Helpers thanked on special day

HEATHCOTE Health recently rewarded its volunteers with a morning tea to celebrate National Volunteers Week.

Volunteer co-ordinator Michelle Chapman said all helpers made a positive contribution to the lives of the health service’s clients and to the wider community.

“Especially during COVID,” she said. “We were so focused, and everybody was a little bit isolated, they helped keep the joy level up.”

Leisure and lifestyle team member Karra King said volunteers were able to offer valuable help to aged-care residents.

“They’ve taken them out when we can’t,” she said, “so the residents get the community connections they need.”

The experience is a two-way-street with volunteers benefiting from the experience as well.

Margaret has been bringing her pet-therapy dog, Jack, to see residents on a regular basis over the past few years.

“It’s made me better person,” she said. “It’s made me quieter and more open to other people’s needs, their needs, not my wants and needs.”

Ms Chapman said there were currently about 15 active volunteers with a larger registered number who helped with special events or ad hoc requests.

“But we need more,” she said. “Being a volunteer has lots of benefits. It can bring meaning and purpose to your life, while increasing your self-esteem and wellbeing.

“Volunteering can also relieve stress and alleviate symptoms of depression. It could only be a couple of hours a week, we’re not asking for eight hours a day, five days a week.

“Some people only do meals on wheels once every fortnight, and that’s only two hours out of the day.

“It’s a small commitment that means so much to our clients, our residents, our patients and our staff.”

Heathcote Health has volunteer opportunities in several areas including meals on wheels deliveries, gardening, maintenance, aged care, social support groups, administration and event assistance.

Contact [email protected] for more information.