The Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre is advertising this role on behalf of Balwyn Evergreen Centre.

Balwyn Evergreen Centre is looking for dog-loving volunteers who want to make a genuine difference in the life of an older person as a volunteer visitor with your pup. It’s well documented that spending time with a dog can improve wellbeing and reduce anxiety, particularly in older people. We’ve seen the positive effects of informal pet therapy in our on-site programs and want to extend this to isolated older people in the community through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) 

ACVVS is an Australian Government funded initiative that matches volunteer visitors with eligible older people in both residential aged care (RACF) and at home (on Home Care Packages) who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Balwyn Evergreen is proud to be an auspice of this scheme for the Eastern Melbourne region. 

  Older people are particularly vulnerable to becoming socially isolated, especially if they don't have any family around. Our volunteers play an important part in keeping them connected with regular visits and what better way to make their day than to bring your dog along with you.  

  Your role as a volunteer visitor with your dog: 

• Spend time (1 hour weekly or at a minimum fortnightly) with a socially isolated senior either in their home or in residential aged care facility 

• 12 month commitment  

• Bring your dog along for lots of pats 

• Have a chat, hang out, go for a coffee/walk 

• Maybe make up a song about your dog together to a popular tune - this never gets old 

  Your skills: 

• Compassion 

• Empathy 

• Interested in people and dogs 

• Reliable, honest 

  Your dog: 

• Must be well trained and under your control at all times 

• Have a quiet and gentle demeanor  

• Be toilet trained 

  Benefits of the scheme: 

• Make new friends 

• Build connections and belonging to your community 

• Know you're making a real difference to someone's life and your own 

  Notes: 

  The role will be based at a fixed address but involves travel to a home or aged care residence. We will place you with someone close to your home. 

  A Balwyn Evergreen staff member will facilitate a ‘meet and greet’ with the volunteer and older person to make sure everyone is comfortable and it’s the best fit. 

  Full and ongoing support is provided by Balwyn Evergreen.