Oxley Transport needs volunteers

I’m Nakita, the Volunteer Coordinator for a new service that we are now providing at Oxley Community Transport. The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is a government-funded program that aims to provide friendship and companionship to older people. The program has been running for decades throughout Australia, and we (Oxley Community Transport) have been able to provide this service since July 1.

I am currently trying to spread the word about this program and recruit volunteers. As you can imagine, there are many lonely and isolated older persons who would love to have someone to spend time with them. Volunteers are matched to care recipients based on their hobbies and interests. The pair then spend at least an hour per fortnight together doing an activity that they both enjoy. This can be having a chat, going for a stroll, painting, or even watching a movie. Volunteers are not expected to perform and nursing duties or housework – they’re simply there to be a friend! Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older unless with a parent or guardian and willing to undergo a background check (paid for by Oxley Community Transport).

The ACVVS is available to anyone receiving a Home Care Package or on an approved waiting list for one. It is completely free. I’ve attached a few documents about the ACVVS and I would be grateful for any help you could offer with helping to build this program. I look forward to offering the service to Barraba residents and connecting with volunteers.

If you’re interested in covering this story in the Barraba Community News, I would be more than happy to discuss it further including our growth in Tamworth and Armidale.

Kind Regards,

Nakita Somerville

ACVVS Coordinator 

PO Box 3437 WEST

TAMWORTH  NSW  2340

PH:    0417 215 410