genU proudly facilitates the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), a Federal Government-funded program that connects older Australians with caring volunteers to create friendships and companionship. 

Older Australians living at home with Home Care Package funding or living in a residential aged care facility are eligible for ACVVS. 

genU CEO Clare Amies said the ACVVS initiative was making a huge difference in keeping older Australians connected to their community, and the impact extended beyond the clients receiving this support.

“Our clients experience multiple benefits, thanks to our volunteers connecting with them, especially that feeling of remaining part of their community and the companionship that may go missing as they age,” Clare said. 

“And our volunteers often gain more than expected when joining the program. 

“The connections can become genuine friendships, and this adds another dimension to the selfless purpose of simply wanting to give back to their community. Volunteers can also share their skills and potentially learn new ones in their role.”

Clare said spending time chatting, enjoying a cuppa, watching TV or playing a board game are just some of the ways volunteers connect with someone wanting companionship. 

“In many communities, older people often face isolation and loneliness for various reasons, and a regular visit from a friendly face can make a world of difference,” she said. 

“We know every connection counts and this program aligns nicely with our purpose, to build genuinely inclusive communities.” 

Meet Anne

Anne’s passion for helping community members lead fulfilling lives fuels her volunteer work. 

After 17 years as a foster carer, Anne was seeking a new way to meet people in her community of Gagebrook (Tasmania) in a role with a time commitment she could manage. 

Through social media in June 2024, Anne discovered genU’s involvement in the ACVVS.

It presented an opportunity that deeply piqued her interest, and she hasn’t looked back since becoming part of the program. 

When visiting clients in their own homes or at residential aged care facilities, Anne uses her positive outlook to engage in meaningful conversations about hobbies and general interests. 

Anne continues to grow her volunteering commitments and now supports four isolated seniors to feel socially connected to their community on a regular basis. 

“This is the best thing I have ever done,” Anne said 

“I am thinking of taking on Tuesdays too, but I’m going to settle in with my two new ladies first (before supporting additional care recipients) and I think they are going to be hilarious. 

“I have found it is so easy to make connections with my clients, and I love it.” 

Meet Terry

Ballarat (Victoria) local Terry joined the volunteer program in 2024 after retiring and feeling the need for greater social connection.

“With my wife still working, I realised I’d become somewhat lonely,” Terry said. 

“Volunteering seemed like a great way to help alleviate someone else’s loneliness while also easing my own – a win-win.”

A former electrician and TAFE teacher, Terry was no stranger to volunteering, having served with the Victoria SES in the 1990s. 

Seeking that same sense of purpose, he joined genU where he now supports two isolated seniors with much-needed social connection through regular visits in their homes. 

genU Home Care Package Case Manager Elizabeth described Terry’s impact as profound, with his visits greatly improving social connections, moods, and quality of life at home for genU clients. 

For Terry, the experience is just as rewarding. 

“It makes you feel good, like nothing else can,” he said. 

Meet Ruth 

Ruth’s journey into volunteering was inspired by her mother, who always believed in face-to-face connections being at the heart of a strong community. 

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ruth dedicated many years to supporting others, first as a Nursing Mother’s breastfeeding counsellor and later through school-based programs. 

After retiring from running a local bead and craft store, she sought new ways to give back to her community. That search led her to become an Aged Care Volunteer Visitor and Meals on Wheels volunteer in Warrnambool, Victoria. 

Every fortnight, Ruth visits her client for what is meant to be an hour, although their time together often stretches longer. 

What started as a simple routine has blossomed into a genuine connection and a wonderful friendship. 

They usually meet for coffee at a local café, but over time, they’ve shared some memorable experience. 

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Want to make a positive impact for people in your community? genU offers this program across Barwon South West and Grampians regions in Victoria and North and South Tasmania.