Our volunteers are our lifeblood – without them we couldn’t do what we do. There are many ways you can help us through volunteering. Read on to find out more, and if something sounds like you, then fill in the form at the bottom of the page and we’ll get in touch with you…
Volunteer Walking Companions
If you have time to spare and would like to make a difference to the lives of older people in your community then we would love to hear from you.
Our Walking Companions take older people out in their community to enjoy fresh air, light exercise and companionship. The emphasis is on walking so while a short trip in a car may be useful to get to a suitable walking area, a car is not essential.
Benefits for volunteers:
- Make a huge difference to the lives of others
- Improves your health and fitness
- Make new friends
- Discover new areas to walk
If you:
- Enjoy walking and conversation
- Can make an ongoing commitment to spend an hour or more during the day each week
- Are ready to be part of a team and receive ongoing support and training
- Have a genuine empathy with older people
- Can undertake a very small amount of admin (reporting number of walks each month to your Coordinator)
Then contact us to find out more! We’re especially looking for volunteers from the Porirua area currently, as well as the Wellington area.
Become a Volunteer Visitor
Do you have:
- An interest in and empathy with older people
- A genuine desire to offer friendship and companionship
- Good communication skills, including being an active listener
- Tact, objectivity and maturity
- An interest in community service
- Respect for confidentiality
- Cultural sensitivity, awareness and acceptance of difference
- Willingness to undertake the role of a visitor as an ongoing commitment and to complete training requirements?
If the answer is yes, then contact us to enquire about becoming a visitor for an older person in your local area.
We particularly need people who are available from 10am to 4pm during week days.
Steady As You Go helpers
Volunteers are also needed to help our Steady As You Go (SAY Go) instructors with class set-up, measurement and observation. This does not have to be a regular commitment as we will accept help based on when you are available. We prefer people who have attended classes and have an understanding of the class’s objectives.
SAY Go classes are run by peer leaders after the first 10 weeks. We encourage class members to volunteer for this role during this time. Training and ongoing support is provided.
Contact us or call 04 499 6648 for more information on volunteering for us.
Volunteer stories
Catherine, Jo and Myra
When Catherine was just 13, Sir Edmund Hillary came to her school. She listened intently as he described the Himalayas. Inspired, Catherine ended up traveling to the Himalayas 16 times!
But three years ago, at the age of 78, Catherine suffered a stroke which left her unable to walk without support. Catherine’s life came to a halt. That was until a friend encouraged her to go along to an Age Concern Steady as You Go falls prevention class. She loved it. Another class participant picks her up on the way. Shortly after her stroke, falls were an issue for Catherine, but not so much anymore.
Catherine learned about two other Age Concern services – the Companion Walking Service and the Visitor Service. Now, volunteer Jo (on the left) takes Catherine out for a walk every Sunday, and volunteer Myra visits Catherine every week for a cuppa and a chat.
“They’re such different people, but that’s good. That’s what makes them interesting,” Catherine says. “These two girls make a big difference in my life. I couldn’t do without them.”
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
If you’d like to join our amazing volunteer team, just fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.
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