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About the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)

Since 1992, we’ve helped recruit, train and support volunteers for CVS. Volunteers are the backbone of this program. The program provides vital companionship for people who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness:

  • living in government-funded aged care homes
  • living in their own homes and receiving a Home Care Package.

The program connects older people with volunteers for ongoing companionship. The time you spend with someone helps bring meaning and joy to their day.

Reasons why older people may become isolated

There are many reasons why older people may become isolated, including:

  • An impairment or inability to participate in social or leisure activities.
  • A lack of meaningful or regular social interactions with friends, relatives or the community.
  • Isolation from culture and heritage, including people from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, such as Indigenous Australians.
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What you can do as a community visitor volunteer

When you volunteer as a community visitor, you can connect with an older person and share quality time together. Visits are done in-person, either one-on-one or in a group setting. If the older person lives in their own home, volunteers will visit their home.

As a CVS volunteer, you can share a valuable connection with a person who has a lot to give and share. For example, you could choose to:

  • share stories
  • read or listen to a book
  • share a hobby, interest or activity
  • enjoy a cup of tea and a chat
  • take a walk or go on an outing
  • watch a TV show with someone
  • bring your children or a family pet to visit.
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Becoming a CVS vol

Who can become a CVS volunteer?

You can become a CVS volunteer if you are:

  • committed to building and sustaining a friendship with an isolated older person
  • reliable and flexible
  • able to commit to visits once a fortnight or once a week for at least 12 months
  • empathetic, understanding and enjoy spending time with older people
  • a person with effective communication and listening skills.
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CVS vol 2

How we support our volunteers

We provide our volunteers with induction training and ongoing support, information and opportunities for optional training. We deliver induction training online or we can provide you with a workbook.

Become a CVS volunteer

You can apply to become a CVS volunteer by filling out our online form. If you have any questions about how CVS works, call us on 03 9845 2729 or email us at [email protected].

You can also explore our other volunteering opportunities.

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