CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay is seeking warm, reliable and community-minded volunteers to support older people through companionship, social connection, interest-based activities and transport support.

For many older people, a friendly conversation, a shared activity, a lift to an appointment, or encouragement to attend a local group can make an enormous difference to their wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging.

**Locations **

• Central Coast: including Gosford, Woy Woy, Kincumber and surrounding areas.

Where possible, volunteers will be matched to opportunities close to their local area, availability and interests.

**About the opportunity ** We are looking for volunteers who may be interested in supporting seniors in one or more of the following areas:

**1. Social connection and outreach for seniors ** Spend time with older people who may be socially isolated or would benefit from regular connection. This may include friendly visits, phone check-ins, a cuppa and chat, light conversation, accompanying someone to a community activity, or helping them feel more connected to parish and community life.

**2. Facilitating interest-based programs for seniors ** Share your skills, interests or hobbies with older people in a welcoming group environment. This could include activities such as music, craft, gardening, gentle games, reading groups, technology help, cultural conversation groups, men’s groups, discussion groups, faith and reflection activities, or other programs that help seniors stay active, connected and engaged.

**3. Driving and transport support ** Help seniors remain independent by assisting with transport to social groups, parish activities, community outings, appointments or other approved activities. Volunteers interested in driving will need a current driver’s licence and will be supported through CatholicCare’s onboarding and screening processes.

**Why volunteer with CatholicCare? ** CatholicCare is the social care agency of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Broken Bay. We support individuals, families and communities across the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Central Coast, and our work is grounded in dignity, compassion, respect and practical care.

As a volunteer, you will be part of a local, trusted and values-led organisation that believes older people should be supported to live with connection, purpose and community around them. Your time, kindness and presence can help reduce loneliness, support independence and bring genuine joy into someone’s week.

**What you might do ** Depending on your interests, availability and location, your volunteer role may include:

• Visiting or phoning an older person for companionship and conversation
• Helping seniors attend social groups, parish activities or community outings
• Supporting or leading interest-based activities such as craft, music, games, gardening, reading or technology help
• Assisting with hospitality at seniors programs, morning teas or group sessions
• Driving seniors to approved social, community or appointment-based activities
• Encouraging older people to stay connected with their community in a safe and respectful way

**What we are looking for ** We would love to hear from people who are:

• Friendly, patient and respectful
• Good listeners who enjoy spending time with older people
• Reliable and able to commit to agreed volunteer times
• Interested in giving back to their local community
• Comfortable working within clear boundaries and CatholicCare procedures
• Willing to complete required screening, checks and orientation
• Hold a current driver’s licence, if applying for a driving or transport role

**No formal aged care experience is required. What matters most is kindness, reliability and a genuine willingness to support older people with dignity and care. **

**Time commitment ** Flexible opportunities are available depending on your interests and availability. This may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, with roles matched as closely as possible to your preferred location, availability and skills.

**Training and support ** CatholicCare will provide orientation, role guidance and ongoing support so that volunteers feel confident, safe and connected in their role. Volunteers will not be asked to provide personal care, medication support, financial assistance or clinical care.

**Make a difference locally ** If you have a little time, a warm heart and a desire to give back, we would love to hear from you. Your presence could be the reason an older person feels seen, valued and connected this week.

Apply now to volunteer with CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay and help support seniors across the Central Coast and Northern Sydney to stay connected, active and part of community life's life.