Australian Red Cross Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme

Australian Red Cross is a volunteer-based organisation that exists to reduce human suffering. With 110 years’ experience and a community of 20,000+ members and volunteers, we act locally and connect globally to deliver what’s needed, when it’s needed most. Across Australia, more than 1,000 people in their 70s, 80s and 90s have been paired with a volunteer through our buddy program, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. It’s been running for 30 years and is part of an umbrella of support to help older people stay well, connected and independent. Having good social connections is essential for all aspects of your health, especially as you get older. Red Cross can support you to improve your social connections by matching you with a friendly volunteer for a regular visit.

What is the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme?

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is a free service where a Red Cross volunteer visits you regularly to spend time together.

You can:

* have a cup of tea

* have a chat and a laugh

* read together

* watch sport

* play cards

*listen to music

or do another similar activity that you both enjoy.

Is this program for you?

Red Cross volunteers visit people who:

* live in an aged care home, or

* live at home and receive a Home Care Package, and

* don’t have regular contact with family or friends and would like a regular visitor – someone to talk to and spend time with.

About the service

You will be matched with a caring and friendly Red Cross volunteer

All Red Cross volunteers have undergone training and police checks

Volunteer Impact 

You’ll be part of the Red Cross Aged & Community Care team that works to support older and vulnerable people across Australia. 

As a visiting volunteer, you will brighten the life of an older person experiencing loneliness by offering them friendship and social connectedness.

You will have the opportunity to learn from their unique history and knowledge, and they will have the opportunity to learn from yours.

As well as feeling the satisfaction of giving back to others, you’ll also be gaining a friend. 

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is funded by the Australian Government.

Australian Red Cross

Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme

Ph: 1300 440 813

Email: ACVVS@redcross.org.au

Secondary contact:

Belinda Rowe

0472 973 690

browe@redcross.org.au