Join IMPACT’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and brighten someone’s day

IMPACT Community Services is calling for volunteers in Mount Perry and Biggenden to join its Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), a friendship program that connects volunteers with older people who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness.

The ACVVS, which has been running for over 30 years, provides regular visits to older people living in aged care facilities or at home that provide companionship, support, and meaningful connections that can improve the quality of life and well-being of the older people.

The program currently services the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions but has recently received requests from areas that have never had volunteers, including Biggenden and Mount Perry.

IMPACT is looking for volunteers who live in these areas or are willing to travel there to visit older people who need a friend.

ACVVS Program Manager, Heather Hinsbey, said the ACVVS was a valuable program that made a positive difference in the lives of both the volunteers and the older people.

“Our volunteers are compassionate, caring, and dedicated people who love spending time with the older people and brightening their day,” she said.

“We will match you with an older person who is experiencing social isolation, so you can make regular visits in their home or facility. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference in someone else’s life, and both the visitors and older people can benefit from each other’s life experiences and wisdom,” she said.

All volunteers are provided with training and support to ensure they are comfortable with their role.

“We provide orientation, police checks, ongoing training, and regular contact and feedback to our volunteers,” she said.

Ms Hinsbey encouraged anyone who was interested in volunteering with the ACVVS to contact IMPACT and find out more.

“If you have some spare time and a big heart, and you want to make a difference in someone’s life, we would love to hear from you,” she said.

To find out more about the ACVVS or to apply as a volunteer, visit IMPACT’s website, or call 07 4153 4233.