It’s more than just a meal

THE City of Ballarat’s Meals on Wheels service has been operating for 50 years. But, for most of its clients, it’s more than just a meal. And, for most of its volunteers, it’s more than just a delivery job.

It’s making sure vulnerable people in the community not only eat regular, nutritious meals but also ensures someone is keeping a daily eye on their health, living conditions and general well-being.

In the process, great friendships are usually formed. Gwen Marshall began receiving the meals five years ago after her husband passed away and she was recovering from a major illness.

“The support they’ve given me is tremendous. My volunteer, I’ve known her since our kids were at school together. I opened the door on the first day and I was so thrilled to see her. She just brightens up my day” Mrs Marshall.

For Ken Gunning, who is legally blind, his meal delivery ensures he only uses the microwave to cook. “If I had to use the oven, I’d probably burn the house down,” Mr Gunning quipped.

Client Noel Main can’t speak highly enough of the service.

“They adapt meals to suit you – for example, I’ve just had a tooth removed so they are working around that at the moment,” Mr Main said.

“They are all so nice, it’s an absolutely tremendous service.”

Marj Bourke was a Meals on Wheels volunteer in Melbourne and, since breaking her ankle last December, has become a Meals on Wheels client in Ballarat.

After her recovery, she hopes to get back into delivering, rather than receiving, meals.

“It’s been lovely – they have all been so fantastic. I can’t wait to get back into doing it myself.” So how exactly does Meals on Wheels operate?

Meals on Wheels is a three-course meal, available daily, and delivered to the client’s home.

Special diets can be provided, for example vegetarian, diabetic or gluten free.

Every morning, that day’s volunteers pull up in the driveway of the Meals on Wheels office in Mair Street, load up their eskies with meals and take off on their set routes.

Pensioner and widower Brian Lynch has been volunteering for 11 years and said he finds it very rewarding.

“It gives me a reason to get out of bed. I’ve also realised there’s so many people worse off than me,” Mr Lynch said.

Disabled pensioner Jason Manneken credits his work with Meals on Wheels for helping to greatly improve his depression and anxiety.

“It’s got me back into the world. It’s very rewarding and you’re doing a great community service,” Mr Manneken said.

Both Mr Lynch and Mr Manneken said often they were the only person their client might see for the whole day.

“It makes your problems seem very trivial,” Mr Manneken said.

Gail Kappe said she also often helped with little odd jobs while delivering meals.

“Some of the clients will ask ‘can you just do this before you go?’, she said.

Volunteers also look out for signs their clients are ill or not caring for themselves adequately.

In one day, Norma Worswick reported six of her clients were unwell, with three ending up in hospital.

“You do feel like you’re helping the community and providing some friendship and companionship,” Ms Worswick said.

“I really love some of the people and I look forward to seeing them. They miss you too. If you’re missing for some reason, they will ring up and check you’re okay.”

For Betty Wilson, losing a client is like losing a friend while Anna Bevan, who has been volunteering since 2005, loves to stop and “have a good chat” with her clients, as does Margaret Nunn, who has been volunteering for 35 years.

Stan Manning agreed. “They love to have a chat – a lot of them don’t see anyone else.”

Yvonne Drever summed it up for everyone. “It just gives you great satisfaction.”

For more information on Meals on Wheels, go to the City of Ballarat website at ballarat.vic.gov.au