National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration for volunteers. From Monday 17- 23 May 2021, NVW celebrates the significant positive contribution of Australia’s volunteers.
Able Australia are so grateful to all our incredible volunteers who give up their time to help vulnerable people within the community. Our volunteers are vital to us and make a huge difference to our community programs and initiatives, especially in Queensland. We can’t thank them enough for the important work that they do.
One of our lovely volunteers is Trish! (see image on the right of Trish and her resident Claire). Trish is a Community Visitor Volunteer in Queensland. The Community Visitors Scheme aims to enrich the quality of life of residents of aged care homes who are socially isolated or lonely, and would benefit from a friendly visitor. It also helps establish links between people living in aged care homes and their local community. Trish and our other Community Visitor Volunteers offer support to residents in their aged care homes that are socially isolated and whose quality of life would be improved by friendship and companionship. A community visitor can spend their visits reading, listening to music, having a cup of coffee, chatting and reminiscing or watch a favourite TV program together.
“I love being a community visitor volunteer as building meaningful friendships with residents of all walks of life is an enriching process. Every day is different. Whether I’m reading my resident Claire a humorous Roald Dahl book or conducting my crafts class I’m always engaged and fulfilled. Being a community visitor volunteer has enabled me to give back to my community in a meaningful way. Seeing the smile on my residents’ face every time I come in is an amazing feeling. One conversation or craft class can brighten their entire day. I have seen firsthand week after week how companionship and activities promote residents’ mental well-being. Being a community visitor volunteer is a rewarding role, it has definitely impacted my life in numerous positive ways. I will always treasure the experiences I have had” says Trish.
Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers like Trish who make such an immeasurable positive impact on the lives of many.
Below are photos of two of our residents enjoying craft activities with Trish.
