More support is available for Lutheran Care volunteers, following the launch of a virtual support group for volunteers involved in the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).

Volunteer coordinators were thrilled to hold the first Online Support Group earlier this month, with a session held on Teams to share and chat together virtually.

The initiative was launched by Lutheran Care’s ACVVS team to reach volunteers across all areas (metro, Barossa and Adelaide Hills) who may not otherwise be able to make it to the usual bi-monthly face-to-face group meetings during the day, due to commitments such as work or study. The idea of an online get-together was suggested by one of our volunteers last year when we were asking for feedback about how we could improve the support group meetings.
Six volunteers joined our support staff for the first online meeting (four from metro, two from Barossa), with agenda items including National Volunteer Week Lunches, our recent Dementia Australia training, Intergenerational Pen Pal project information, the Department of Health and Aged Care ACVVS national summary report, the recent Department filming and our latest ACVVS newsletter.
Operations Manager Families and Relationships, Kerry MacGrath, says, “It was lovely to hear the positive sharing by those who attended and the passion in their voices and faces when they were talking about the recipients they are visiting. It is clear evidence of the impact the ACVVS program is making to older people – but volunteers too!”
The team is now planning its next online meeting for September, when we hope more volunteers will join in.
Kerry congratulated the team on “embracing the technology and working together to explore new ways of connecting with the volunteers”.
Susan Richards, Executive Manager Familiies and Community Services, echoes Kerry’s sentiments, saying, “love to see this innovation around connection for people who are isolated”.

ACVVS is a heart-warming program, funded by the Australian Government, where friendly volunteers are matched with older people for fortnightly visits in their home or aged care facility.
There are many laughs and stories shared, and intergenerational friendships made. Lutheran Care has been an ACVVS facilitator for more than 30 years.
To find out more, visit https://www.lutherancare.org.au/acvvs/