The CVS matches volunteers to socially isolated residents across the Hume region who are living at home or in residential aged care facility. Volunteers visit these residents regularly to provide friendship and companionship. CVS has been part of The Centre for Continuing Education since 1992.
Michael is one of the many volunteers who visits Ron in Bright regularly. “I really enjoy visiting Ron regularly for the conversations and providing company. It is enjoyable, it really helps to make Ron happy, and it only takes one hour every fortnight”, he says. Ron is equally happy: “I love when Michael visits, we reminisce about the history of Bright and it breaks the monotony of my day,” says Ron.
All current CVS volunteers will be invited to the celebration at The Centre’s Wangaratta Campus on 16 May. The celebration coincides with National Volunteer Week from 16 to 22 May and is also a way to attract more volunteers to join the scheme.
“What l like about visiting, is the laughs that we share and the way that a visit with someone brightens both our days.” Says CVS volunteer Rebecca.
Another volunteer, Jennifer, who visits an aged care facility in Seymour says, “I love the way my resident lights up when I go to see her, I feel it really makes her day.”
Aged care facilities see the positive aspects of community visitors. “When Jennifer visits her resident, it really enhances their mood. The CVS one on one visits combat loneliness.” Says Case manager for Karingal Aged Care Facility.
One of the most important aspects of the CVS program is that it provides a special friend to someone, who is isolated and doesn’t have family or friends nearby who visit.
For more information, also for people who are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit https://volunteercentre.com.au/community-visitors-scheme/ or call the CVS team on 0357 210 200.