Empowering minds, empowering communities
Join our volunteer program before 1 December and gain a free microcredential in Understanding Mental Illness, thanks to genU Training.
This 30-minute module is designed to build your understanding of the concept of mental health. Examine your own perceptions of mental health and mental illness and build your knowledge with real life examples and case studies of people living with mental illness.
Contact us via the contact form below or call Volunteers Program for support on 03 5282 0038.
Fostering companionship and social connections
We recognise the importance of maintaining social connections for our health and wellbeing, especially as we age. However, older people in our community are experiencing isolation and loneliness for a variety of reasons.
Regular visits from a friendly face can make all the difference.
Through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), we match older people in our community with compassionate volunteers. Through regular visits our volunteers foster meaningful connections and help to alleviate feelings of isolation.
What is the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACCVS)?
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is a Government-funded initiative. It is a free service that connects older people with caring volunteers for friendship and companionship.
genU currently supports older people through the Scheme in the following locations:
Victoria
- Barwon South West
- Grampians
Tasmania
- Northern Tasmania
- Southern Tasmania
About the service
We can support you to improve your social connections by matching you with a friendly volunteer for regular visits in-person, by phone or online.
Volunteer visitors are matched with participants based on shared interests and location.
- Your matched volunteer will visit you at your home at an agreed day and time on regular basis. Visits are between 9am – 5pm, Mondays – Fridays.
- Activities conducted during the visits will depend on your interests. They will be enjoyable for you and your volunteer. You can:
- have a cup of tea and a chat
- take a walk
- watch a favourite TV show together
- read a book or newspaper
- talk about shared hobbies or interests.
Volunteers are unable to provide personal care, domestic assistance, home maintenance or run errands. If you need additional support or services, please speak to your Aged Care Provider or Home Care Package Case Manager.
Am I eligible for a volunteer visitor?
Volunteer visitors are available to older people living in Victoria and Tasmania who are socially isolated and:
- live in a Residential Aged Care Home
- live at home and receive a Home Care Package
- are on the waiting list/National Priority System for residential care or Home Care Packages.
How do I get a volunteer visitor?
Anyone can make a referral for an Aged Care Volunteer Visitor. genU accepts referrals from health professionals, family members and friends. Older people can also refer themselves.
If you or someone you know meets eligibility criteria, contact us via the contact form below or call Volunteers Program for support on 03 5282 0038.
How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way to create meaningful connections in our community. By lending a helping hand to those who need it most you can also build valuable skills and experience.
Throughout your volunteering journey, you will receive dedicated support and guidance from our experienced volunteer team.
If you are keen to make a difference, view our current ACVVS volunteering opportunities and apply online.
Please note that our volunteer visitors are required to undertake background checks and induction training.
Contact us about becoming a volunteer
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