This National Volunteer Week (17th – 23rd May), Central Highlands Rural Health is recognising the important contribution volunteers make under the theme RECOGNISE, RECONNECT & REIMAGINE.
Volunteers have always played an important role at Central Highlands Rural Health. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, traditional volunteering ceased, however volunteers continued to support residents across the Hepburn Shire through the ongoing delivery of contact-free and COVID-safe Meals on Wheels. Volunteers also connected with members of the community and residents of our Aged Care facilities through regular phone calls, Skype visits and recording videos to produce a virtual volunteer concert for our Aged Care residents.
Central Highlands Rural Health’s Volunteer Manager J. Cawton said:
“We’re very happy to be able to invite volunteers back and it is wonderful to see their smiling faces again. Most of our volunteers have now returned or will be returning in the near future. Volunteers are reconnecting with residents and community members and pre-COVID friendships are being rekindled. We’re also seeing new relationships forming with new volunteers.”
The lockdowns provided Central Highlands Rural Health with the opportunity to think of different and innovative ways for volunteers to stay connected during a time of great uncertainty and apprehension. Some of the virtual volunteer roles that were implemented over the past year have continued, allowing greater flexibility for volunteers to participate.
“At Central Highlands Rural Health, we are very proud of our volunteers. We celebrate and appreciate our volunteer team of around 170 who dedicate their time, passion and resources to provide support, care and assistance across our communities and Aged Care facilities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer,” said J. Cawton.
Central Highlands Rural Health is currently looking for new volunteers to join its Meals on Wheels team in Daylesford and to assist with activities at the Treehouse at Trentham, a socially supportive meeting place for people with dementia. Central Highlands Rural Health also welcome new volunteers to visit and provide activities for Aged Care residents in Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham.
If you would like information about volunteering at Central Highlands Rural Health, please contact Volunteer Engagement Manager J. Cawton on 0457 851 953 or email j.cawton@chrh.org.au.
A current Police Check is required at no cost to the volunteer.
