Clifford House in Wooloowin is seeing the joy of community spirit through volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting elderly residents with companionship, activities, and kindness.
Community Connection Through Volunteering
Volunteers like Rose Tilyard have become integral to creating a vibrant and supportive environment for residents in Wooloowin.
Rose, who once worked as a nurse at Clifford House for over 20 years, now spends two days a week assisting with activities, outings, and one-on-one interactions. She says her volunteer work allows her to build connections with residents in ways she couldn’t while nursing. Bringing her pet dog on visits has also brought extra smiles, with residents lighting up at the presence of a furry companion.
Supporting People in Vulnerable Circumstances
While aged care is a major focus, other volunteers are extending their compassion to different sectors of the community.
Melody Fawssett, another local volunteer, spends her time at a Queensland correctional centre, providing emotional and spiritual support to incarcerated women. She describes listening to their stories and helping them process their circumstances as both challenging and rewarding.
Similarly, Joanne Foster, a volunteer chaplain at the Wesley Hospital, has been offering emotional support to patients for nearly 15 years, seeing her role as a privilege to bring comfort to those in difficult times.
Opportunities for Community Involvement
Carinity, the organisation supporting Clifford House and other services, has been part of the Queensland community since 1949, offering a wide range of support including aged care, youth shelters, and disability services.
Volunteers are currently needed in suburbs like Boonah, Bundaberg, and Townsville, but for Wooloowin residents, Clifford House offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to their local community.
Information on volunteering opportunities is available online for those interested in making a difference in their community.
Published 5-Dec-2024
