Volunteers back at KDHS

Kyabram District Health Service has celebrated the return of volunteers to its Sheridan Aged Care and Social Support Program after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

KDHS chief executive Anne Mcevoy spoke at the Volunteer Welcome Back Workshop, saying residents, consumers and staff had all missed the vital support and companionship offered by the volunteer network, adding that it was lovely to see their smiling faces again.

Volunteers also shared their personal pandemic experience, with many having craved social interaction with the KDHS community, particularly those who were alone during lockdowns.

COVID-19 has decimated volunteer programs across all health services, with only 10 to 40 per cent of volunteers returning or expected to return post-pandemic.

A significant number have either retired or moved on to other opportunities.

At the workshop, volunteers were led through KDHS’S COVID-SAFE plan and provided with a recap of emergency procedures, manual handling, privacy and confidentiality and personal wellbeing obligations.

A new-look Volunteering Program was also unveiled, the result of a COVID-19 review of volunteering activities at Sheridan and the Social Support Program.

The revamped program provides for greater flexibility and activity choice, in turn enabling volunteers to bring their own skills and interests.

This will assist KDHS’S lifestyle staff to maximise resident and consumer wellbeing through social engagement and meaningful activities.

▯ Anyone interested in volunteering at KDHS should contact co-ordinator Alma Limbrick for information.

V for Volunteers: Left to right, back row, Hazel Smith, Marion Kells, Maree Jaschinski, Elizabeth Bryce, Vicki Mcleod, Ali Dobson (director of people and culture). Front row, Alma Limbrick (volunteer co-ordinator), Beryl Fidler, Helen Hearn, Anne Mcevoy (chief executive).