The program

Having good social connections are essential for all aspects of health, especially as we age. Red Cross supports older people who live alone or who have few social connections to help improve their wellbeing.

The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) connects an older person living in their home or in an aged care facility that would like more social contact with a friendly volunteer visitor.

Through your friendship you will assist an older person to maintain and grow community links – this might be through relaxed conversation, participating in shared interests or even going on outings together.

The opportunity

If you have a genuine interest in spending time with an older person and have the ability to communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds this will be the ideal role for you.

Volunteers come from all walks of life and beliefs and are friendly, emotionally mature and want to make a difference to improve someone’s life.

Volunteers visit weekly or fortnightly to build trust and rapport so a long term friendship can develop. Holding a valid drivers license and a means of travel would be beneficial, as the person you visit may not live near public transport. All volunteers are asked to complete a National Criminal Check and agree to the CVS guidelines and Red Cross principles.

The impact

As part of CVS you will have the opportunity to learn an older person’s unique and irreplaceable history and knowledge and they have the opportunity to learn from you. Your visits will brighten the life of someone experiencing isolation and loneliness.

Red Cross will ensure you have training and ongoing support within the world’s largest humanitarian network.

For more information, please see the volunteer role description VRD – Community Visiting Scheme Volunteer – Melb Metro.pdf or contact Iona Maroske on 0451 346 725 .

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Submit your application Tell us about yourself along with any skills and experience you can bring to Red Cross by completing an online application.

• Meet with us Have a chat with us about the volunteer role you have applied for and see whether it’s a good match for you and for us.

• Complete some checks If you are successful in getting the role we’ll ask you to complete a Police Check. In some cases a Working With Children Check may also be required.

• Get started! At this stage, it’s time for your induction and training as you’re now an official Red Cross Volunteer.