Could volunteers hold the key to happiness?

15 May 2019

Volunteers are happier people according to many studies. These three ladies think they know why.

Angela, Jenny and Tu volunteer for VMCH, at our Multicultural Wellness Centre. They agree it is one of the highlights of their week. They help out at the Chinese Social Support Group, for people aged over 65 years.

“I love coming out to meet people and help them. We laugh together. We tease each other. It is very enjoyable,” Angela said.

All three ladies help run a jam-packed program at the Chinese Social Support Group. It includes, morning tea, Tai Chi, and lunch together at local restaurants. They also sometimes head out for fun outings.

“When I come here and see the elderly, I talk to them, join in their board and card games. They sometimes need help with different things. It is my pleasure to help them,” Jenny said.

Angela and Jenny run a Tai Chi exercise class. Tu, who speaks little English, enjoys a chat in Mandarin and Cantonese with older people in the group that might feel isolated because of language barriers.

When it comes to the members of the Chinese Group, there is no doubt that the volunteers help make their life happier too!

The Multicultural Wellness Centre’s Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator Rani Wong says the volunteers help tackle the growing problem of social isolation for the ageing Chinese community.

The Eastern Metropolitan Region has a significant ageing Chinese population. Many have poor English speaking and reading skills. This significantly impacts their ability to access important services for their mental and physical health.

“Many of our older clients experience social isolation. The language barrier makes it harder to find the support they need,” Rani said.

“Our volunteers are very committed. They are helping others, making a meaningful contribution to a better community.”

Volunteer Week:

National Volunteer Week kicks off on May 20. It is a great opportunity to recognise the six million Australians that volunteer their time to help make a world of difference.

VMCH is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on more than 650 volunteers to help it achieve its mission to build inclusive, compassionate and sustainable communities.

VMCH would like to thank to all the amazing volunteers working in our different service areas that includes disability, aged care, community support, specialist education, our op shops, pastoral care and more.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with VMCH go to: https://vmch.com.au/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/

The Multicultural Wellness Centre:

The Multicultural Wellness Centre is one of the first of its kind in Victoria. It is a place for people over 65 years from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to come together.

It is located at: 355 Stud Road, Third Floor, Building C, Wantirna South. You can contact the centre on: 1300 698 624 or email: hello@vmch.com.au

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.