Organisation

Royal NZ Plunket Trust

Purpose

Plunket was founded over 100 years ago by people who wanted to help others in their communities. Today, they have thousands of Kiwis who give their time, knowledge, skills and energy to support whānau around the country.

Description

Plunket's Home Help service is looking for volunteers who want to make a significant difference for whānau and tamariki, so they'd love you to join them!

As an In-Home Helper you will be:

• Connected with a family who have been referred for support

• Visiting a family once a week for six weeks

• Providing some friendly companionship - parents appreciate a kind and compassionate ear

• Assisting with household chores: dishes, laundry, vacuuming, or helping with young children
  (support with these tasks helps parents take a break)

• Providing practical support to those navigating illness, disability impacting parenting
  (families can experience post-natal depression, anxiety or feel overwhelmed)

• Tasks vary depending on the support needed - each individual family is different

• Extending kindness and understanding in a non-judgmental way to show willingness to help

Training Provided:

• Full training and ongoing support is provided by Plunket's Volunteer Coordinator

What's in it for volunteers?

• A great way to give back to the community & make a real difference for families with children!

• This role is an excellent way for students to gain experience in health, education, social work

• Gain a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by families with young children

• Plunket's clients describe the support they received as being 'invaluable' and, 'a real blessing'

• Many clients say the support, 'makes the difference between coping and not coping'

For more information: https://www.plunket.org.nz/plunket/support-plunket/volunteer/our-volunteers/

Requirements

• They would love to hear from people who are reliable and honest

• An ability to relate to clients of varying backgrounds and cultures

• Non judgment and able to respect confidentiality

• Able to show empathy and kindness

• Energetic and positive, and want to make a difference

Time commitment

• 1-2 hours per week for a period of 6 weeks at a time

• Ideally a sixth month minimum commitment is required

• Flexibility appreciated, if support is still needed after the six week period

Background Check

Police vetting is compulsory for all applicants, due to the role requiring volunteers to enter family homes and be around both young children and vulnerable adults.

How to apply

Please contact Josie Garner at josie.garner@plunket.org.nz

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