HEATHCOTE Health is calling for volunteers for the organisation’s Meals on Wheels program.<\/p>\n
There are also other volunteer roles available.<\/p>\n
\u201cHH Meals on Wheels is currently supporting around 30 local residents and delivering 300 meals per month,\u201d said community service nurse unit manager Gerry Canny.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is an ever-increasing demand for this service and we continue to receive new referrals to the program each week.<\/p>\n
\u201cOther volunteering opportunities also exist within our social support group.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur social support group participate in various centre-based activities, as well as out and about\u2019 trips to local events, attractions and eateries.<\/p>\n
\u201cVolunteers work alongside our experienced coordinators to provide care, support and vital social connection to our clients.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heathcote Health provides a car for Meals on Wheels volunteers as well as training and support, including induction on the use of the electric cars.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe service plays an important role in early intervention and health prevention, allowing older Australians to live in their homes for longer,\u201d said volunteer coordinator Michelle Chapman.<\/p>\n
People give their time for services weekly, fortnightly or monthly and some of those who take part say they get as much out of it as they give.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor newbies to town it\u2019s a fabulous way to learn about Heathcote,\u201d said Mel Matyson, who volunteers once a week.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou meet some amazing locals and make great friends amongst the volunteers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jackie Matthews said it is more than just delivering meals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love it. As well as the meals we often swap recipes and plant cuttings,” she said. \u201cWe check letterboxes and put bins out. It all helps.\u201d<\/p>\n
The deliveries are done in pairs, with a driver and jockey.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a big commitment and such a good cause,\u201d said volunteer Sue Pace. \u201cIt never takes more than two hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recipients make you feel so welcome and give you such a sense of worth.\u201d<\/p>\n