There are millions of volunteers across Australia, and the contribution that they make to communities around the country is enormous. Volunteers play a key part in addressing the social isolation and loneliness of older people who are living in residential aged care facilities or receiving care at home.
We are committed to putting older Australians at the centre of aged care, which includes meeting their need for companionship and friendship.
The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS), soon to become the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), is the Department’s key volunteering initiative in aged care.
Volunteers provide important, non-clinical support that complements the role of aged care workers and make significant contributions to their local communities.
Volunteers can and do come from all walks of life and from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. On International Volunteer Day on 5 December, we recognise and celebrate the valuable work volunteers do.
Volunteering is an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities worldwide. Unfortunately, in recent years volunteers and volunteering were impacted greatly by COVID-19, but the Department is committing to investing in reinvigorating volunteering in our vital aged care volunteering programs.
If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a volunteer, visit health.gov.au/cvs