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Volunteer With Us

Make a difference in people's lives.

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Come and volunteer with us

Whether it is for social connection, a desire to help others or share a passion – there are many benefits to volunteering.

An opportunity to give something back and connect with your community
Meeting new and interesting and like-minded people
Staying active and purposeful
Being part of a great team
Enhancing work skills in readiness for the workforce
Sharing their talents or specific interest
Making a difference to those in need

Our volunteers are an integral part of VMCH and make an invaluable contribution to the services we offer. Our 520 volunteers generously give their time and expertise to really make a difference to the people we support.

They tell us that the experience of volunteering is as rewarding to them personally as it is to our residents, clients and students.

Our volunteers are a diverse group of people of all ages, cultural and spiritual backgrounds who provide their own unique skills.

We would love to have you join us and help make a positive difference to the lives of others.

How you can help us make a difference in the lives of others.

Op Shops

VMCH Op Shops are fun, vibrant local shops in Balwyn, Ferntree Gully, Heathmont, and Wantirna, providing quality donated and upcycled items for sale at great prices. Op Shops are open Monday to Saturday, with a distribution warehouse in Wantirna South which operates Monday to Friday.

Volunteers can take on a wide range of duties, from customer service and sales, sorting donations and creating vibrant instore displays, to working in the warehouse mending, sorting, and preparing items for sale. Volunteer drivers collect donations and distribute goods. You don’t need to have retail experience, just a desire to help others and be part of a friendly team, as we offer training and on the job support.

Our Op Shops help raise vital funds which are invested directly into VMCH services that support more than 7,600 people in disability services, aged care, affordable homes, and specialist education. We also provide items for local community members in need.

TeleFriend

The VMCH TeleFriend program provides regular friendly phone calls to people who are socially isolated and have little or no interaction with others. The program’s aim is to provide companionship and alleviate loneliness. It makes a huge difference to many people and can be done from any location with training provided.

Our volunteers are matched to their TeleFriend based on their interests and availability. The program builds supportive friendships as people are given the opportunity to speak with the same volunteer on a regular basis.

TeleFriends are called once a week or fortnight, for fifteen minutes to half an hour, however people often enjoy longer chats. The phone calls takes place at a mutually agreed upon time and day.

Disability Services

VMCH Community Connections are life skills programs for adults with disability which run in our centres in Camberwell, Mt Waverley and Wantirna on weekdays. The focus is on supporting people to learn new skills and build on individual choice and independence.

Activities are tailored around the interests of the group but could include gardening, music making, painting and crafts, exercising and dancing, to name a few. Volunteers who share their time with the Community Connections program not only make a huge difference to the people we support, it is rewarding and fun for you too.

If you are passionate about disability and meeting people of all ages with a variety of experiences, please reach out to us, you’ll meet some great people.

Residential Aged Care

Volunteers play an important role in enriching the lives and experiences of our ageing community. You can be part of a friendly team who provide social connection and companionship which makes a huge difference in our resident’s lives.

We have 13 aged care homes across Melbourne and regional Victoria, looking for volunteers. We will find you a suitable role which is meaningful for you and our residents. Our volunteers are well trained and supported in their roles, so that they are safe and enjoy their time with our residents.

Volunteers are involved with many activities such as;
– Board and card games, bingo and trivia
– Conversations and listening to music or playing musical instruments
– Arts and crafts
– Attending Mass, rosary or other religious services
– Flower arranging, gardening and other sensory activities

Carer Support

No matter what the circumstances, being a carer has a big impact on a person’s life and requires strength and commitment. It is both rewarding and overwhelming.

Recognising the importance of support for carers, we offer a range of support services. Our carers rely on a range of supports for the health and wellbeing of their loved ones and themselves.

Pastoral Care Support

Our compassionate and caring volunteers support dedicated Pastoral Care Practitioners in Residential Aged Care services. They help to provide spiritual care and meaningful activities for residents, including one to one visits, assisting residents to and from on site religious services, ministering Holy Communion, supporting small group gatherings such as memorial services, conversations of life, and support residents and families in the final stages of life.

It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving. – Mother Teresa

Apply now to become a VMCH volunteer

Please register your interest by completing the following form and we will be in touch with you shortly. Alternatively, please contact the centre you are interested in directly.

T: 1800 036 377
E: volunteers@vmch.com.au

Frequently asked questions

How much time do I need to commit to?

Depending on the type of volunteer role, on average we ask for approximately a two to four hour weekly commitment. We recognise people all have different availability due to personal circumstances such as work, family commitments etc. and so we work with applicants to find a role that suits them.

I'm a little nervous, how will I be supported?

You will receive a full induction, role description and ongoing support from your supervisor, staff and fellow volunteers. In addition, all volunteers will complete online training modules and have access to the organisation’s Employee Assistance Program.

Am I allowed to offer personal care?

No, personal care is not permitted. Volunteer roles are strictly for social companionship and support only. This complies with the VMCH commitment to Duty of Care policies.

What rights do I have as a volunteer?

All volunteers, employees, contractors, students, people living in VMCH residences or using our services have the same rights. These include to be treated with respect and dignity, to be in a safe environment, free from discrimination, harassment and abuse. Volunteers are also given access to organisational policies and procedures, including Health and Safety and Equal Opportunity in the work place. VMCH adheres to Volunteering Australia’s National Standards for Volunteer Involvement.

What are the benefits of volunteering with VMCH?

You will be part of a caring and supportive team of like-minded individuals who are fully committed to making a difference to the lives of those in need. Best of all, you will gain new skills, knowledge, recognition and experiences and make new friends and have some fun along the way!

Get Involved → Volunteer With Us