Providing social opportunities for people living at home and receiving a Home Care Package, or living in Residential Care.
The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) provides support for older people living alone who have limited social connections. Social support is provided by regular phone calls, letters, or virtual contact made by volunteers.
CVS provides friendship and companionship by matching clients with volunteers who share similar interests and ideas. Time together can be spent in a variety of ways depending on what the person most enjoys, like a friendly chat, discussing a shared hobby or current affairs.
Volunteers are recruited under strict guidelines, undergo mandatory checks and receive ongoing training – click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
To be eligible, individuals need to live within the Northern Sydney and Hornsby region. A Care Plan is developed with the client in relation to immediate support (for example: weekly phone calls by a friendly volunteer), while also focusing on long-term outcomes, such as increases in motivation, community connection, and improved health and well-being.
This is a fee-free service.
Benefits can include:
- greater involvement in the local community
- increased sense of purpose and confidence
- increased feelings of independence
- feeling supported
The Community Visitors Scheme is funded by the Australian Government and is available to older people living in government-subsidised residential aged care homes or to those living in their own homes, including those waitlisted or currently receiving a Home Care Package. The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) wholeheartedly endorses the support CVS provides to older people and provides resources to boost the value CVS volunteers can offer to their care recipients.
Volunteer with us
Make a real difference in an elderly person's life and be rewarded by an enriching connection and friendship. CVS are looking for volunteers for this meaningful program. Offering friendship to an older person experiencing social isolation to enhance their quality of life and help them to feel more connected to their community is truly worthwhile, both for the older person and the volunteer.
We are looking for volunteers in the Northern Sydney region to make face-to-face and virtual visits with a recipient weekly or fortnightly.
Download our volunteer flyer here or email community.volunteers@lifelineh2h.org.au for more information.
