Join Our Coffee & Chat Program: Make a Difference in the Lives of Elderly Residents Calling all community minded volunteers, those with a kind heart and time to give! Brighten someone's day and make a meaningful contribution to their quality of life! Our Coffee & Chat Program is a 1:1 personal visit which helps increase connectedness and happiness among aged care residents, creating true and genuine friendships within the community. We are looking for special people who can put compassion, connection and caring for other people at the heart of everything they do. You will have empathy, patience and a respectful understanding of First Nation's histories and cultures.

Born in 1941, 'Jane' is a proud Aboriginal woman with a rich life history and strong connection to culture and community. She has an educational background and values meaningful conversation and respectful connection. 'Jane' is living with dementia and may at times present as strong-minded, so a volunteer who is patient, calm, culturally aware, and able to build trust through gentle companionship would be well suited to this role. The focus of your visits would be on fostering connection, shared conversation, and supporting her sense of identity, culture, and belonging. An Indigenous volunteer is preferred to help ensure culturally appropriate and respectful engagement.

What You’ll Do:

• Enjoy a chat over a cup of coffee
• Listen to and share life stories
• Take a stroll in the garden
• Read books, play cards, do some colouring in or work on puzzles
• Listen to their favourite music

Why Volunteer? Many elderly Australians in aged care homes face loneliness and social isolation. By volunteering just one hour a fortnight, you can make a significant difference in their lives. You'll be matched one-on-one with a resident who could greatly benefit from your friendship. Studies show that loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking, and sadly, over 40% of people in aged care lack regular visitors. Your presence can help bridge this gap.

Program Details:

• Dedication: Our special volunteers are people who are willing and able to visit their new friend at least 20 times or more over a twelve-month period (about one visit every two to three weeks or more).
• Requirements: Must be over 18 years old, pass a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (provided and paid for by us) and be available to visit consistently and ongoing for a minimum of twelve months

Ideal Volunteers:

• Exhibit care and compassion for the elderly
• Have excellent communication skills
• Are committed and punctual
• Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

What You’ll Gain:

• The chance to form long-lasting, meaningful friendships
• Be part of a friendly team with a strong community spirit
• Experience the joy of enriching the lives of others

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re looking for a role where you can truly connect with others and enrich your community, apply to join our Coffee & Chat Program today. Help us combat loneliness and bring a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

Equal Opportunity At St Vincent’s we value inclusivity and diversity and acknowledge the importance of creating an environment that is welcoming, safe, fair and impartial and invite people from all backgrounds to join our caring family.

Reconciliation Action Plan As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.