mecwacare was founded in 1959 by a small group of volunteers concerned about the ageing citizens of Malvern. Today, more than 500 volunteers across Melbourne and regional Victoria continue our founders’ legacy, generously donating their time to support the elderly and people with a disability.
Our volunteers are an invaluable part of mecwacare, and their contributions enrich the lives of our residents, clients, and participants.
We offer a range of volunteer opportunities to include:
If you have a special interest or skill that you would like to share as a volunteer – whether it’s playing an instrument or teaching origami – be sure to let us know.
At mecwacare, we value and support our volunteers with ongoing learning and development opportunities, a diverse team to guide you and recognition through our annual volunteer appreciation event.
Funded by the Australian Government
mecwacare is one of the providers of the federal government’s new Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
Formerly known as the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS), this program supported volunteers to visit and spend time with older companions for more than 30 years.
On July 1, 2023, the newly upgraded version of the program commenced, with changes implemented as a result of findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
With a focus on older people at higher risk of feeling isolated, the free service aims to help develop and maintain social connections by providing friendship and companionship to older people.
The ACVVS will assist mecwacare to recruit, train, and support volunteers, while maintaining relevant community standards.
This initiative is aimed to support older people to continue living meaningful lives and build connections with volunteers.
Available to any person receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or a Home Care Package, recipients of the program must fulfill criteria including being socially isolated, feeling lonely, lacking regular and reasonable contact with friends or relatives, or having frailty, mobility, or communication impartments that prevent them from participating in social or leisure opportunities.
Eligible care recipients can be referred to the program through an ACVVS Network Member, which can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website – www.health.gov.au/ACVVS. A full list of volunteer and recipient eligibility requirements is also available on the website.
To refer an older person or become a volunteer, contact us on:
T 0475 669 017
E ACVVS@mecwacare.org.au
For more information, visit this link.
Are you interested in donating your time and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in your community? If so, then we would love to hear from you.
Explore our volunteering opportunities below, or get in touch with our Volunteer Manager on 0429 585 504 or at volunteers@mecwacare.org.au.
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