Community Visitors (CVs) have an essential role in promoting the wellbeing, dignity, safety and rights of clients within both mental health and state-run disability services, as well as clients under Guardianship of the Public Advocate who are NDIS participants.

Our team of experienced CVs conduct visits to ensure that clients receiving care have adequate information regarding their treatment, care and rights, and are supported to achieve positive outcomes.

CVs are trained volunteers who work in pairs to visit and inspect both mental health and disability services. During visits and inspections, CVs speak and engage with clients (and their family members) to hear their views, voice and experiences in relation to their care and treatment. CVs also engage with staff to understand the opportunities and challenges of service delivery that may impact on the client.

During the visit, CVs may identify areas for service follow up and improvement, that are detailed in their post visit report.

With a person’s consent, CVs can advocate about issues raised during the visit and inspection to service staff, to try and resolve matters. If they cannot be resolved, the CV can refer the issue to the CVS office team for additional advocacy. The post visit report to the Principal Community Visitor is also provided to the services, with a view to working towards service improvement.

The CV role is an independent statutory appointment, established under the Mental Health Act, 2009 and the Disability Service Regulations (2013).

CVs come from many different backgrounds, and each bring unique skills and experiences. They all have one thing in common. They care passionately about upholding rights and promoting the wellbeing of people receiving services from the mental health and disability sectors here in South Australia.

CVs are committed and confident to advocate for the best possible quality of life and care of people within both mental health and state-run disability services.

CVs draw upon their professional and life experiences, many with lived experience across mental health and disability services. This helps guide their work and deliver on their statutory requirements as a volunteer.

Visits take place during business hours and many volunteers work or study part-time and/or have retired or are not working.

Although each visit is different, we recommend allowing four hours per visit. This includes travelling time and time to write the report. There is an expectation that each Community Visitor carry out a minimum of two visits per month. The appointment period is three-years.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or over.

• Applicants must not be working or studying full-time.

• Applicants must have access to a computer and mobile-phone.