Would you like to offer support to people in need in your community? St John Ambulance Community Services volunteers assist with three vital programs. These are the Silver Cord Service, Transport Access Project and the Health Care Program. Both the Silver Cord Service and the Transport Access Project receive funding from HACC (Home and Community Care).
Silver Cord Service
Volunteers for this service make security and friendship telephone calls from their own homes. They provide reassurance to the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers. Security calls are made daily and friendship calls less frequently. These calls give recipients the confidence to stay at home, possibly delaying the move into residential care.
Silver Cord volunteers require:
- Good communication skills
- A sense of humour
- Ability to make telephone calls at appointed times
- Sensitivity towards clients needs
- Own telephone (all call costs reimbursed)
Areas offered:
Atherton Tablelands, Brisbane North, Brisbane South, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Cairns, Caloundra, Charters Towers, Gold Coast, Gympie, Hervey Bay, Ipswich/West Moreton, Mackay, Maryborough, Nambour, Noosa, Redcliffe, Toowoomba and Townsville.
Health Care Program:
Health Care volunteers offer support to people in hospitals and residential care. Volunteering is predominately Monday to Friday, with most volunteers electing a regular day or shift. Duties vary according to the facility. Volunteers must possess or be eligible to apply for a blue card.
Health Care volunteers
- Provide comfort to patients and their relatives in the emergency waiting room
- Arrange flowers
- Visit patients who may not receive regular socialisation
- Conduct diversional activities e.g. reading, games, cosmetic care
- Coordinate property left at the hospital by patients or visitors
- Help hospital staff with routine tasks
Areas offered:
Caboolture Hospital Logan Hospital Regis Canning Lodge, Caboolture TriCare, Stafford Heights St Paul's Villa, Bardon Nazareth House, Wynnum
Transport Access Project (TAP)
TAP volunteer drivers transport clients using St John vehicles to medical or social appointments. The project aims to improve access to safe, affordable transport for Home and Community Care (HACC) clients who have difficulty accessing appropriate transport.
TAP volunteers require:
- Current Queensland drivers licence and a safe driving record
- Security and reference check including a Blue Card
- Current first aid certificate or willingness to obtain one through St John
- Ability to assist clients and mobility aids into the vehicle
- Awareness of and sensitivity towards client needs and confidentiality
- Good communication skills and a sense of humour
- Ability to work as a team member
- Commitment to drive a minimum of one day per month
- Willingness to tidy and refuel the car at the end of the shift
Areas of operation:
Northern suburbs of Brisbane, Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.
Click here for the volunteer enquiry form.
Our volunteer brochure has more detailed information about Community Services.