Pictured: aged care volunteer coordinator Laureen Smith
Creating a community as a volunteer coordinator
For Laureen, coordinating volunteers at Wintringham is more than just a job – it’s a way for her to give back to the community.
Wintringham is a non-religious not-for-profit welfare organisation that provides high-quality services to older people at risk of homelessness.
“Our team of volunteers are a crucial part of our culture,” Laureen says. “They provide a fantastic service to our clients and residents and support across many programs.”
“Our recreation program is about encouraging our residents and clients to pursue their interests. We do this through a range of support delivered by our amazing volunteers who help residents engage with their local and broader communities.”
Day-to-day, Laureen manages a wide range of responsibilities including recruiting and screening new volunteers, processing applications and getting new volunteers settled into their role.
“I’ve been in my current role for 7 years, and with Wintringham for 31,” she says. “One of the things I love most about my role is hearing the wonderful stories from our volunteers. Their willingness to share skills and knowledge with the residents is a highlight.”
Managing a volunteer program in a space like this comes with unique challenges, but Laureen makes sure that volunteers feel supported in their role.
“Aged care homes were among the last to remove Covid-19 restrictions. We were able to provide support to residents and clients via Zoom video calls, phone calls and we even went back to hand-written cards and letters to help these clients through this isolating period,” she explains.
“Lot of our clients live by themselves, and became very lonely during this period as they have limited or no family support, so it was a win-win that we could continue to provide support through the volunteer program.”
Through her role, Laureen continues to support volunteers by providing Covid-19 tests to volunteers to manage any potential exposures.
“As restrictions eased, our program evolved. Our volunteers have access to additional support if they need it through our Employee Assistance Program,” she says.
“We’ve put together an online orientation that supports volunteers, including hand washing techniques and hazard risk assessments for volunteers who may have complex medical history.”
Through her role, Laureen ensures that volunteers don’t just provide help but that they foster genuine connections with residents.
“It’s a real sense of achievement when you can tick the boxes with matching a volunteer and resident,” she says. “It’s such a beautiful and unselfish way that people offer their time with no expectations at all.”
“Once they have been matched and a trust is built between them, the main feedback we receive is, ‘Oh, when is my volunteer due to visit again?’ – that’s the best part.”
Make a positive impact to older people in your community by finding aged care volunteering opportunities.