Australia wide Peer to Peer Volunteer
Macular Disease Foundation AustraliaMacular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) is a national for purpose organisation. Its purpose is to reduce the incidence and impact of macular disease – the leading cause of legal blindness and severe vision loss in Australia. MDFA has four pillars of work: prevention and early detection, supports and services, advocacy, and research and data.
At Macular Disease Foundation Australia, we know that a macular disease diagnosis, as well as the associated symptoms, can be confronting and isolating for people without a support network. Our Mac Mates program is designed to alleviate this isolation by matching clients with volunteers to have a chat and share their experiences.
As a Mac Mates volunteers, you will have a macular disease diagnosis yourself, have been living with vision loss, have a close friend or family member with macular disease, or are simply familiar with macular disease and want to provide support to those affected.
You will be matched with a client based on shared interest, background, and diagnosis. You can speak with your matched client over the phone, via video chat, or in-person at a local café, at least once a fortnight for a minimum of 5 visits.
The responsibilities for this role include: • Making regular (at least once per fortnight) phone calls, video calls, or face to face visits to one or more people living with a macular disease • Providing regular feedback on calls to MDFA • Utilising MDFA’s client database to enter client information, feedback, updates, etc • Attending occasional meetings (over the phone/online) with MDFA staff that assist with evaluation of the peer support programs.
Essential Qualities: • Effective communicator • Strong interpersonal skills • Values diversity of opinions as a strength and respects divergent views • Empathetic listener and able to appreciate concerns of elderly persons and those experiencing vision loss • Highly organised and able to manage competing demands • Living with a macular disease, and/or, having a close have a close friend or family member with macular disease, and/or, are familiar with macular disease and want to provide support to those affected • Basic IT skills with some proficiency in the use of Office software, as well as the ability to enter small amounts of data into an online database.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to volunteer in a role where they can make an immediate and positive impact to someone living with macular disease. You will be part of a friendly team and your role will be well supported.
Applicant must be willing to complete a National Police Check (or provide evidence of one complete within the last 12 months).