Community Visitors Scheme

Finding new friends...

How Michael met Eunice

Motivated by the need to ‘give something back’, Michael decided to volunteer his time.

“I’ve lived a very fortunate life and wanted to share some of that.” Michael said, “I was also keen to meet people from different backgrounds and age groups.”

After searching on Google, Michael discovered the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS), which is a Commonwealth Government Initiative, run by Melbourne Citymission (and other community organisations on a national scale).

Melbourne Citymission’s CVS has been matching volunteers to residents living in aged care homes since 1992 and people like Michael now brighten the lives of the residents who would otherwise be lonely and isolated.

Michael was matched with Eunice, a resident at Gladswood Lodge, Brunswick West and has been visiting her ever since. At the beginning, Michael sometimes found it difficult to leave work on time when he had planned a visit, but now everyone at his workplace knows that on a Tuesday Michael goes to visit Eunice and leaving early isn’t a problem.

Eunice really enjoys her time with Michael; “He treats me as a ‘human being’”; she explained, “Michael sometimes brings his wife with him, who is just lovely. When he comes to visit we laugh and laugh, he is a real gentleman. We sometimes have a glass of port or wine, or we go for a walk to the shop and get some lollies. When Michael brings his car we go for a drive to different places.”

Nursing homes and residents have reported great benefits from the one-to-one friendships formed between residents and volunteers. “My favourite part of volunteering is listening to the stories Eunice tells me from her past and seeing Eunice’s smile when I walk into her room.” Michael said, “I really enjoy my time with Eunice and recommend others jump on board.”

Eunice also highly recommends the Community Visitors Scheme: Everybody should have a friend, but they can’t have Michael because he visits me” she laughs.

Volunteers are asked to visit a minimum of once a fortnight, with weekly visits encouraged in the early stages of building the relationship. Volunteers have flexibility over their days and times, so for those who work full time, weekends are an option. The CVS has a waiting list of over 300 residents, who are looking for friendship and companionship.

If you’d like to get involved, contact Elaine, Pam or Sarah on (03) 9385 3205.

For general volunteering enquiries, please call Wendy Lake, Co-ordinator, Volunteer Services (03) 8625 4498.