108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
Last week, IMPACT Community Services' ACVVS volunteers were celebrated with a special (belated) National Volunteers Week morning tea, acknowledging their invaluable dedication to enriching the lives of the elderly, who often confront isolation and loneliness.
The event also featured an information session with special guest speaker Anne Kerby from Bundaberg Regional Council’s Disaster Management Team.
Anne's presentation focused on Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP), a critical method designed to help individuals, especially seniors and those with disabilities, better prepare for emergencies through planning and access to vital resources and guidance.
Participants were also gifted with an Emergency Kit Starter Pack, complete with a planning workbook, wireless radio, mini first aid kit, headlamp, batteries, and more.
The P-CEP method is a tool that enhances equitable access to effective emergency planning for individuals with extra support needs, such as the elderly and people with a disability. It empowers people with disabilities and the elderly to identify and plan for managing their unique needs during emergencies. Furthermore, it encourages everyone to help remove barriers that heighten risks to safety and well-being during disasters.
Key highlights of the P-CEP method include:
Learn more about Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness on the Bundaberg Regional Council website here.
ACVVS is an initiative funded by the Australian Government, designed to address the social and emotional needs of older Australians residing in aged care facilities, by connecting dedicated volunteers with seniors who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Volunteer opportunities are available in Bundaberg, Monto, Gayndah, Childers, Mount Perry, and Gin Gin. Get in touch today! Call Heather on 0448 035 891 or 07 4153 4233 or visit IMPACT's ACVVS page here.
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.
This month, we address the current challenges that many people are facing, such as the rising cost of living. Sandy shares practical strategies and tips on managing finances and improving financial fitness.
We also discuss the importance of open conversations about money and seeking support from financial counselors.
Sandy provides insights on how to make small changes that can lead to big impacts over time, and shares ideas on finding joy and creativity within a limited budget. We also explore strategies for tackling debt and making proactive choices to improve one's situation.
Additionally, we touch on the topic of homelessness and discuss practical strategies for individuals and families in these circumstances, such as obtaining quality tents and accessing gym facilities for showers and other amenities.
Join us as we delve into these important topics and provide valuable resources and ideas to help individuals and families navigate through challenging financial situations. Remember, we're all in this together, and together we can become stronger.
Please note: This website may contain references to, or feature images, videos, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.