Organisation

Presbyterian Support Otago

Purpose

Presbyterian Support Otago works for a fair, just and caring community. Motivated by their Christian heritage, and in partnership with others, PSO works across the generations for positive change, strong families and healthy communities.

Description

Companion Visiting service is a lovely service. Volunteers visit elderly people, to spend time with them, have a chat, help with a small project (e.g. sorting photos), go for a walk with them or whatever you choose. It really makes a difference to the people we work with, helping them stay connected and keeping them active.

Residents love chatting and having a laugh with volunteers who bring a little bit of the outside world in with them, making conversation about things happening in the community, places you have been, and things you have done or noticed.

• You will receive a full orientation and training

• You will be matched with a resident that has indicated they would like a volunteer to visit with them

• One hour goes very fast and is incredibly rewarding

• St Andrews is a hospital level aged care facility, consists of 3 units each with 26 residents

We hope volunteers enjoy making a difference in somebody's life whilst developing their own interpersonal skills. Volunteers get the opportunity to gain an insight into elder care, meet new people, establish new friendships and have fun! In return you will get a ‘helpers high’. Volunteering can lead to a rush of euphoria and the release of endorphins? This effect is known as ‘helper’s high’!

Situated on a sunny site in South Dunedin, the compassionate and experienced staff of St Andrews are people-focused and take pride in providing care with dignity and respect.

Requirements

Volunteers interested must:

• All our volunteers must complete a Police Check

• All volunteers will receive appropriate training and supervision for their role

• All volunteers will be required to sign a Code of Conduct

• Volunteers need to have good balance, vision and hearing, able to walk around the home

Time commitment

1 hour per week at a time that works for you and the resident

Background check

Police
Vulnerable adults

How to apply

Please contact Jasmin Enright / volunteer@psotago.org.nz / 03 477 7115 extension

Please copy (cc) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email