Lyell McEwin Hospital - Ward 1A Volunteers.

As a Companion Volunteer, you'll become an important part of a patient's day. Your time and compassion can:

• Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
• Bring comfort to patients living with dementia or cognitive impairment.
• Help patients remain active, engaged, and connected.
• Support families who are unable to visit as often as they would like.
• Allow nurses to focus on essential clinical care while knowing patients are receiving meaningful companionship.
• Make a lasting difference to the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable community members.

Volunteering is also incredibly rewarding for you. You'll:

• Experience the satisfaction of making a genuine difference.
• Build meaningful relationships with patients, families, and staff.
• Gain valuable experience in healthcare and aged care.
• Develop communication, empathy, and confidence.
• Join a welcoming team committed to compassionate care.
• Learn new skills through training and ongoing support.

Every patient is different, and every visit is an opportunity to brighten someone's day.

You may: ❤️ Spend time chatting with patients about their interests, hobbies, family, pets, or life experiences. 📖 Read books, newspapers, or magazines together. 🧩 Enjoy puzzles, board games, crosswords, colouring, crafts, music, or reminiscence activities. 🚶 Accompany suitable patients on supervised walks or wheelchair outings within the hospital grounds. ☕ Share a cup of tea or coffee and provide companionship during quiet moments. 💙 Support patients living with dementia by engaging them in meaningful, person-centred activities that promote comfort and familiarity. 👨‍👩‍👧 Welcome visitors, help families find their way around the ward, and provide information about hospital services. 📋 Assist staff with non-clinical tasks such as maintaining activity resources, restocking supplies, preparing patient lounges, organising equipment, supporting patient experience surveys, and helping create a welcoming ward environment. Every interaction helps make the hospital feel a little less clinical and a lot more caring.

You don't need previous healthcare experience—we'll provide all the training and support you need. We're looking for volunteers who are:

• Warm, friendly, and patient.
• Compassionate and genuinely enjoy spending time with people.
• Excellent listeners and confident communicators.
• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Reliable and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Passionate about improving the lives of older people.

Experience with older adults, dementia, disability, or community care is welcomed but not essential.

All volunteers receive comprehensive orientation, mandatory training, infection control education, and ongoing support from experienced hospital staff and the Volunteer Services team. A National Police Clearance, mandatory training, and relevant health clearances are required before commencing.

For an older patient, your visit may be the conversation they've been waiting for. Your kindness can ease loneliness, restore dignity, encourage independence, and remind someone that they matter. Join our General Medical and Acute Care of the Elderly Volunteer team and help bring companionship, comfort, and connection to those who need it most.

***Applicants must be aged 18 years or older.***