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Adult Community Options (ACO)
Adult Community Options (ACO) is our NDIS Disability Services program, supporting individuals with a range of abilities, from independent to high and complex support needs.
Volunteers assist our ACO staff to support differently-abled clients in a range of activities both centre based and out in the community. ACO centres are located in Parkdale, Cheltenham, Edithvale and Clayton South.
ACO volunteers see the person first and disability second. They possess a sense of fun, humour and adventure! Compassion, patience, understanding, commitment and a great attitude are all required.
Activities are offered from 9am-3pm Monday - Friday. You determine how often or how many hours you would like to volunteer. Full training is provided and volunteers are supported by team leaders and staff. Volunteering with ACO can be immensely rewarding from engaging with our clients to sharing your talents, interests and learning new skills.
Our team is hear to support you with the application process and throughout your volunteering journey. Select "Fill in an application" top right hand side of the screen or contact our team on 03 8587 0322 or volunteers@bhn.org.au
To find out more about Adult Community Options visit https://bhn.org.au/ndis/
Current volunteer opportunities
Activity Support Volunteer - Adult Community Options (ACO)
Adult Community Options (ACO) is BHN's NDIS Disability Services Program. The Activity Support Volunteer role is supervised by staff to support clients with a range of abilities from independent to high and complex support needs. A range of programs and activities are available based on 7 life areas as below.
The role involves providing support to the clients in accordance with and within the philosophy of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, Disability Act 2006, NDIS Code of Conduct CBCHS and ACO rules, guidelines, policies and procedures.
Community Transport
Since 1975, Community Transport has provided safe and reliable door-to-door transportation for our community.
The purpose of community transport is to assist people who are unable to use private or public transportation and have no relatives or friends to help them out.
Volunteers play an important role in the delivery of this program with the option to engage in one of three roles.
Community Transport operates Monday -Friday. All volunteers are required to hold a valid drivers license and complete a driver assessment before commencement in the role.
Our team is here to support you with the application process and throughout your volunteering journey.
See current opportunities below. To apply select "Fill in an application" top right hand side of the screen. Alternatively you can contact our team on 03 9575 5312 or volunteers@bhn.org.au.
Current opportunities
Individual driver
Individual Driver volunteers use our vehicle, or their own, to transport individuals to and from specialist appointments.
Volunteers are not required to attend appointments with clients, they will at times be required to assist clients in and out of the car.
All drivers need to hold a full licence. This role offers flexibility where volunteer drivers can choose the day and the time they are available to volunteer.
Land and water exercise groups
Better Health Network physio service welcomes volunteers to assist with various exercise groups such as Aquatic Physio, Better Balance, Gentle Exercise, Strength Training and GLAD.
Volunteering is under the guidance of Physiotherapists and Allied Health Assistants.
Programs are delivered from a number of sites including Parkdale, Chelsea, Clarinda and The Danny Frawley Centre in Moorabbin (hydrotherapy program). The Service operates Monday to Friday and there are currently 20 programs that offer volunteer opportunities.
To succeed as a Physiotherapy volunteer, you will have a genuine empathy and understanding of the needs of older people, an ability to socialize, listen and communicate well with others, willingness to work as part of a team, ability to encourage the clientsโ independence where possible and appropriate. You will also be willing to work with a physiotherapist to learn how to safely undertake manual handling that may be required as part of your participation.
Our team is here to support you with the application process and throughout your volunteering journey. Select "Fill in an application" top right hand side of the screen or contact our team on 03 8587 0322 or volunteers@bhn.org.au
Current volunteer opportunities
Hydrotherapy Volunteer
Hydrotherapy is exercise in a heated pool using buoyancy and floatation to assist movement. It uses the properties of water to stretch and strengthen muscles, improve joint movement, body coordination and walking. It is performed in a comfortable environment that promotes the additional benefits of relaxation and socialization. The classes are available for anyone seeking pain relief, improved mobility and strength as well as general fitness and relaxation.
The hydrotherapy program is delivered at The Danny Frawley Centre Hydro Pool in Moorabbin.
As a hydrotherapy volunteer you volunteer alongside a group of volunteers and are guided by a Physiotherapist or Allied Health Assistant.
The program takes place on Wednesday and Friday mornings. A typical shift is 3 hours and we ask for at least a 6 month commitment to volunteer.
Better Balance Volunteer
As a Better Balance Volunteer you volunteer alongside a group of volunteers and are guided by a Physiotherapist or Allied Health Assistant. Better Balance is proven to be effective in helping people at risk of falls to improve their strength, mobility and confidence. The group involves education, exercises using light weights and equipment in a fun, social environment.
Better Balance takes place from a number of our sites and is offered on different days .
A typical shift is 3 hours and we ask for at least a 6month commitment to volunteering.
Meaningful Connections
Meaningful Connections is Better Health Network's government-funded program that matches a volunteer visitor with a lonely or isolated person living in an Aged Care Facility or in his or her own home. The visits are purely for social purposes, and to provide companionship.
BHN deliver the program across the inner south and south eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Volunteers spend an hour a week (or fortnight) visiting their older friend and can engage in activities they both enjoy, such as going for a walk, reading, chatting over a cuppa, jigsaws etc. Many of our volunteers go on to develop a true friendship with the person they visit.
Visits can make the world of difference to the health and wellbeing of the person receiving the visits. At the same time, volunteers report a richly rewarding experience in their own life.
Our recruitment process is flexible and our friendly team is here to support you through the process.
Contact us today by calling 03 8587 0322 or volunteers@bhn.org.au or apply now by following the steps below.
HOW TO APPLY
Step One: Fill in an application
Click on the Fill in an application button -top right of screen. Create a personal account. Note down your username and password for future logins.
Step Two: Attend an interview
We will be in touch to set up an interview (online or in person depending on your preference). This is an opportunity to get to know you and to understand what you would like to get out of your volunteering experience.
Step Three: Complete pre-commencement checks
All Volunteers are required to complete a National Police Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement. In some cases an International Police clearance and VEVO visa check may also be required. The cost is covered by BHN.
Step Four: Training and orientation
Full training and support is provided. As part of our onboarding process we will support you to complete program training & infection control training.
Step Five: Matching
Once onboarding is complete a team member will be in touch to discuss a suitable match. We will work with you to understand what you are hoping to get out of your volunteer experience and where possible align interests so you and your recipient can develop a lasting friendship.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Social Support Groups (SSG)
We all know that social interaction is critical for health and wellbeing, but staying connected with others can become more difficult as we get older. Volunteers can contribute to supporting clients remain connected by assisting staff during both centre and outing based activity & social programs for persons 65 years and older.
Centre based programs are offered at sites at Mentone, Clarinda and Cheltenham.
Outing programs can be at local cafes, pubs, reserves, food markets, movies are just a few examples of our broad program activities.
The ๐๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฌ at BHN offer a diverse range of over 25 activities per week, providing the opportunity for people to connect with others in a supportive environment.
The groups are great way to make friends, enjoy new experiences and most importantly have fun!
Participants are encouraged to share their interests and goals so we can help find the right group for them. This low-cost service is also a great way for carers to get some well-earned respite from their caring duties.
Our team is hear to support you with the application process and throughout your volunteering journey. Select "Fill in an application" top right hand side of the screen or contact our team on 03 8587 0322 or volunteers@bhn.org.au
To learn more about Social Support Groups visit https://bhn.org.au/services/bhn-groups/social-support-groups/
Current volunteer opportunities
SSG support volunteer
This engaging volunteer role involves assisting the Group Supervisor with transportation of clients, assisting with morning tea and lunch set up and pack down, engaging with clients โ getting to know their story and what gives them joy. We would also love to hear from you if you have any hobbies or interests which may enhance our programs. Examples include crafts, chess, card games and music to name a few!
