Oxley Community Transport Services, Tamworth and Liverpool Plains Shire’s trusted transport service, is excited to announce the launch of a new program funded by the Australian Department of Health and AgedCare – The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
Officially kicking off on July 1, ACVVS is an expansion of a previous program, Community Visitors Scheme.
The concept is simple, Volunteer visitors from the community will be matched based on shared interests or cultural backgrounds with older care recipients to have one-on-one visits either in their home or in their residential aged care facility.
The volunteer and recipients can enjoy chatting, listening to music, or playing a board game. And depending on the care recipient’s preferences, the visits don’t have to stay in one place.
Going out for a coffee or a nice stroll are two of the many options as well.
Aimed at fostering an increased sense of purpose and heightened self-esteem, this program will allow older Australians to maintain or increase their independence and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Although this program is new to Oxley Community Transport Services, the dedication to supporting older persons in our community to lead meaningful and connected lives has always been a major part of their service.
CEO Sharon Tibbs believes this program will be one more step forward in keeping our community connected.
“The battle against loneliness among older adults is a battle we can all help fight. Becoming a Volunteer
Visitor is an opportunity to start a new friendship and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety among
socially isolated people.”
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and will undergo national police checks.
By spending an hour per fortnight chatting with an older person, volunteers can make a positive change it both their lives and the lives of others.
“Ideally our volunteers will be able to commit to an hour or two each week to give back to the
community.”
The ACVVS will be available to recipients who receive Home Care Packages or reside in a Residential Aged
Care Facility within Tamworth Regional Area and the Liverpool Plains Shire.
If you are 18+ years of age and interested in volunteering or know an older person who would benefit from additional support to build social connections, contact Oxley Community Transport Service on 02 6762 0047.
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