💞Could You Be the Friendly Face Jody Has Been Missing? 💞ACVVS

💜Jody is a cheerful and warm-hearted resident living in aged care who experiences significant social isolation and loneliness.

💜While she loves joining activities within the home, she currently has no personal visitors.

💜Having a dedicated volunteer spend time with her would provide valuable companionship, connection, and something special to look forward to – could you be this person?

Everyone deserves friendship and connection. For Jody, a regular visitor could make a world of difference.

Jody was born deaf and is non-speaking. She is a proud Greek Orthodox Australian who communicates using Auslan, communication cards, gestures, and facial expressions. An Auslan-speaking volunteer would be wonderful, but it is not essential. Jody is easy to engage with and enjoys spending time with people who are patient, kind, and willing to connect.

🧩 What a Visit Could Look Like 🧩

• Sitting together in the garden and enjoying the fresh air

• Colouring, listening to music, or watching a favourite television show

• Sharing smiles, laughter, and conversation through Auslan, communication cards, or simple gestures

• Providing companionship and helping Jody feel connected and valued

✨ What is ACVVS? ✨

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) connects volunteers with older people who may be socially isolated, creating regular friendship, companionship, and meaningful connection.

St Vincent's is looking for volunteers who share our commitment to compassion, excellence, justice, and integrity, and who want to bring those values to life through genuine connection with older people.

🌈 Who Could Be a Great Fit? 🌈

Someone who is:

• Kind, patient, and dependable

• Comfortable communicating in different ways

• Interested in building a genuine friendship

• Able to visit regularly and provide ongoing companionship

• Familiar with Auslan (desirable but not essential)

You do not need aged care experience, and you do not need to provide personal care. Your role is friendship and companionship.

💞 Why It Matters 💞

For Jody, a volunteer is more than just a visitor. You could become a trusted friend, a familiar face, and an important connection to her community. Your regular visits could help reduce loneliness, build confidence, and ensure Jody feels seen, valued, and included.

The Practical Bits

• You must be 18 years or over

• A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is required and is organised and funded by St Vincent's

• Visits are approximately 30 minutes to one hour, at least once a fortnight throughout the year

• We are looking for someone who can build an ongoing, respectful connection

🌟 Could You Be Jody's New Friend? 🌟

If you can spare an hour each fortnight and would like to make a genuine difference in the life of someone experiencing loneliness and social isolation, we would love to hear from you.

Your time, friendship, and consistent presence could become the highlight of Jody's week.