Volunteers needed @ Red Cross to assist isolated

MATES volunteers needed

Red Cross is looking for new volunteers for our MATES program, which assists socially isolated people in reconnecting to their community in the ACT and region. Volunteers are matched with participants one-to-one and meet regularly - usually for an hour or so a week or fortnight - to undertake social activities in the community. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and ongoing support.

For more information please email volunteernow@redcross.org.au<mailto:actvolunteering@redcross.org.au> or call (02) 6234 7634

What is MATES?
MATES is a program in which Red Cross volunteers assist people who are socially isolated to re-connect to their community. A volunteer is matched with a participant for social visits for an hour or two every week or fortnight with the aim of expanding the participant's social networks, which can improve their self-esteem, quality of life and well-being. A large part of the volunteer role is to encourage and support the participant to achieve personal goals that they have made around reconnecting to their community.

What activities can I do with a participant?
Depending on you and your mate, you may spend time together in a variety of ways. You may enjoy outings such as chatting at a café, going for walks, going to a museum or art gallery or joining an interest group or club. Ultimately the aim of the program is to assist the participant to feel more connected to their community, so activities which are of interest to them and which will help them reduce their levels of social isolation should be explored.