Break Mealtime Monotony - Support Patients to Enjoy Their Food

Join our team of dedicated volunteers in our mission to reduce patient malnutrition and make mealtime a more sociable and enjoyable experience for the patients of Western Health. The Volunteer Meals Assistant Program (VMAP) evolved in response to a Western Health Nutrition Department study that identified a range of benefits in providing one-on-one meal assistance to hospital patients. The program won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2012 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards.

Joining VMAP will see you visiting patients, engaging in friendly conversation, offering assistance such as opening containers and ensuring utensils are in easy reach. Volunteers softly encourage eating, so that patients are able to eat and enjoy their meals. Shifts are available Monday-Friday, 11:30-13:00.

The perks of volunteering at Western Health:

• Join the fun squad: Join forces with other amazing volunteers and become part of a team that’s dedicated to making a difference whilst having a blast! Choose to walk kms with a purpose, or log how many people you interact with each day.
• Recognition: Your invaluable contributions in the community, showcased during National Volunteer Week, in our Newsletter, in social media and beyond.
• Gain valuable experience & receive support by comprehensive training so you can feel confident in your role.

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, backgrounds, languages, cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are looking for students, CALD community members, immigrants, and refugees, as well as teenagers, undergraduates, and people of all abilities.

Apply today if:

• You are aged 18+ years.
• You live in the local government area, please note we are prioritising applicants who live in our catchment.
• You’re always up for a new challenge, you’re willing to learn and be flexible.
• Integrity and open-mindedness are your guiding principles. You value confidentiality and treat everyone who comes to Western Health with dignity and respect.
• If you speak multiple languages, such as Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Dinka, Arabic, Greek or any other language, we want you on our team! However, basic English language, reading and writing skills are essential.

We ask that:

You’re an Australian Citizen or have permission to volunteer in Australia. We ask our volunteers to commit to 12+ months with either weekly or fortnightly shifts. Let’s find the schedule that suits you best.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are prioritising applications from people who live in the local government area.

Want to know more?

Call us on (03) 8395 9092 or email us at [email protected].