A NATION-wide scheme that seeks to provide support and social connection to isolated seniors is looking for more volunteers.<\/p>\n
Known as In Great Company, the program links adult volunteers with seniors with the aim of creating new friendships.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is designed to connect seniors who are at risk of social isolation or loneliness with friendly visitor volunteers to strike up natural friendships,\u201d said Alison Saito, team leader of volunteer coordinators at In Great Company.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has to be a natural connection, so it shouldn\u2019t be that the volunteer feels like they have to spend time with this person.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Great Company is funded by the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and is a free service.<\/p>\n
Ms Saito said the organisation aims to help the volunteer and client strike up a true friendship.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should be as if they\u2019re your friend and it should be mutually beneficial because we want to establish long term friendships,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Volunteers receive ongoing support from the organisation while they are participating in the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do interviews, tell them about the program and give them training of what to do in an emergency,\u201d said Ms Saito.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also provide online support if there\u2019s anything the volunteers want to talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Saito said that volunteers see dramatic changes in the clients\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would say the most notable change is in people\u2019s demeanour as they\u2019ve come from a very depressed state,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the volunteers said when she met her client, he couldn\u2019t walk 800 meters and know he can walk three or four kilometres.\u201d<\/p>\n