Volunteer Visitor Program

The Volunteer Visiting Program is a social visiting service which matches screened and trained volunteers with senior people who would like a companion. It assists people to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible, to maintain their independence, and to keep connected with the local community. The program is open to senior Blue Mountains residents who live in the areas of Valley Heights, Springwood, Faulconbridge, Linden, Sun Valley and Winmalee.

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If you are looking to meet someone new to have a yarn over a cup of tea with, go on outings with, play a game of cards with, take you shopping, or join you in another social activity you’d like, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre’s Volunteer Visiting Program may be for you!

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We start off by having an initial meeting with you to discuss your preferences, interests and needs. After this, we carefully consider who we have in our current pool of volunteers and seek to find someone who we think would be a good ‘match’ for you. Once we have found someone, we arrange an introduction visit so you can meet each other and get set up. If you’re happy with your volunteer, we exchange phone numbers and agree on a regular visiting time, and you’re off and running!

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As the service is funded through the Department of Health and Aged Care, you will need a referral for ‘Individual Social Support’ through My Aged Care (Ph. 1800 200 422) to access it. Your referral will then be directed to your local provider, who will contact you. Alternatively, you can provide the coordinators with your referral code, if you already have one and live in our catchment area. Beth and William, the program coordinators, are happy to help with this process if needed.

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Please click HERE if you would like to learn more.

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I you are interested in community group outings we recommend you check out our Wellbeing Connector Program or other Neighbourhood Centre activities.

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The Neighbourhood Centre is always looking to build its roster of volunteers, including our Volunteer Visitors. If you are interested in joining our team, please fill out our volunteer application form HERE.

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COST

 

The federal government funds the Commonwealth Home Support Service and requires clients to contribute a small amount to the service.  We ask you to contribute a small yearly fee, if possible, during our yearly client reviews. This will be a chance for you to have a chat about how things are going, and we will update you on services and events in the community that might be of interest to you.

The amount we ask for is reviewed each financial year.

As we want the service to be accessible for all, we see the contribution as an optional donation.

 

For more information call direct on 0473 391 565, call The Neighbourhood Centre on 02 4751 3033. Email Beth Cox csw2@sncc.org.au or William Reese on csw1@sncc.org.au