What is the kind of Volunteer are we looking for?

• Someone who can speak the Greek language and provide specialised companionship for Clients of this cultural background
• Enthusiastic
• Kind and caring
• Observant
• Flexible and adaptable to any given situation
• Able to work independently/unsupervised
• Can deal with difficult situations
• A can-do attitude
• Strong verbal communication – Able to ask questions

We want to hear from you if you are curious, sociable, and passionate about combating loneliness for some of the most vulnerable members in our community.

Volunteering even a small amount of time, provides connection and companionship, which can have a major and direct impact on the lives of others. You could be a student, looking for work in the industry or a retiree.

We aim to be flexible enough to fit into your schedule, however forming connection does take time, so preference is given to those prepared to be longer-term volunteers. Let us know your availability and we will try our best to match you with an activity that fits your preferences.

You could make a real difference and have the chance to make special memories.

You don’t need experience, just enthusiasm and a desire to give back to the community. We offer flexibility, induction and ongoing training, reimbursement for travel and required checks and clearances, but most importantly, the opportunity to become a part of our compassionate and inter-generational community.

This is a national movement to support our older Australians in aged care facilities, who have experienced increased social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic.

Volunteers can assist in a number of ways, including:

• Activities such as reading, music, tabletop games, gardening, arts and crafts
• Companionship and conversation (chat about shared and common interests, reminiscing on old stories)
• Physical activities and exercise, including walking around the home’s gardens, enjoying fresh air, having a game of lawn bowls
• Mobilising support in aid of the activities above (Training provided)
• Culturally specific and individually appropriate support to enhance the well-being of our Clients

Our Volunteers are supported and do not take on hands-on Carer roles. Volunteers will not be asked to assist with nursing care, infection, medication, continence management, complex or high-risk Clients transfer, direct care for infected Clients or documenting provision of care.

What does a day in the life of a Baptcare Companion Volunteer look like:

• No two days are the same, its all about variety
• Volunteers will provide companion service to our Clients; you may support them to attend a social activity or engage in a Lifestyle event.
• Volunteers provide support and guidance and help build independence for Clients
• Volunteers will provide Companion Support in the form of personal guidance and wheelchair assistance, and you will need to be comfortable pushing a wheelchair. Training will be provided.
• Volunteers will be required to observe and understand the needs of the Client and demonstrate how we can assist for example running a message to the front desk or letting the Lifestyle Team know the Client would like to attend an activity
• Volunteers assist in building trust and a solid friendship, sharing a joke, a laugh, a special moment. Volunteers need to be confident in having a conversation.

By becoming a Baptcare Volunteer you join an incredible community of like-minded people who care about the wellbeing of others and believe in the power of Volunteering. We welcome your application and look forward to meeting you.