Become a Companion Volunteer Visitor for Coffee & Chat ☕🙂 Aged Care I Kew, VIC

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 special people – 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 some very special residents we would love to find a warm and wonderful companion for.

We are seeking compassionate and patient volunteers to spend time providing companionship to residents at our Kew home. We currently have several residents who would greatly benefit from a 1:1 connection from their new friends. Here are just a few of the wonderful people who would love to welcome a new friendly face into their week:

* 'Vicky' is a friendly lady who enjoys good conversation and spending time outdoors. She loves walking through the garden and relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee in the fresh air. Vicky benefits from a calm, patient approach, as Parkinson's can sometimes affect her speech and communication. 'Vicky' would love to be matched with a kind and patient male volunteer who enjoys chatting and taking gentle walks. Whether you're sharing a conversation over a cuppa or enjoying the garden together, your companionship could bring connection, comfort, and brighten her day.

*'Liz' is a warm and caring lady who enjoys meaningful conversations, sharing a laugh, and connecting with others. She benefits from gentle communication and a little extra time during conversations due to her hearing and memory needs. With a wonderful sense of humour and a naturally nurturing personality, Liz loves looking after others and spent many years working as a nurse. Liz enjoys following AFL—especially the Hawthorn Football Club—as well as cricket, admiring flowers, and going for walks. She loves having a chat and sharing stories about her life and interests. 'Liz' would love to welcome a friendly volunteer who enjoys good conversation, companionship, and building a genuine connection. Whether talking about football, enjoying a stroll, or simply sharing a cup of tea and a laugh, your visit could bring warmth, friendship, and brighten her day.

What You’ll Do:

• Read books, articles or stories aloud
• Engage in meaningful conversation
• Enjoy a chat over a cup of coffee
• Take 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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) or a NDIS check (provided and paid for by us) 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.