Red Cross provides two services for people who wish to receive a friendly social visit on a regular basis- the MATES program, and the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS).
We can match each client with a volunteer who has similar interests to them and is able to spend time enjoying activities that you enjoy. The programs aim to enrich the independence and quality of life for older people and people with a disability living in the community
Our MATES program works with people who enjoy a friendly face coming to visit them in their home, or to take them out for a visit to trip in their community. Clients and volunteers also hold social groups to share new connections with others in the program.
Our Community Visiting Service (CVS) is a free program works with people who reside in nursing homes or residential care, who would like to meet new people and share a friendly conversation or group activity with one of our volunteers. We can also visit people in their home, or to take them out for a visit to trip in their community, and can provide services to people in South East NSW as well as the ACT.
All of our volunteers are specially matched to each client, and are trained to a high standard. Our volunteers receive consistent excellent feedback from our clients and their families.
The MATES program attracts an annual subscription fee to support the cost of recruiting, training and supporting volunteers. Payment plans may be arranged for self-funded subscribers. CVS is a free service.
To find out more, or to sign up for visiting services, call us on (02) 6234 7663 or email socialinclusionact@redcross.org.au