Age Concern Otago is a local independent charity which is part of a national network of regional Age Concern Councils. Their vision is a inclusive society where people of all ages and cultures, as they grow older, have opportunities to make choices which lead to quality of life and personal fulfilment. Their work is based on the following values: dignity, wellbeing, equity and respect.
Age Concern offers a range of supportive services throughout the Central Otago region which can assist older people to improve quality of life and maintain wellbeing.
Volunteers are seeked to be matched with an elderly person who they visit once a week for an hour or so. With your companion your time together may include chatting over a cuppa, crafts, games, exercise activities, reading, visits or outings.
The role includes:
Volunteers often find they enjoy their time with their client and the offer of friendship and companionship becomes two-way. Life skills gained often include communication, empathy, understanding and practical skills and activities relevant to the people involved.
The role is not intended to replace family, friends, carers or other visitors. It is important that the volunteer enjoys their time with their client, if this is not happening then they must make contact with the co-ordinator.
Volunteers need to be mature, non-judgmental, open minded and happy communicating with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Good communication and listening skills are essential. Volunteers must also have a commitment to confidentiality. Volunteers should have a genuine interest in, respect and aware of the needs of older people and should be able to relate to, or try to understand their circumstances.
Empathy, patience, a calm warm caring nature are essential as well as being reliable, well presented and polite.
A Police background check is required for this role.
Volunteers visit their elderly companion once a week for an hour or so.
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Ref: 2072
Companionship
Volunteer South's office is closed from Friday 20th December until Monday January 6th. Many organisations listing roles online will also be taking a break. During this time your requests to connect will go through, however there may be some delay in you hearing from the organisations you select. Please be patient and if you have not heard back from them by mid January email them directly and give them a nudge. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season and summer.
Dunedin