Nick

I am Uni Student during the day and I’ve found that I have gained many skills working at Lifeline that I can take with me into everyday life. I really enjoy the contact I have with other volunteers and also supporting people in the community in my role as a Telephone Counsellor.

Francine

"Lifeline has been an exciting journey. I have grown in confidence, self esteem and learnt to listen and hear what people have to say. The friendships I have made with other volunteers have been an extra bonus".

Kay & Glenn

Goodwill (Part of UnitingCare Wesley) has been part of our lives for many years. We have been fortunate enough to work in the Goodwill stores as well as having long time hands-on experience in the Goodwill Warehouse. These have been happy times and we really enjoy our work. We also believe in what we do and who we work for. We fully support UnitingCare Wesley and Goodwill in the excellent services they provide for our community. When we retired we became Goodwill volunteers and felt that the warehouse was the backbone of the stores with so much happening and so much work to be done.

We continue to work at the warehouse doing what we can to help, giving time when we can, having a laugh with our workmates, being part of a hard working team all working for the same goal. Volunteering gives us a great feeling of self-satisfaction – we can really recommend it!

Mary Channon

I have worked with the elderly for quite a few years. My first full-time work was in Tamworth and was for a period of nearly 10 years. During that time I was a caregiver and then a Recreational Officer and I really enjoyed it.

Sadly, only a few years after moving to Pt Lincoln I suffered a back injury, which prevents me from working.

I do voluntary work with a group of people who are elderly, doing activities and have found the whole atmosphere most enjoyable. I would thoroughly recommend to anyone to give their time to this type of volunteer work, the rewards of seeing the happiness on the faces of these I work with is most gratifying.

Peter Davies

I was a full time carer for my wife for nearly 3 years before she passed away at Easter 2008. After working in travel and tourism for 37 years I thought I would like a change and assist people with problems, as I was now well aware of the issues facing people with disabilities trying to manoeuvre through today’s society.

An advertisement for volunteers at UnitingCare Wesley caught my attention and an enquiry had me visiting Byron Place. It was daunting at first, but I now enjoy my work there two mornings a week, especially now that I know most clients by name and I feel I have trust and they are happy to discuss everyday matters with me.

Volunteering has helped me realise that by giving some of my time I can help others, but at the same time I am learning more about life and problems facing society.

My reward for volunteering is when a client comes up and thanks me for assisting them.

Ray Gleeson

When I scaled down my work commitments in 2005 it was the appropriate time to consider a new interest with an aim to give something additional back to the community which had been good to me over 56 years in the workforce.

Although still being involved in other community matters when I became aware that Aldersgate was seeking assistance, the role of working with their residents appealed to me. I immediately noted that professionalism of Aldersgate Management and Staff and the respect and compassion they show to their Residents. Despite having worked for many years with the general public, it and been an enjoyable learning process in this new role.

Guidance and training has always been readily provided together with that from other wonderful volunteers. My main role has been with 'The Men's Club'. Interacting with such a wonderful group of men from such diverse experiences and guided by Aldersgate Lifestyle Staff and the facilities provided has been most fulfilling. The residents have shared with me appreciation in our one on one group activities.

In life one only gets back what you put in. I can say with sincerity that whatever enjoyment I have been ale to give the residents, to see smiles on their faces is ample reward.

May I recommend others to become volunteers at Aldersgate and be part of great team where opportunities are available for volunteers to assist in roles relevant to their interest and life experiences.

Nessie Faulkner

In 2004, Lindsay, my husband retired from full-time placement ministry within the Uniting Church. My whole life changed. I was no longer 'The Minister's Wife'. I now needed to arrange my free time to suit my new lifestyle. I decided to give myself time for exercise, art, craft, family and friends. I also felt it was important to share at least one day in service for others.

It was fortunate that we came to live near Aldersgate as I had spent some time in the past working with other Uniting Church Aged Care Services and it seemed right that I should volunteers across the road at this Uniting Agency. Being accepted as a volunteer has been a real joy for me and has enriched my life. Immediately I had well over 100 new acquaintances to call friends.

At first I helped in Lifestyle. This meant going on outings, to the movies, luncheons, picnics, river cruises, and bus trips as well as singing, laying games and cooking. What a time I had! When Rev. Jim Winn, our Chaplain, asked for help in the Chapel, because of my Christian background, I thought it may be time to offer there. It was difficult to give up all that fun I had been having although now I find I am able to share individually with my friends at Aldersgate. This is a great privilege for me.

Thank you for allowing me to be a volunteer and to enter your home. I hope my involvement is as beneficial to Aldersgate as it has been for me.