Availability & Time
Ongoing long‐term position (minimum 12‐month commitment). Any day of the week. Must commit to at least one visit per week on a regular basis. Commitment to participate in mandatory training and e‐learning modules (approximately 1 hour per month).
Flexible availability. 1‐2 hours per week.
Why Choose to Volunteer with Red Cross
You can help improve lives and create a positive impact in your community; an opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge and gain new experiences; help Red Cross support older and vulnerable people across Australia through a range of volunteer‐based programs.
The Programme
Social connection is vital for overall well‐being, particularly as we age. The Red Cross Visiting Programme offers friendly visits aimed at fostering meaningful interactions, uplifting conversations, and a sense of connection for older Australians living at home or in aged care facilities who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Volunteers are thoughtfully matched with a participant, based on shared interests and backgrounds. Together, they engage in activities such as sharing a cup of tea, reminiscing over cherished memories, or participating in hobbies like playing cards or board games. These regular visits provide companionship, enhance social connections, and contribute positively to the well‐being of older adults.
The Opportunity
We are seeking volunteers who possess strong conversational skills and the ability to relate to and empathise with a diverse range of older individuals, including those from various cultural backgrounds and life experiences.
Key Requirements And Your Commitment
* Be willing to join a nationwide team delivering a social inclusion programme within Aged and Community Care.
* Engage in conversation and activities that are appropriate to the client.
* Respect the privacy, rights, and dignity of clients and maintain confidentiality with respect to information obtained during the delivery of service.
* Utilise appropriate digital systems and adhere to established work practices relevant to the programme.
* Record timely and appropriate documentation of your interactions with clients.
* Maintain clear professional relationships and respect clear boundaries to safeguard the well‐being of the client and yourself.
* Participate in mandatory learning and development to keep your knowledge, skills, and practices up‐to‐date in the aged and community care sector.
* Commit to upholding the principles outlined in the Aged Care Code of Conduct and any subsequent updates.
* Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by respecting diverse backgrounds and ensuring that all interactions are inclusive and free from discrimination.
The Impact
As a visiting volunteer, you will brighten the life of an older person experiencing loneliness by offering them companionship and social connectedness. You and the participant will gain mutual understanding and companionship through shared stories and experiences.
Application Requirements
* All volunteers will be required to undertake a National Police Check, which will be organised through Red Cross.
* Statutory Declaration to be completed if you have been a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than Australia after turning 16 years.
* Only for ACT Visiting – any additional checks as required by your state/territory (e.g. Working with Vulnerable People Check, Working with Children's Check, proof of COVID‐19 vaccination, etc.) will be notified during your onboarding.
Further Information
To find out more about this opportunity please contact the Aged and Community Care Volunteer Assistance Team on 1300 559 992 or email agedcarevolunteers@redcross.org.au.
Red Cross strives to create a safe and inclusive culture with wellbeing at its centre. We embrace diversity and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with different lived experiences, abilities, gender, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. We are a child safe organisation with zero tolerance of any harm to children. Our vision is to be trusted as the leading humanitarian organisation making a genuine difference in the lives of people and communities.
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