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Volunteering at Norwood What is a volunteer? Volunteering Australia (2009) describe volunteering as: An activity which takes place through not-for-profit organisations or projects and is undertaken:
The history of volunteering in Australia (from Volunteering Australia & National Health & Medical Research Council - April 2003) Some of the earliest volunteering activities were organised around church groups. In 1813, the "New South Wales Society for the Promoting Christian Knowledge and Benevolence in these Territories and Neighbouring Islands" was established to give aid to the poor and the aged who were no longer able to work. The Governor of NSW at the time granted the Society some funds to assist with its work. Examples of other volunteer organisations formed are:
Norwood's Volunteer Program Norwood's Volunteer Program provides opportunities for volunteers to offer their time and service to the community. It enables volunteers to gain experience in working in the mental health field and within a community organisation. Meanwhile, Norwood and its clients benefit from the assistance, skills, experience and company of a volunteer. The Volunteer Program promotes community awareness of mental illness and mental health issues, helps to decrease stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness, while promoting community involvement and participation. Some of the benefits to Norwood clients may include:
Norwood believes that the Volunteer Program has a positive impact on its clients and the organisation, and is commited to supporting and resourcing the Program. The types of volunteer involvement and time commitment in the Norwood Volunteer Program Individual Client Support Volunteers have the opportunity to support individuals with a mental illness by offering one-to-one social support. A commitment is preferred for example, for a minimum of one hour per week or fortight, socialising and interacting with the client at their own home or within a community setting or event. Individual activities may include taking clients shopping, going out for coffee, going to the football or going for a walk. These activities encourage social interaction and community participation. It is preferred that a volunteer will offer their support for a minimum of three months. Group Activity Program (GAP) Volunteers have the opportunity to support GAP activities by participating in the program organised by the GAP staff member. Volunteers can attend outings and groups such as going to the movies, participating in a cooking activity or going on an excursion. Depending on the skills of the volunteer, the opportunity to conduct workshops is welcomed. The time commitment can vary from 2 hours to half a day per week. On some occasions, an all-day activity may be planned. Norwood asks that if a volunteer is interested in the GAP activities, they remain in the one activity for a period of three months, in order for clients and volunteers become familiarised. After this period, a volunteers can change to another activity or they can assist in more than one activity or program at one time. Prevention and Recovery Care (Burside PARC) This short-term 24 hour residential prevention and recovery care program is located in Deer Park and has the capacity for up to 10 residents at one time. Residents stay for a maximum of 28 days before moving back to their place of residence. Volunteers can become involved in this program by providing support to the residents and staff by engaging in group recreational activities in and out of the facility, working with a residents on a one-to-one basis or by conducting workshops with residents, depending on the skills of the volunteer. It is preferred that a volunteer remains with the program for 3 months. Skills Based Workshops Volunteers who are skilled in certain activities such aas gardening, cooking, sewing, computers or fitness may be able to make those skills available by offereing to facilitate specific workshops for clients. Skills based workshops are productive and educational, and clients will be able to gain many valuable skills for their everyday living. Time commitment will vary but a workshop can be a one-off or a series of sessions. Norwood Fundraising Events Norwood holds fundraising events throughout the course of the year. A choice for volunteers is to participate and assist in these fundraising events. Activities such as sausage sizzles, market days, movie and trivia nights would benefit from volunteer involvement in the promotion, planning and organisation, and on the day of the event. Time commitment will vary and is negotiable. Norwood Special Events Norwood conducts several special events throughout the year such as our Annual General Meeting, cultural festivals, celebratory fuctions and a Christmas event for clients. Norwood benefits from the support of volunteers in the preparation of these events, the transportation of clients to and from the functions and other support on the day of the event. Other one-off events may be scheduled any time throughout the year. Time commitment will vary and is negotiable. Preferred skills and attributes of a Norwood Volunteer Norwood welcome people from a range of backgrounds as volunteers, with some skills and attributes being required;
Are you interested in volunteering with Norwood? If you have been thinking about volunteering and working with a service for adults with a mental illness and/or homelessness, why not give a few hours a week or fortnight to the Norwood Volunteer Program. As a volunteer you will:
If you are interested, then contact Norwood on (03) 9365 9500 for a Volunteer Information Kit. If you would like to discuss volunteering with Norwood, call the Volunteer Coordinator on the same number. |