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Community Care

The St John Community Care Branch provides programs that assist members of the community in need. Members of the Branch offer help on a voluntary basis to those who are experiencing special difficulties because of their age, infirmity, isolation or other factors restricting their access to their community.

An hour per fortnight visiting an aged care facility resident or, providing time whenever you can, can make a world of difference to someone who is lonely. The St John Community Care Branch is always interested in caring members of the community who are interested in volunteering to help brighten someone's life.

If you are interested in joining the Community Care Branch our Programs include:

Become a St John Community Care Volunteer... Because someone in your community could use a friend.
 

VISITING FRIENDS PROGRAM

The Visiting Friends program involves both visitors and residents of Supported Residential Services (SRS) in a variety of activities, and has been developed in conjunction with the Department of Human Services.

Providing friendship to the resident, both the Volunteer and the resident will gain a variety of new experiences. They can interact on a one-to-one basis, go on an outing or just spend some time within the facility in a group activity. The Volunteer can also assist in providing escorts to appointments, shopping or simply having a chat over coffee. Some activities are conditional on approval from the facility and the residents' family.

The only skills required are a willingness to provide companionship and a desire to enhance someone's life.

SUPPORTED RESIDENTIAL SERVICES (SRS) BUS OUTING PROGRAM

As part of the Visiting Friends Program, St John provides a Bus Outing Program for residents living in SRS's. Volunteer bus drivers assist in transporting residents of SRS's in a St John minibus with an SRS staff member who organises the outings.

Driver familiarisation training is required during the induction of the mini bus driving role.

CVS – FRIENDS FOR OLDER PEOPLE PROGRAM

Friends For Older People aims to improve the quality of life of residents in Commonwealth Government supported aged-care facilities, assist residents to maintain their independence, enhance social contacts and minimise isolation from the community.

No special training, qualifications or expertise is needed, just a willingness to provide companionship to an older person through a practical, well-structured program.

Our volunteers are all ages with no upward limit and recruited from the general community. Volunteers will have a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Providing friendship, support, laughter and comfort to those who are isolated in our community.
 

NEEDLES & THREAD PROGRAM

Needles and Thread is another program delivered by the Community Care Branch of St John. This program relies on grants, sponsorship, philanthropic support and volunteers to continue providing calico dolls and knitted items to the community. The items created in this program are used in community based hospitals or aged care facilities for the benefit of children and residents.

Calico Dolls assist young children in hospitals and therapeutic settings by easing children's anxiety over counselling sessions or medical procedures. The dolls are also used by other essential Youth & Community Services to support children, the frail aged and people with a disability.

Needles and Thread knitted and hand sewn items are also sent abroad as part of international aid packages.

Needles and Thread Volunteers either work alone at home or as part of a team. Their involvement in the program can be matched to their particular skills.

HOSPITAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

St John Ambulance in partnership with selected hospitals provides volunteers who assist with the provision of companionship and moral support to patients and their families during their stay in hospital.

Volunteers receive orientation into the hospital and provide voluntary support based on need and availability.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT WITH ST JOHN COMMUNITY CARE (WACCA)

Whittlesea Area Community Care Assistance (WACCA) is auspiced by St John. WACCA Volunteers reside in Whittlesea and bring companionship, support and assistance to fellow citizens within the Whittlesea area. Support is provided to a range of people from the frail and lonely to those recovering from an illness or a stay in hospital.

Community Care – because you can make a difference to someone's life
 

If you want to get involved in volunteering within your local community and can spare an hour or two a week or fortnight, or you would like more information about the Community Care programs please contact us. A recruitment process applies including an induction into St John Community Care and orientation into programs.

St John Ambulance Australia (VIC) Inc
Community Care Branch
170 Forster Rd (PO Box 573)
Mt Waverley VIC 3149

Tel: 1300 360455
Fax: 03 8588 8382
Email: communitycare@stjohnvic.com.au
Website: www.stjohnvic.com.au