St Sergius Aged Care is seeking compassionate and reliable volunteers to join the Australian Government's Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).

As an ACVVS Volunteer Visitor, you will provide regular friendship and companionship to an older person living in residential aged care or receiving Support at Home services who is socially isolated or at risk of social isolation. Volunteers visit approximately one hour at least once per fortnight and build genuine, ongoing friendships based on the older person's interests, culture, preferences and life experiences. Activities may include chatting, sharing stories, playing games, reading together, enjoying music, participating in cultural activities or simply spending quality time together.

Volunteers receive orientation, training and ongoing support from the ACVVS Coordinator and are required to follow ACVVS guidelines, privacy requirements, safety procedures and the Aged Care Statement of Rights. This role is companionship-focused and does not include personal care, transport, financial support, advocacy, domestic assistance or care monitoring.

🤝 💛 Help End Loneliness - Volunteer Visitor (1 Hour per Fortnight)

Many older people in aged care have no regular visitors. By giving just one hour a week, you can brighten someone's day, reduce loneliness, and build genuine friendship. What Volunteers Do: • Chat over a cup of tea 🍵🍃 • Play cards or board games ♠️♦️ • Read together 📖📜 • Listen to stories and share conversation 👥💬 • Go for a walk in the garden (where appropriate) 🚶🏻‍➡️🌳 Who Can Apply: • Retirees • University students • Professionals with a free hour each week • Anyone who enjoys meeting people and making a difference. If you have one hour per fortnight and would like to make a lasting difference to someone's life, we'd love to hear from you. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾

Training Provided ACVVS Orientation Role boundaries and responsibilities Privacy and confidentiality training Infection prevention and control Duty of care Elder abuse awareness Cultural safety and inclusion Reporting procedures Ongoing support and supervision from the ACVVS Coordinator

Impact of the Role Volunteer Visitors play a vital role in reducing loneliness and social isolation among older people. By building meaningful connections, volunteers enhance recipients' wellbeing, dignity, sense of belonging and quality of life. The role supports St Sergius Aged Care's commitment to person-centred, culturally respectful care and helps strengthen community connections for older Australians.

Benefits:

*Make a positive difference in the life of an older person.

*Gain valuable experience supporting older people.

*Develop communication, interpersonal and active listening skills.

*Learn about ageing, cultural diversity and community engagement.

*Receive orientation, training and ongoing support.

*Build rewarding friendships and connections within the community.

Experience the personal satisfaction of helping reduce social isolation.