Northern Rivers Community Gateway is currently seeking male volunteer visitors to provide friendship and social connection to two older gentlemen living in residential aged care in Kingscliff through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
Volunteers are matched one-to-one with an older person based on interests, personality and compatibility. You can volunteer to visit just one person – there is no expectation that you visit both.
The ACVVS is an Australian Government-funded program that supports older people who may be socially isolated or at risk of social isolation by connecting them with volunteer visitors for regular friendship and companionship.
What you’ll do
You’ll visit your matched older person approximately once a fortnight and spend time together based on their interests and preferences. This might include having a cuppa and a chat, going for a walk, playing a game, listening to music or simply enjoying each other’s company.
The most important part of the role is providing regular, meaningful social connection and building an ongoing friendship.
Who we’re looking for
No aged care experience is required. We’re looking for men who are:
- Friendly, patient and good listeners
- Reliable and able to commit to regular fortnightly visits
- Respectful of older people and their individual life experiences
- Comfortable building a one-to-one friendship over time
- Interested in making a genuine difference in an older person’s life
Why volunteer with us?
Just an hour of your time each fortnight can make a meaningful difference to an older person who would benefit from some extra friendship, conversation and connection.
Northern Rivers Community Gateway provides ACVVS induction training, a National Police Check at no cost to you, personalised matching and ongoing support from your ACVVS Project Officer.
How to apply
Submit an expression of interest and our ACVVS Project Officer will contact you for an informal chat about the program and the older people currently waiting for a volunteer visitor.
You’ll then complete the required ACVVS onboarding, training and screening before being introduced to your matched older person.
If you can spare around one hour a fortnight, we’d love to hear from you.