Wellbeing

Centacare News

Make A Difference in Someone's Life

Do you like spending time with people? Spending time with others is a great way to make new friends and have fun. The Centacare NENW Community Visitors Scheme is looking for volunteers who can visit isolated elderly people and provide them with companionship. Imagine being able to make someone’s day just by visiting them for an hour or two each fortnight. Making a difference in someone’s life is one of the most rewarding things that you can do. And what better way to do that than by volunteering with the Community Visitors Scheme? This program offers friendship and companionship to people who may be facing loneliness or isolation. It’s a great opportunity for you to give back to your community and make a real difference in someone’s life. Plus, you get to meet new people and have some fun too! There are two main ways to volunteer with the Community Visitors Scheme. The first is by visiting people who live in aged care facilities. Volunteer visits are usually on a one-on-one basis, but can also be made as a couple or family group if you prefer. Volunteer visitors are matched with a person based on common interests, experiences and language. The second way is by becoming an advocate for the scheme itself. Volunteer advocates help promote the Community Visitors Scheme among local communities who could benefit from this program. Volunteer advocates also help with fundraising and other activities. Volunteer advocates are not required to be matched with a person, but can if they choose to do so. Volunteer advocates also must meet the same eligibility requirements as volunteer visitors.

To become a volunteer you will need to:

1. Complete an application form which includes the following: undergo a National Police Check and provide two referees;

2. Attend an information session;

3. Obtain necessary vaccinations - annual influenza and COVID-19.

Centacare Volunteer Services is committed to keeping volunteer visitors safe on every visit. Volunteer visitors are interviewed and monitored by staff at every opportunity to ensure their visits meet both of your expectations and best interests. Each volunteer is required to be vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, and to adhere to current mandates and restrictions in relation to social distancing and personal hygiene. Volunteer Community Visitors Scheme services are regularly reviewed and evaluated. Volunteer visitors provide 1 hour per fortnight, with a minimum of 10 hourly visits every 6 months - but you can do more, it’s up to you.Sign up to be a volunteer with the Community Visitors Scheme! 

Contact Centacare NENW on 1800 372 826. So why not sign up today? We would love to have you on board!

School TV - SPECIAL REPORT                                     The Wellbeing Barometer

“Even if your family has not experienced as many lockdowns as some areas, the social, economic and psychological impacts over the coming months are uncertain. For many young people, it means that acquiring the skills for future independence remain in the balance."  Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

Irrespective of whether your community has experienced many lockdowns or not, the pandemic has touched all of us and impacted families everywhere in some way. Whether it is our ability to participate in special celebrations or travel to visit loved ones, it has proven to be a difficult time - for some more than others.

During this period, SchoolTV has provided families and schools with much needed guidance and information to help support young people. However, the social, economic and psychological impacts over the coming months remain uncertain. Mental health concerns are on the rise, and it is evident that many young people may need some extra support.

To assist your school, we are seeking participation in a short anonymous & aggregated survey. It is intended to act as a barometer on the wellbeing of young people within your community. Since the start of the pandemic, many students have faced adversities and been challenged on many levels. Some parents have reported that their child’s mental health had changed or worsened due to the effects of the pandemic. However, ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of our young people is important for many reasons, one of which is the direct impact it has on educational outcomes.

We encourage all parents and carers to complete the survey below. The information gathered will help your school gauge the state of student wellbeing and enable them to discover where further assistance may be required by focussing on some of the key issues.

Here is the link to your special report:

https://stjosephswarialda.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer

Click on the image to view the video by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg: