Local non-profit organisation STAR Community Services is seeking volunteers to provide friendship visits to seniors in their local area.
Loneliness and social isolation top the list of main concerns for the wellbeing of senior Australians. With the Australian population ageing at a higher rate than ever before, senior Australians are even more at risk of feeling lonely as loved ones depart and social connections disappear. Research suggests that people aged 75 and over are the loneliest people in Australia.
Thankfully, a solution to this growing problem can be found within our local communities. STAR Community Services, has launched STAR Friends- a free service, funded by the Australian Government. STAR Friends provides quality social connections for older people on a Home Care Package or on the national waitlist for a Home Care Package. The service matches friendship volunteers to the elderly in their local area, based on their interests and hobbies with the focus on providing meaningful friendship.
“What’s so encouraging about this service as a solution to eliminating loneliness, is that a volunteer is required to commit as low as one hour a fortnight! This means that anyone can become a STAR Friends volunteer. Whether it’s university or TAFE students, parents of young children in childcare, full or part time workers and even those who have recently retired- we can all join in the fight against social isolation amongst the elderly.” said Patsy Wilshire, STAR CEO.
Volunteers will make friendship visits to the older people in their own home. The matched pairs can choose to enjoy any activity together including conversations over a cuppa, art and craft, music, walking, cooking a favourite meal, enjoying an outing in the community or gardening – just to name a few!
STAR is inviting everyone with a friendly demeanour, a warm personality and an interest in making new friends to help add a little sparkle to the lives of isolated and lonely older people.
All volunteers will receive full training and ongoing support. The role is flexible to fit around your existing commitments and work or study schedules. Simply call Jessy Byrnes at STAR on 0455 316 207 or email starfriends@starct.org.au
