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How to apply |
Step One: Search for a volunteer role you're interested in
To apply for a volunteer role at Uniting AgeWell, search by keyword, role type, location or your passion.
Step Two: Click fill in an application and create an account
You will need to create a personal account, which can be updated at any time, and to also keep track of the role you applied for. We ask you to go through a the application form and answer all the questions.
Step Three: Attend an interview
We ask you to attend an interview (online or in an office), with questions closely linked to the behaviours we expect from our team members.
Step Four: Complete any pre-commencement checks and training
Volunteer employment with Uniting AgeWell is subject to a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check in your State prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.
Social Support - Individual
We support older people to maintain an active social life by having someone visit them at home or in a supported residential service, or through community outings. The programs are also available to adults with disability. We have an amazing, passionate group of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, supported by staff, who provide social interaction and companionship to help prevent loneliness and isolation. We’re always looking for more volunteers too.
The social support program was established in 1977, and remains one of our most popular services today with a range of flexible activity options. The program helps people participate in and reconnect with their community, by pairing volunteers with older people to spend regular time together, either individually or as part of a group.
Consumers and volunteers might simply meet regularly for a chat but might also spend time sharing interests, playing boards games and cards or enjoying activities like coffee outings, local drives, walks and shared meals. Group activities may include movies, lunches and craft. We also offer a fun program that provides pet companionship.
Social Support operates across Metropolitan Melbourne, Ballarat and the Grampians regions.
Johnson’s story
Johnson, 27, works two jobs but still finds a few hours each week to make a difference to the lives of clients Jerome and Veronica and help them get back to the things they love. Johnson’s fresh face and energy is a wonderful injection of happiness into the lives of the married couple. Jerome’s health means the couple are often house-bound with limited contact with friends and family. But when Johnson visits, their house is filled with the sound of lively discussions on social issues and politics – subjects Jerome loves, while Veronica can take break from her full time role as carer.
"I think the social support program has achieved an amazing thing – bringing us together to explore cultures and world events from Veronica and Jerome’s living room!" - Johnson
Social Support Groups
Older people living independently can sometimes experience social isolation.
Our activity groups provide a range of programs that promote independence and wellbeing among our clients, as well as provide multicultural connections in the community. Activities are flexible, based on the needs of participants.
Supported by trained staff and volunteers, the groups also provide valuable respite for carers.
Activities include:
Centre Based Activity Groups
Older people living independently can sometimes experience social isolation.
Our planned activity groups provide a range of programs that promote independence and wellbeing among our clients, as well as provide multicultural connections in the community. Activities are flexible, based on the needs of participants.
Supported by trained staff and volunteers, the groups also provide valuable respite for carers.
Activities include:
Locations include:
Telephone Based Social Support
Chat-a-Ring
Through Chat-a-Ring, people get a call from a volunteer each week or fortnight to connect through a chat, read the newspaper or magazine together, share a crossword, quiz or game, or perhaps record a life story.
Telelink
Telelink is a telephone support program for groups of up to 10 people across Melbourne, who chat together each week on the phone from the comfort of their own homes.
Telelink is a great way to make new friends and discuss shared interests with like-minded people. Participants choose from a range of weekly topics that match their hobbies and interests, from books to history and trivia, as well as language groups
Community Transport Services
Providing door-to-door supported services for older people, or those who have a disability and their carers. Clients are taken to medical appointments, shopping, to visit friends or relatives. Clients are collected from their door and transported to where they have to go ie. taken to the reception area of the doctors rooms or taken to a hospital.
Volunteers drivers do not act as carers, and are unable do not assist clients with dressing, medical or financial matters. Drivers do not stay with clients while they attend appointments or shopping.
This service does not aim to act as or to replace a taxi or bus service, but to provide a service to people who are unable to afford, or access, other means of public transport, or need extra assistance.
Community Transport operates across Ballarat and the Grampians regions.
Homeshare
What is Homeshare?
Homeshare matches people who need companionship and some practical help to live at home (Homeowners) with people who need accommodation (Homesharers). Homesharers provide companionship, an overnight presence and help out with tasks around the home instead of rent. Homesharers provide their own food and a share of utility bills.
If you are interested in being a Homeowner, call us on 139 375.
Who are Householders?
Homeowners are people over 65 who live in their own homes in Melbourne's eastern and southern suburbs and who can benefit from companionship and practical assistance.
Who are Homesharers?
Homesharers come from all backgrounds, aged from their 20s through to retirees. They are mature, reliable and are interested in living with an older person, as well as benefiting from living rent-free. Homesharers undergo a thorough application, interview, referee and police check process. They must commit themselves to the program for a minimum of 6 months.
What help do Homesharers provide?
Instead of paying rent, Homesharers provide assistance with tasks around the house. This can include: cooking, housework, gardening, shopping, pet care, and transport (personal care is excluded).
Matching
Homeowners and Homesharers are matched according to personalities, interests, routines and needs. They only decide to homeshare together after getting to know each other with the assistance of our Homeshare Co-ordinator.
Agreements
A Homeshare starts with a 7-day trial period, monitored by the Homeshare Co-ordinator. If the Householder and Homesharer agree, they then enter into a longer-term agreement.
Our Vision
A national leader, creating thriving and inclusive communities where innovative, high quality aged care services are delivered with respect and kindness.
Our Values
As an organisation of the Uniting Church in Australia, our values are the foundation of all that we do at Uniting AgeWell – how we work, how we behave and how we respond to the needs and aspirations of those we serve, our colleagues and our communities.
