Making connections
Council's Community Care team connects volunteers with clients in the Community Links program. Volunteers can assist with taking clients to do their shopping, attend medical appointments, visit the post office, and support for basic computer skills or simply spend time having a chat with them at a café or in their home.
As Nancy and Anna's story below highlights, the benefits of volunteering can be limitless, providing opportunities to build friendships and self-confidence, be active and improve your health, learn new skills, and make a difference to an individual and the community.
Nancy: One day Kerstie, a social worker rang to say “I have a lady who wants to do some volunteering and I would like to put her with you”.
I was thinking I do not need any help but Kerstie had been kind to me. I suggested assistance with shopping. A singular relationship has grown in the store aisles of Ritchies, Harris Farm and an occasional coffee and the drive to and from Bridgepoint.
Both Anna and I have suffered bereavement which has put us on the same page of life. We share thoughts, our daily lives, feelings and sometimes world events honestly, openly and a lot of laughter. We listen. Only in the writing of this story have I understood the value of this special friendship.
Anna: Last year I met Nancy. The purpose of this meeting was to see if I might like to give Nancy a hand with her grocery shopping. Capable as she is, it’s the bigger ‘shops’ that are a little challenging, especially since she enjoys cooking and baking.
So every two weeks I collect her for a more serious shop, allowing her to top up her cupboards, fridge and freezer. Sometimes, we add a coffee stop to the plan. We certainly have a bit of fun, even when our conversations can be more on the serious side. Invariably, we have a laugh at some point, during our couple of hours together. Nancy can certainly teach me a thing or two. Not only does she inspire me, I believe there is mutual respect and fondness for each other.
I had the pleasure of taking Nancy to the airport recently on her way to England to visit her granddaughter. Her first long distance flight at the age of almost 90! There is just no stopping this lady and maybe she’ll surprise me with her next adventure.
If you're considering becoming a volunteer, or if you're looking for some help or companionship, reach out to the Community Care team at community.care@mosman.nsw.gov.au or 9978 4128.