Now that the Re-engaging Volunteers into Residential Aged Care Facilities Program (RACF Program) has concluded we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation.
You have made a difference to older Australians by providing social and emotional support to some of our most vulnerable members of society.
What’s next for me?
Many of you have contacted Volunteering Queensland with concerns that beyond September 30th you are required to leave your residential aged care facility (RACF). Please know this is not the case.
Should your facility coordinator be happy to keep you on board you are welcome to continue volunteering with them. Please be sure to have this conversation with your facility coordinator to find out what their plan is moving forward.
For those who are not able to continue at their connected RACF (or for those who registered for this Program but did not match with a RACF), there are several options for you to continue supporting or connect with older Australians in need of social and emotional support.
You can find these aged care volunteer opportunities through the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS), LGBTI older people Visitor Schemes, and Dementia Australia.
Please see more information below:
Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)
The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) supports volunteers through a range of community volunteering organisations to form friendships with senior Australians, providing company and conversation to people who may not get a lot of other visitors. CVS is a national scheme, with visits available to anyone receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or Home Care Packages who are socially isolated or lonely.
If you or someone you know would like to be involved by volunteering, more information can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
LGBTI older people Visitor Schemes
The LGBTI Older People Visitor Schemes include social support programs that provide LGBTI elders with visitors to reduce social isolation or loneliness. Click on each program within the following link to learn more.
Volunteering with Dementia Australia
There are many benefits of volunteering with Dementia Australia. You will:
- be involved with the peak body for Dementia
- develop new skills and gain new experiences
- make new friends and be part of a team
- feel a sense of personal achievement and satisfaction
- gain a better understanding of dementia and the help available
- help Dementia Australia to achieve their vision.
Volunteers assist to run events, raise funds, deliver local programs and build awareness in the community about dementia. You can choose what you get involved in, how often and at a location that suits you.
Thank you again for your dedication to volunteering and helping others in your community.
Contact
07 3002 7625
racfprogram@volunteeringqld.org.au
The Re-engaging Volunteers into Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) Program is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and is proudly supported by Volunteering Queensland.
