their immediate household. 

Through regular conversations, staff can identify changes in wellbeing, concerns or emerging needs and respond appropriately, strengthening the overall support provided to clients.

The positive response from participating clients has reinforced the value of the program and its potential to expand, reach more clients, and further capture client feedback and outcomes so we can measure its impact over time.

About Nepean Food Services 

Nepean Food Services – Meals on Wheels™ is a trusted not-for-profit organisation providing nutritious meals and community support to older people, people living with disability, and other eligible community members. Nepean Food Services recently expanded services to the Hawkesbury region, building on their long-standing commitment to helping people maintain their independence, health, and wellbeing through reliable meal delivery and social connection. Visit their website to find out more.