Bring a buddy
Volunteers can help out in a variety of different ways. (Photos courtesy of Aged Care Plus)
Throughout the month of July, The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus is running the ‘Bring a Buddy’ campaign to encourage existing volunteers to bring a friend, and for anyone in the community interested in volunteering to make contact with their local Aged Care Plus centre.
Since retiring, Brisbane resident, Lucy, has been volunteering with The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus twice a week and says she wouldn’t have it any other way! Last year, she tried something new and introduced indoor bowling to a group of dementia-affected residents in The Cairns Aged Care Plus Centre’s memory support unit.
“For me, this is about helping the residents to keep active and healthy,” says Lucy, “just because you are old doesn’t mean you have to give up.”
Hundreds of volunteers enjoy their time every week at Aged Care Plus Centres across the territory. 17-year-old Leanne of Mulwaree High School in Goulburn, NSW, spends every Wednesday afternoon at Gill Waminda Aged Care Plus Centre, chatting with residents and assisting wherever she can.
“I’ve learnt a lot from the people here,” says Leanne, who has been volunteering after school for the past four years. “And I’ve made some great friends, the people here have so many interesting stories.”
“Our volunteers add so much joy and life to our centres,” says Aged Care Plus Volunteer Coordinator, Bill Li, “it’s great having people from the community involved in what we do.”
There are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to join existing activity groups or spend one-on-one time with residents. Volunteering is a wonderful ministry opportunity that can teach people a new skill or develop one that they already have.
Head to your local Aged Care Plus Centre and make a new friend!
To find your nearest Aged Care Plus Centre log onto agedcare.salvos.org.au.
Comments
The Salvos are people looking after and caring for others. How good is that!