WANTED: a volunteer to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat at homes of the elderly and disabled.
The call has been made by Spotswood’s Gateway Social Support Options, which provides support for people isolated in the community, including the elderly and those living with a disability.
The group relies on volunteers to help its 300 clients in Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Brimbank.
Volunteer co-ordinator Fatima Milhem, a Caroline Springs resident who has been with the organisation for about eight years, is encouraging people to think about donating a small amount of time to visit a client.
She says the group has about 20 people waiting for a friendly visitor who can go to their home or take them out. Volunteers don’t need to burden themselves with the clients’ finances or be counsellors; they are purely there to provide social support and friendship.
“I’d encourage people to open their hearts and maybe open their world to another person’s world,” Mrs Milhem says.
“Our volunteers are just inspirational … they are amazing and they really come in and help us out.
There is a great need for social support in society today and it’s ever-increasing because people are becoming more and more isolated.”
Male volunteers are in high demand, as are people with an interest in fishing and woodcraft.
A volunteer has to commit to a bare minimum of two hours a fortnight.
Volunteer Lyn Jones says she finds her time with clients extremely enjoyable and worthwhile.
“It’s wonderful for people to do it and it’s so rewarding,” she says. “I love it. I’m rather passionate about it.”
Mrs Jones heard about the Gateway program from her brother and thought to herself, I’ve got something to give, and hasn’t looked back.
To find out more about becoming a friendly visitor, call 93993511.
