Join Our Coffee & Chat Program With Your Furry Friend: Make a Difference in the Lives of Elderly Residents Brighten someone's day and make a meaningful contribution to their quality of life!  And bring your furry friend along as well! Our Coffee & Chat Program is a 1:1 personal visit which helps increase connectedness and happiness among aged care residents. We are looking for special people – a St Vincent’s kind of person.  Someone who puts compassion, connection and caring for other people at the heart of everything they do. We have a special resident living with cognitive impairment who would greatly benefit from emotional support and interacting with people and animals in the morning would do her a world of good.

What You’ll Do:

• Visit residents in our aged care facility with your dog
• Enjoy a chat over a cup of coffee
• Spend quality time chatting, reading, or simply sharing a peaceful moment
• Listen to and share life stories
• Take a stroll in the garden
• Read books or listen to their favourite music
• No experience needed—just a love for people and animals!

Why Volunteer?

• Create memorable experiences for seniors

• Share the joy of your dog with others

• Flexible schedules to fit your availability (mid-morning preferred for this resident)

  Many elderly Australians in aged care homes face loneliness and social isolation. By volunteering just one hour a fortnight, you can make a significant difference in their lives. You'll be matched one-on-one with a resident who could greatly benefit from your friendship. Studies show that loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking, and sadly, over 40% of people in aged care lack regular visitors. Your presence can help bridge this gap.

Program Details:

• Dedication: Our special volunteers are people who would like to visit their new friend at least 20 times or more over a twelve-month period (about one visit every two to three weeks or more).
• Requirements: Must be over 18 years old, pass a National Criminal History Check (provided and paid for by us) and ideally be available to visit consistently and ongoing.

Ideal Volunteers:

• Exhibit care and compassion for the elderly
• Have excellent communication skills
• Are committed and punctual

What You’ll Gain:

• The chance to form long-lasting, meaningful friendships
• Be part of a friendly team with a strong community spirit
• Experience the joy of enriching the lives of others

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re looking for a role where you can truly connect with others and enrich your community, apply to join our Coffee & Chat Program today. Help us combat loneliness and bring a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

Equal Opportunity At St Vincent’s we value inclusivity and diversity and acknowledge the importance of creating an environment that is welcoming, safe, fair and impartial and invite people from all backgrounds to join our caring family.