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    Community friendship

    Form new friendships through our Community Friend Program

    Enquire now

    or call 1800 343 287

    Summary

    • People with a mild disability are matched to volunteers with the aim of forming friendship.
    • Service is for those aged 18 to 64 years.
    • One-to-one matching as well as monthly social group activities available.

    Are you socially isolated and seeking friendship?

    Staff from our Community Friend Program will work with you to match you with an appropriate volunteer, with the aim of forming a friendship. 

    You can be matched to one person (a Community Friend Volunteer) to meet in the community for a few hours on a fortnightly basis and enjoy a variety of activities together. The activities and times are chosen by you and the volunteer according to what you both enjoy doing.

    You may wish to join a monthly social group. Our social groups are facilitated by a team of 2 volunteers, with up to 6 participants. These groups get together once a month to enjoy a social activity such as bowling, a movie, or just getting together for a coffee and a chat!

    Available locations

    You must have a mild disability and live in one of the following Local Government Areas in order to be paired with a volunteer:

    • Banyule
    • Brimbank
    • Darebin
    • Maribyrnong
    • Moonee Valley
    • Merri-bek
    • Wyndham
    • Yarra
    • Melton

    Benefits

    • Continual support from Community Friend Program coordinators via phone, email and in person.
    • Invitations to mid-year and end of year gatherings.
    • Community Friend Program quarterly newsletters.
    • Improved independence and access to the community.
    • Gaining new friendships and participating in different activities.
    • Being part of a wonderfully cultured service, full of inclusion and diversity.

    Things to consider

    Volunteers are friends -- they are unable to assist with tasks usually completed by a carer, for example toileting, meal assistance, physical support, or providing transport.

    This service is funded through Home and Community Care. There is no cost to become a participant of the Community Friend Program, however you will need to pay for the cost of activities.
    The Community Friend Program is not able to service the needs of people in Supported Independent Living Accommodation, or TAC funded clients.

    Get in touch

    Contact our friendly Customer Service Team to find out more about this service and if it is the right support for you. Call us on 1800 343 287 or send us an enquiry below.

    Enquire now

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    MCM places people at the centre of what we do

    MCM acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the waterways and lands where we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

    We commit to ensuring everyone we work with is safe, empowered, supported and respected, especially children and young people. We support and celebrate diversity of race, culture, ability, gender, sexuality and gender identity.

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