You can make a difference...

Many elderly Australians in aged care homes are socially isolated from the community. QCCN is looking for people with big hearts to visit these senior citizens and reconnect them with members from the community. It only takes an hour a fortnight and all you have to do is be a friend.

We are searching for mature age male volunteers to visit with male residents in a care facility in Cornubia. Together, we are looking to form an unofficial 'Men's Club' and Social Group to encourage socialising and networking within the residents. Group activities could include playing pool, playing darts, card games, watching movies, playing board games/puzzles or going for a social walk around the facility. This volunteer role is available on weekends.

Volunteer requirements are -

• To be aged over 18 years
• A flu vaccination during flu season (typically April to November)
• The passing of the National Criminal History Check (which we perform and pay for - you won't need to supply this!) &
• The availability to visit your new friend once a fortnight for the next twelve months. Of course, we understand holidays/study/work comes up, and that's totally fine - the regularity of your visits will also assist your resident to feel a sense of connection and to help grow your friendship even further.

This care facility has passionate and supportive staff who will assist you to make sure your volunteer journey is a successful and enjoyable experience. All volunteer visits will take place at the care facility and you will not be asked to transport your friend outside the facility grounds. It is highly recommended for this volunteer role that you have experience in communicating with someone with reduced cognition, as we too often find that these are the residents who need the social visits most.

This volunteer role is not suitable for those looking to gain experience within the health sector in regards to job placement/meeting study requirements. As this role offers no direct clinical exposure, it does not qualify as work or practical experience.

During flu season (typically April to November), all visitors must also have the current flu vaccination. These requirements have been handed down by the Federal Government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our residents and community members safe.

We’re a small not for profit aiming to do big things! It’s our goal to try to eliminate the elderly feeling secluded whilst in residential care. To do this, we connect volunteers with the elderly so they can develop long lasting, meaningful friendships. We'd love to have you join our team if this is the kind of role you are looking for within the community!