✨ Spark Joy! Visit an Aged Care Resident I Coffee & Chat Program I Bardon, QLD

Join Our Coffee & Chat Program: Make a Difference in the Lives of Elderly Residents Brighten someone's day and make a meaningful contribution to their quality of life!  Our Coffee & Chat Program is a 1:1 personal visit which helps increase connectedness and happiness among aged care residents. We are looking for a special person – a St Vincent’s kind of person.  Someone who puts compassion, connection and caring for other people at the heart of everything they do. We have a couple of special residents who would really enjoy visiting and connecting with a friendly companion volunteer during a weekday.

"Phil" enjoys great conversation and has a wealth of life experience to share. A former pilot with the NSW Air Ambulance, he loves discussing aviation, world events, politics, news, and current affairs. Phil has physical support needs due to paralysis.

"Betty" enjoys chatting about gardening, her life experiences, and her faith. She has some mobility challenges and would prefer to be matched with a female volunteer.

"Colleen" is a former librarian who enjoys computers, animals, arts and crafts, travel, and singing. She loves sharing stories about raising alpacas and spinning alpaca wool. Colleen has some mobility support needs and would prefer to be matched with a female volunteer.

"Katie" enjoys crafts, cooking, reading, gardens, puzzles, organising things, and talking about her family. She is living with some cognitive challenges and may occasionally become confused or worried but responds well to calm, engaging conversation. Katie would prefer to be matched with a female volunteer.

What You’ll Do:

• Enjoy a chat over a cup of coffee
• Listen to and share life stories
• Go for a stroll in the garden
• Read books, play cards, or work on puzzles
• Listen to their favourite music

Why Volunteer? Many elderly Australians in aged care homes face loneliness and social isolation. By volunteering just one hour a fortnight, you can make a significant difference in their lives. You'll be matched one-on-one with a resident who could greatly benefit from your friendship. Studies show that loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking, and sadly, over 40% of people in aged care lack regular visitors. Your presence can help bridge this gap.

Program Details:

• Dedication: Our special volunteers are people who would like to visit their new friend at least 20 times or more over a twelve-month period (about one visit every two to three weeks or more).
• Requirements: Must be over 18 years old, pass a NDIS check (we will assist you with this process and cover all associated costs) and ideally be available to visit consistently and ongoing.

Ideal Volunteers:

• Exhibit care and compassion for the elderly
• Have excellent communication skills
• Are committed and punctual

What You’ll Gain:

• The chance to form long-lasting, meaningful friendships
• Be part of a friendly team with a strong community spirit
• Experience the joy of enriching the lives of others

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re looking for a role where you can truly connect with others and enrich your community, apply to join our Coffee & Chat Program today. Help us combat loneliness and bring a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

Equal Opportunity At St Vincent’s we value inclusivity and diversity and acknowledge the importance of creating an environment that is welcoming, safe, fair and impartial and invite people from all backgrounds to join our caring family.