Celebrating 30 years of friendship with the Community Visitors Scheme

This year MS Plus celebrates 30 years of involvement in the Federal Government’s Community Visitors Scheme (CVS). We have been recruiting, training and supporting volunteers for the CVS since 1992 and in that time, we have provided more than 300,000 visits to vulnerable older people.

The CVS provides vital companionship for people who are living in government-funded aged care homes or living in their own homes and receiving a Home Care Package and at risk of social isolation and loneliness.

Volunteers are the backbone of the program, providing connection and companionship to older people.

Peter has been volunteering with the CVS for 15 years, joining in 2007 after retiring from work two years before. Peter says the role benefits not only the client but the volunteers as well.

“A visitor provides an opportunity to talk to somebody and to be listened to. I enjoy being a CVS volunteer, as it makes me feel that I am giving something of myself to help another,” Peter said.

“After two relatively short friendships, I have been visiting my current friend for 11 years. A significant milestone indeed. Jack is confined to bed and has been provided with a motor driven wheelchair so we can go outside when I visit.

“Jack had slight dementia when I first started visiting him, but this has gotten worse over the years. He is an avid Essendon supporter, as am I, and initially we spent a lot of time talking about the players and the previous week’s match. This conversation has slowly waned over time but I persist with the footy talk.

“As a volunteer visitor we must be willing to adapt and accept change. Before COVID came along, Jack and I would go to the café, some 500 metres away in the local hospital. Since COVID restrictions started the outdoor section of the café has been closed. However, there is a pleasant garden area we can enjoy from which I walk across to the café to get his takeaway order.

“Being in the garden is relaxing and gives Jack a chance to enjoy some fresh air and ‘watch the world go by’ in pleasant surrounds. Hopefully this year will allow regular visits to recommence and we will endeavour to keep going to the garden,” Peter said.

“A visit is the person’s opportunity to talk to somebody who will listen, where busy staff may not be able to give a person that ‘me’ time.

“I think my volunteer work is appreciated, I’m able to provide one on one time, friendship and allow Jack the opportunity to be outside and enjoy the pleasures of some take away treats. Simple pleasures. The staff [in Jack’s aged care home] are all very pleasant towards me and tell me that Jack looks forward to my visits.”

Note: names changed or omitted to protect privacy