Do you speak Russian?

Are you looking for a local Volunteer role where you can make a real difference? Become a RERC Volunteer!

What our volunteers do

Russian Aged Care match older adults and volunteers with a shared cultural background, hobbies and interests through three different programs:

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) Residential Care

Residential Care — support for seniors who live in an aged care facility, including companionship. Volunteers make regular visits, which are purely social, and intend to develop an ongoing friendship and social connectedness.

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)  Home Care

Home Care — fortnightly support for seniors, including companionship, some joined activities: share stories, go for a stroll, enjoy a cuppa and chat, listen to music or play a board game.

Social Support Individual (SSI) —social support, including companionship, assistance in shopping and medical visits. You must be living at home, being a CHSP Program member, and have a referral through My Aged Care.

Why should you volunteer with elderly people?

Becoming an aged care volunteer is incredibly rewarding. We carefully match you with an elderly person based on interests, background, location and life experiences to help ensure a long-lasting connection.

Whilst you will be making a positive impact to someone’s life, there are so many benefits for you! Volunteers experience greater community connection and an improved sense of wellbeing.

Volunteering with RERC is one way you can give something back to the aged or frail in our society. Not only does volunteering have an impact on the person you spend time with, but you’ll learn a lot and meet new people.

We are looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals in the Melbourne and Geelong, who can sit and have a chat, reminisce and talk about topics of interest with an elderly person. Depending on Covid19 restrictions it may be a phone call or visit in their home.

If you have one hour each week (Monday to Friday) and you’d like to improve an older person’s life by providing companionship, we would love to hear from you. You’ll receive training, including first aid training, as well as the ongoing support from our Volunteer Coordinator.

What skills/qualities do I need?

• Have an understanding, appreciation and respect for the elderly
• Be reliable and resilient
• Be confident in visiting independently
• Demonstrate good judgement
• Be 18 years or over
• Undergo a Police Check (and sign a Statuary Declaration if required)

I work full-time, can I still volunteer?

The benefits of our programs are that visiting your recipient can fit in with your schedule as well as theirs. Weekend visits can be easily arranged.