Location: Frankston area, the whole of the Mornington Peninsula and Cardinia Shire
Position type: Voluntary
Hours: 2 or more hours per fortnight
Required commitment: One year
Support: Full staff support, training and supervision - afterhours phone support
Program: Child and Family Support

In this volunteer role you may be supporting an isolated family or individual to become involved in their local community. This might involve taking them to appointments, Playgroups, Community Houses, shopping or simply going out for a coffee.

As a volunteer in this role you would spend one-on-one time with a family or individual aiming to reduce their social isolation. This can include taking them on outings in their local area, helping them link into local networks, supporting them to participate in neighbourhood activities and building on their strengths. This kind of support benefits people on many levels helping to increase their self-esteem, confidence, sense of belonging and connection to their local community.

You would receive guidance and support from your Volunteer Coordinator and be invited to attend regular Volunteer Support Meetings and Professional Development opportunities throughout the year.

Some of the reasons families might need this kind of support include social isolation, lack of resources, changes in relationships, mental health, financial circumstances or lack of networks.

Skills required

• The ability to see things from someone else's point of view
• Empathic and non-judgemental viewpoint
• Resourcefulness, such as being able to source low-cost, family-friendly activities
• A willingness to have fun and laugh
• A good listening ear

Requirements

• Easy access to volunteering area
• Driver's license preferred, but not essential
• Self-motivated
• Able to work unsupervised, but within program guidelines
• Working With Children Check card
• 100 points of ID for National Criminal Check (Police Check)

Volunteer and Carer position online enquiry form