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 the community. It only takes an hour a fortnight and all you have to do is be a friend.

Residents enjoy the social visits of our volunteers. You will be matched one-on-one with a resident who has been identified as socially isolated, or at risk of becoming so. Volunteers enjoy a coffee and chat, or perhaps a board game with their new friend, and through ongoing visits create a wonderful new friendship for someone in need.

This male resident in care, aged 90 years old, would greatly benefit from one-on-one interaction with a mature age male Volunteer Visitor who is able to visit him on a regular fortnightly basis for companionship, social connection and conversation. His hobbies and interests include aeroplanes and buses (he has models of each in his room). In his younger years, he would love to draw. He would enjoying talking and sharing photos of his family and where he used to live.

It is important to note that this resident has mild cognitive impairment.

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 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. We are also not approved to enlist Centrelink volunteers as our program only requires one hour per fortnight to volunteer.

QCCN are excited to invite applications from volunteers who fit the criteria for this placement. This care home has wonderful supportive staff who will assist you to make sure your volunteer journey is a successful and enjoyable experience. They will be with you throughout the process for support and guidance.

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!