Volunteers helping fight social isolation

DIVERSITAT Aged Support is searching for new volunteers for the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS).

CVS is a social support program funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. It links older people experiencing social isolation while living at home with accredited CVS volunteers, providing participants with company and social connections.

CVS and Projects Coordinator Jasmin Findlay said the program is important to many of those involved.

“It’s such a meaningful program and there have been some fantastic outcomes.”

The program often proves meaningful to the volunteers as well as the aged care participants.

Barwon Heads resident Ian is a CVS volunteer. He said participating in the program has been deeply gratifying.

“I have received a lot of joy from my interactions with my CVS friend,” Ian said.

“I really enjoy the routine activities we do such as playing cards, swapping vegetables and fruit, and chatting about our families and lives.”

Geelong resident and fellow CVS volunteer Anne said she has found the experience similarly rewarding.

“I put myself in the recipients place and thought about how lonely it could be. I thought to myself ‘I can do this’,” Anne said.

“We have wonderful conversations about everything and enjoy a good laugh. We both look forward to going out again for cake and coffee.”

Ms Findlay said the program has been adjusted to keep pairs in contact during COVID-19.

“Before COVID they would go for a walk through the Botanical Gardens, they would get a coffee together, or get their nails done,” Ms Findlay said.

“We then rolled into virtual visits with phone calls, letter writing, we had volunteers dropping off homegrown produce at the front door with a nice little note, things like that, those meaningful connections.”

Ms Findlay said having a diverse range of volunteers helps ensure the participants have an ideal match.

“Diversitat is a multicultural organisation, so quite often I’ll get referrals that require someone who speaks a language other than English,” she said.

“The pool is what I need. I need volunteers ready to go, even if they don’t have a suitable participant for them straight up.”

Originally from Argentina, Torquay resident Paula Mesa has been able to connect with other Spanish speakers through the program.

Ms Mesa is partnered with a 93-year-old Peruvian immigrant who she describes as “an awe-inspiring friend”.

She said the program has provided her with a rewarding way of helping others.

“I decided to join the program because I wanted to do something worthwhile and give something back to the Surf Coast community. Also, I thought that was a great opportunity to connect with people from Latin America that made Australia their new home.”

Volunteers need a police check, have a Working with Children’s certificate, Disability Worker Exclusion Scheme check. There are also some policies, procedures, and training for people to complete before being partnered with a participant.

Ms Findlay said this process is quite straightforward.

“It doesn’t take that long. It depends on the volunteer, but it probably takes a couple of weeks.”

Those interested in becoming part of the program as a participant or volunteer can head to diversitat.org.au/services/aged-support/community-visitors-scheme/ or contact Ms Findlay by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0417 134 072.