Pinarc seeks special volunteer skills

IF you’re a passionate person with special skills to share, have a desire to empower others, and want to make a difference, you’re just the kind of person Pinarc is looking for.

The disability support service is welcoming volunteers of all ages back to their four Ballarat sites and are seeking people who would like to contribute to one of their programs.

Pinarc Disability Support CEO Peter Newsome said helpers are needed to support clients, from babies to adults.

“There are so many opportunities, from helping a group of people go swimming, to contributing to our barista program at Bonshaw, reading books to people, having a coffee, sharing a meal, or helping someone participate in a craft or woodwork program for the day,” he said.

“We would love anyone who has a unique interest and skillset to come in and help with an activity, or start a conversation about how we could bring them in to share their passion with our clients in a new way.

“The key thing here is that we’re better together. Someone that is keen and passionate to be engaged with people, to walk alongside them, and to be genuinely engaged is what we’re after.”

Volunteers can offer their support at Pinarc inside or outside business hours, during terms or holiday programs. They could offer an hour on one day, come in once a week or once a month.

Mr Newsome said volunteering with the organisation can also be a great steppingstone to employment, as many of their staff began their career pathway as a helper.

“There’s plenty of talent in our community, and a volunteering role with us doesn’t have to be traditional. There’s so much we won’t have even thought about, and we’re open to that,” he said.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, contact volunteer coordinator Rachael Brown at [email protected].