Volunteers give back to support local community

Was your New Year’s resolution to give back to your local community?

Volunteering is a meaningful way to support others in your neighbourhood. You can make a real difference to the lives of others, simply by using your existing experience and skills.

Gaythorne-based community services provider Carinity is welcoming prospective volunteers to support seniors and young people in Brisbane.

By providing practical and social assistance, volunteers have a positive impact on the lives of elderly or vulnerable people in Carinity’s residential aged care, school, chaplaincy, and community and disability services.

Volunteers in aged care provide additional opportunities for social connection and activities by giving support to personal care workers, nurses and diversional therapists.

This includes making social visits to residents, assisting with games, group pursuits and outings, and provide entertainment such as reading and live music.

Linda Sivyer, a volunteer chaplain at the Carinity Hilltop aged care community in Kelvin Grove, finds that the simple act of stopping in for a chat goes a long way to brightening someone’s day.

“Some residents who don’t get out to activities really enjoy chatting. I love it. I’m here as a sounding board, to listen and to help,” Linda said.

Darryl Tippett understands how his presence benefits the residents of the

Carinity Clifford House aged care community in Wooloowin, where he assists with activities, functions and helps out on regular bus trips.

“You see the smile on the residents’ faces and the enjoyment they get from having a visitor. They’re just like family,” Darryl said.

Volunteer chaplains support people in aged care, hospitals and prisons, while volunteers can provide assistance at Carinity Education schools and disability and community services.

After realising that she “had spare time and wanted to do something to help others”, Dee Watt began volunteering at Carinity Education Southside in Sunnybank.

“I was a bit nervous volunteering at first. Fortunately, everyone was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. They included me in their activities; I felt part of the team,” Dee said.

Anyone interested in volunteering to assist the people Carinity support can visit www.carinity.org.au/ volunteer or phone 3550 3737.