Volunteer At Abound Communities

Abound Communities proudly supported International Volunteer Day (IVD) on the 5th of December 2022, to raise awareness of the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world.

2022 Theme: Solidarity through Volunteering
IVD is a day to celebrate and promote volunteering. There are millions of volunteers in Australia and the contributions that they make to communities around the country are enormous. IVD is an opportunity to acknowledge, thank and shine a light on the important work of volunteers.

Each year, International Volunteer Day, celebrates different themes. This year the theme of solidarity through volunteering is an important one. For the future of our planet, we must act together and we must act now. This is not an era to stand alone but together, as one, in solidarity with each other.

"TOGETHER, ACT NOW" inspires people to take action now for people and the planet.

Encouraging, recognising, and promoting volunteerism is an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities worldwide. Volunteers and volunteering have been impacted greatly by COVID-19 and now is the time to invest and commit to reinvigorating volunteering in Australia. Volunteering Australia is leading the process for a new National Strategy for Volunteering, designed and owned by the volunteering ecosystem, it will provide a blueprint for a reimagined future for volunteering in Australia. If you have thought about volunteering, there has never been a more perfect time than right now.

VOLUNTEER AT ABOUND COMMUNITIES

SING ALONG – PIANO (LISCOMBE HOUSE, LEITH PARK)
Liscombe House is looking for someone with an hour of free time on Tuesday mornings from 10.30 am
This is a popular activity where residents enjoy a good old-fashioned sing-along around the piano.
If you or someone you know has any other instrumental talents and/or different time availability, we would still love to hear from you.

BINGO ASSISTANT (LISCOMBE HOUSE, LEITH PARK)
Liscombe House is looking for someone with two hours of free time on Mondays 1.30pm or Fridays 10.00am to help facilitate the Bingo sessions carried out with residents. If you or someone you know:
- have a friendly and understanding nature, with good communication skills
- a clear strong voice to speak in front of others calling bingo numbers
- a sense of humor
- ability to take direction and work with limited supervision
- ability to interact positively in a team and patiently with residents, staff and families
- ability to maintain & respect confidentiality
Bingo game and prizes supplied by the facility.

KIOSK ASSISTANT (LISCOMBE HOUSE, LEITH PARK)
Liscombe House is looking for someone who can help with manning the kiosk during weekdays. This is a great opportunity for individuals who likes to have a chat whilst managing the counter selling lollies and snacks for the residents to enjoy.

Days of kiosk requiring a volunteer:
Monday @ 2.00 to 3.30pm
Tuesday @ 11.00am to 12.30pm
Wednesday @ 2.00pm to 3.30pm
Alternate Thursdays @ 2.00pm to 3.30pm

RETRO COFFEE CART ASSISTANT (LISCOMBE HOUSE, LEITH PARK)
Liscombe House is currently on the lookout for two volunteers who can help support the staff and residents during ‘Retro Coffee Cart’ where the residents enjoy their time socialising with one another over a cup of freshly made hot beverage. The volunteers will help with making coffees and serving the residents. If you have a friendly and understanding nature with good communication skills, knowledge of coffee making with a commercial machine and have a food handling certificate (preferred for both but training can be provided), do reach out! The ‘Retro Coffee Cart’ usually runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

CARPET BOWL ASSISTANT (LISCOMBE HOUSE, LEITH PARK)
A volunteer is required to further support the residents and staff with Carpet Bowl sessions which usually runs on second Wednesdays from 2.30pm onwards at Liscombe House. This is a fun and easy activity which the residents look forward to.

SILVER TOPS AND TOTS PLAYGROUP SUPPORT VOLUNTEER (LISCOMBE HOUSE, LEITH PARK)
Liscombe House residents, toddlers and their guardians get together for an intergenerational playgroup where attendees engage in a play-based learning activities and interact with one another. This is not only an activity which helps foster social connections with other families in local communities but help develop mutually beneficial relationships with our residents. This is a wonderful opportunity for two volunteers who can help facilitate the playgroup and assist with refreshments. Individuals who are happy to socialise, a strong team player with great communication skills, and one who love spending time with toddlers and residents is a huge plus!

Tentatively, playgroups will be held at 10.00am on the following dates:
1st February
15th February
1st March
15th March
3rd May
17th May
7th June
21st June
19th July
2nd August
16th August
6th September
4th October
18th October
1st November
15th November
6th December

SOCIAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEER (RUSHALL PARK)
We are currently on the lookout for a social support volunteer, an individual who loves to have a chat over a cup of tea, going on walks with a resident and providing social support. Days and times are quite flexible once the volunteer is paired up with the resident.

GARDENING ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEER (RUSHALL PARK)
The gardening and maintenance team at Rushall Park are currently looking for interested individuals who would like to lend a helping hand with gardening duties namely weeding, pruning, plant removal and others. Some gardening knowledge is preferred but not essential. Reach out if this you have a love for gardens, or have a passion for gardening, you’ll have an opportunity to work alongside the head gardener. Days and times are flexible, preferably a commitment of an hour or two weekly.

IT SUPPORT VOLUNTEER (BRAESIDE PARK & CURRIE PARK)
Both our Braeside Park and Currie Park, residents are keen for IT savvy volunteers, who would like to spend a few hours weekly and assist residents with using smartphones, computers, setting up video calls (medical telehealth appointments, calls with family members, online banking support). This will not only increase the residents' independence but will also help encourage socialisation and connectedness with local community.

To be successful in this volunteer role, you will need:

• Basic skills to operate most electronic devices, programs and apps (Apple and Android)
• A friendly & understanding nature with good communication skills
• Ability to interact in a team and to interact positively & patiently with
• residents, staff & families.
• Ability to maintain & respect confidentiality

If you or someone you know is interested in any of these volunteering opportunities, or would like to come forward to make a difference, please contact our Community Engagement Officer, Nabila on (03) 9433 1120 or email at nabilay@aboundcommunities.org.au