Volunteers

Day Respite Centre Volunteer

Volunteers assist with the activities of the centre and we greatly value and appreciate their time and efforts.  A varied program is organized to cater for the differing needs and interests of the clients.  These include art, craft, games, outings, picnics, discussion groups, music, bowls and socializing. Volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and interests to all at the centre.  Please express your interest by telephoning us on 5443 7655.

Community Alternative Transport Volunteer

Volunteers provide their driving expertise to clients who are attending appointments, accessing community activities such as banking, library, attend community events and participate in the community.  A shopper bus takes clients shopping therefore, Volunteers are required to:

• Drive our vehicles to provide client services
• Drive the bus for shopping
• Drive their own vehicles to provide client services with mileage paid.

If you would like to chat about the service or assist as a volunteer please telephone 5443 7655.

Social Support Volunteer

Volunteers provide friendly visiting, drop in for a cuppa and a chat, assist clients with bill paying, writing letters, hobbies and interests etc.  Volunteers provide activities and support for outings, picnics, and visit the movies so as to reduce the loneliness and social isolation of older people.  If you would like to become a volunteer to assist in this very rewarding activity please telephone 5443 7655

Where you can Volunteer

Australia has a great tradition and reputation for volunteering - whether it be to support a small local community organisation, charity or help stage an international sporting event. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Queensland volunteers give their time freely to support others in the true spirit of ‘mateship’. It is impossible to put a value on the enormous contribution that volunteers make to community development and to the wellbeing of our clients.

While we get government funding we rely heavily on voluntary work to ensure that we give the best of care to our clients. One of our greatest assets is our VOLUNTEERS.

The sharing of oneself as a volunteer in the community means:

• our costs are limited
• we can give a higher quality of personal care; and
• there is a joy in receiving the gratitude of those you serve - and you widen your world of friends

Volunteer assistance is vital for smooth, efficient running of the Suncare Community Services Direct Respite Services Grey Mates, Meals on Wheels, Maroochydore Day Respite Centre and the Carebus ‘mobile information units’. We have a diverse range of services requiring volunteers who assist us in many ways.

Who can become a volunteer?

Age is no barrier to becoming a volunteer - all are welcome. Younger people are happily involved in caring for the community along with all age groups and we value life experience as well. We recognise age is no barrier to volunteering . The most important factor is the caring attitude of those who are willing to undertake voluntary service. 

How often can you assist?

We need reliable people who are willing to serve when needed and whenever they are available. In most cases voluntary service is not a full time activity - it is likely that you will help us on a roster basis according to your availability and our needs.

Most coordinators are happy to arrange times and days to suit you. People who are available at short notice to meet urgent need for assistance are particularly welcome. However, your time as a volunteer will also depend on which program you prefer and the duties you undertake. 

What kind of things can I do?

Direct Respite Service is developing a ‘visiting service’ for those who are isolated in their home or residence and would appreciate a friendly volunteer visiting. The program is called GREY MATES, where volunteers, screened to ensure integrity, are carefully matched to their person who may be requiring visits in order to ensure a pleasant event will occur on a regular basis. Volunteers may visit to simply have a cuppa and a chat, go on a shopping trip, take someone fishing, to the movies or simply take someone out for a friendly social outing.

If you wish to be on the visit list or want to be a GREYMATE please phone 1800 059 059 and ask to speak to the Grey Mates volunteer coordinator.

Meals on Wheels are looking for:

• kitchen helpers to help prepare the meals and carry out general kitchen duties
• drivers (with cars) to deliver the midday meals
• assistants to travel with the drivers - you can make up a team with your neighbour, relative or friend.

Day Respite Centre

Are looking for people who can assist at the centre in caring for the clients and helping them with their activities. Skills in craft work are most welcome.   A varied program is run at the Centre to cater to our clients differing needs and interests. This includes art, crafts and games, discussion and socializing, outings and picnics, bingo and other table games, exercises and bowls, computing and internet so come along and volunteer and enjoy the activities as well.

Carebus mobile information unit volunteers.

The Carebus is a mobile information van stocked with displays of free information that can park near a library or a shopping centre so people in the community can access important information about services and supports in their local community and beyond.  Each Carebus is run by a valuable team of volunteers and have been recognised for their achievements and commitment to their local community through an Australia Day Award, E banc volunteer Award and Gambling Community Benefit Funding. Come Join a terrific team!!!

Who do I contact to become a volunteer?

Contact your nearest Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre on 1800 059 059 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator