Volunteers needed @ Red Cross to assist isolated in aged care facilities

Red Cross are in need of volunteers for the Community Visitors Scheme
(CVS).

CVS is for residents of aged care facilities in the ACT and South East
NSW region who are socially isolated and whose quality of life would be
improved by friendship and companionship. Volunteers are matched with a
client for social visits for about an hour every week or fortnight.

What sort of clients get referred to the Scheme?
The clients that are referred to CVS live in a facility environment or
aged care home. They have a variety of backgrounds and may have minimal
or complex health issues. They may have limited or no mobility and may
require mobility aids such as a wheelchair or walker frame. Some clients
may have varying levels of dementia, intellectual disabilities or mental
health issues. Some clients may only suffer from minor illnesses or
general aging. It's important to think about illnesses and/or
disabilities or situations that you may not feel comfortable with when
you're considering volunteering.

When do visits take place?
Visits occur for an hour a week or a fortnight at a time and on a day
suitable to both the volunteer and the client. They can occur on a
weekday or a weekend but it is important to consider that some people in
care may have limited energy at certain times of the day such as in the
evenings or afternoons.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for all people especially those
needing some practical experience when completing studies in community
and disability services. Red Cross offers lots of free and subsidised
courses and training.

If you would like to volunteer or would like some more information
please call 6234 7634 or email
Volunteernow@redcross.org.au<mailto:Volunteernow@redcross.org.au>