• Ongoing position

• 1-2 hrs per week or fortnight

The Program

Having good social connections is essential for all aspects of health and quality of life, especially as we age.  Red Cross supports elderly residents of the community to improve their wellbeing and social connection by matching a trained volunteer with an older person who lives in an aged care facility or at home, has identified as being lonely and has minimum contact with family and/or friends program.

The opportunity

This role suits someone over the age of 18 who is a good listener and has empathy for mature aged, disadvantages and socially isolated people. What you do on your visits is up to you and the person you are visiting. While visiting you might chat together, reminisce, listen to music, read the newspaper, write letters, play card games, or go on a social outing in the local community together.

A driver’s licence is preferable but not mandatory, depending on the client’s needs. Volunteers wishing to take their new friend (client) on social outings must have comprehensive motor insurance.

For those visiting in a resident in an aged care facility a flu immunisation is compulsory, and we strongly recommended a flu vaccination for home visits as well. Red Cross will cover this expense.

The impact

As a Community Visitor, you’ll brighten the life of a lonely and isolated person by offering them company and friendship. You will also brighten your own life: gaining satisfaction, enjoyment and personal development through your visits.

Red Cross will ensure you have training, ongoing support and access to other opportunities within the World’s largest humanitarian network.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.