WAS your New Year’s resolution to give back to your local community?
If it was then volunteering is a meaningful way to support others in your neighbourhood.
You can make a real difference to the lives of others, simply by using your existing experience and skills.
Carinity is one of many organisations welcoming prospective volunteers to support seniors, people living with a disability, and others in the Ipswich, Laidley, Boonah and Toogoolawah communities.
A spokesperson for Carinity said by providing practical and social assistance, volunteers had a positive impact on the lives of elderly or vulnerable people in their residential aged care, school, chaplaincy, and community and disability services.
“Volunteers in aged care provide additional opportunities for social connection and activities by giving support to personal care workers, nurses and diversional therapists,” they said.
“This includes making social visits to residents, assisting with games, group pursuits and outings, and provide entertainment such as reading and live music.”
Darryl Tippett understands how his presence benefits the residents of the Carinity Clifford House aged care community, where he assists with activities, functions and helps out on regular bus trips.
“You see the smile on the residents’ faces and the enjoyment they get from having a visitor.
They’re just like family,” Darryl said.
“Interacting with residentsis also hugely beneficial for volunteers.”
Jan Cracknell says helping at Carinity Karinya Place aged care in Laidley has resulted in her making new friends and feeling more engaged.
Volunteer chaplains support people in aged care, hospitals and prisons, while volunteers can provide assistance at Carinity Education schools and disability and community services.
Wendy Hovard says volunteering at the Carinity Fassifern Community Centre in Boonah makes her feel part of her community.
