FORMER limousine chauffeur Jamie Bessell is right on track when it comes to giving back to the community.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s a volunteer at Uniting AgeWell\u2019s Grampians Community Transport service which provides transport assistance for older people living in Ararat, Ballarat, and surrounding areas.<\/p>\n
During National Volunteer Week between 15 to 21 May, it\u2019s time to give a huge shout out to all the volunteers, like Jamie, for their endless work and tireless energy in enriching the lives of others.<\/p>\n
The theme for this year is The Change Makers which celebrates the power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of the Australian community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis theme rings true for us, where inclusion is a core value underpinning everything we do,\u201d said Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith a long history of volunteer support, Uniting AgeWell\u2019s services have grown and flourished; a vital contribution we recognise and appreciate each and every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Uniting AgeWell community transport service is delivered by volunteers who drive a fleet of six cars and a bus.<\/p>\n
Ray Chamberlain runs the service which has been going for over 17 years and is a trusted transport provider for older people in the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t aim to replace local buses or taxi services,\u201d said Ray. \u201cThis service provides a means of travel for people who aren\u2019t able to access public transport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jamie, 65, is delighted to be helping out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI enjoy driving people around to doctors\u2019 appointments or social outings and it\u2019s great to chat to them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Jamie, who lives on a five-acre lifestyle block in Haddon, west of Ballarat, said being purposeful and busy during his retirement keeps him on top of his game.<\/p>\n
Uniting AgeWell also has a social connections program in the area which is led by volunteers.<\/p>\n
It provides meaningful support through a range of activities including local group outings, special interest groups, one-on-one visits, phone connectedness and centre-based activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s chatting over a cuppa at someone\u2019s home, learning a new hobby together or getting out and about in the community to do something fun, we have an opportunity for everyone,\u201d said Lisa Robertson, Uniting AgeWell\u2019s social connections team leader in North West and Grampians.<\/p>\n
There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available at Uniting AgeWell.<\/p>\n
You can visit their website at unitingagewell.org or call 13 93 75 to see how you too can enrich the lives of older people – and your own!<\/p>\n
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