For many older Australians, loneliness isn’t just an occasional feeling — it’s part of everyday life. With families moving away and friends no longer around, staying socially connected can become difficult.
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The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is a free, government-funded program designed to change that by matching volunteers with seniors in need of companionship.
The program has been running for 30 years and was originally known as the Community Visitors Scheme before being rebranded in 2017. It supports older Australians receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or Home Care Packages, offering them regular visits, phone calls or letters from volunteers.
For many participants, it’s not just about having company — it’s about regaining a sense of connection and belonging.
Stacey Watt has been the program officer for the ACVVS for 18 months. She finds the role rewarding, filled with moments that remind her why she loves what she does: helping people connect.
“A lot of seniors become isolated, lonely,” she said.
“Family moves away, their friends pass away and the government noticed that it was a huge problem, especially in residential facilities.
“They noticed that there was a real need for people to get that human connection.
“It makes a massive difference.
“One recipient was in a pretty bad way.
“He was isolated, wouldn’t leave the house, and since being placed with a volunteer, he’s now like completely changed his outlook on life.
“He’s opening his curtains.
“He’s getting involved with services.
“He’s enjoying life again.
“I had a recipient, she was crying and hugged me.
“She couldn’t stop thanking me enough that I found her a friend.”
When volunteers come on board, Stacey catches up with them over a coffee to get to know them, to ensure a meaningful match with a resident.
With just an hour a fortnight (minimum) and a police check covered by the organisation, it’s a simple way to make a big difference.
“There are no special skills (to have in order to become a volunteer),” Stacey said.
“We provide all the training — it’s just a short training (online or in person regarding) requirements with reporting abuse.
“I catch up with (new participants) once they sign up, and I find out as much as I can about the volunteers: their interest, their hobby, previous work, where they've lived, and then that way, I can really match them to the recipient, and they've got the best chance of a genuine friendship forming.”
The activities residents and volunteers get up to are varied: some go for a coffee, some go for walks and some even go fishing.
“We’ve had a volunteer with us for 30 years and one of our volunteers has been matched for just over 10 years,” Stacey said.
For volunteers such as Sharon Billings, the program has been a rewarding experience. She first came across an ad for the service in The News and thought it was a great idea.
She contacted Stacey in 2019 and started volunteering then. Since she started, she’s had a total of eight friendships.
“Our elderly face social isolation, and this (program) prevents that — it gives them someone to look forward to,” Sharon said.
“It’s so important that we give back to the community; if we can just spend some time with them (the elderly), they’re just fantastic.
“This is a service that provides great friendship, companionship.
“Stacey is great at matching every one of my clients.
“She’s matched me beautifully (with) every single person — we’ve got along like a house on fire.”
Sharon has been paired with Patricia Nanninga for a year.
“You get back so much more than you give, like the joy on their face when you arrive,” Sharon said.
“(When Sharon is coming for a visit, Patricia) is literally waiting in the doorway.
“She’ll say ‘you’re the highlight of my week’.
“We’ve got a really firm friendship (with) Patricia — she’s my friend.
“I’ve just gelled with Patricia and are great mates — just constant text between us.
“We laugh and laugh and laugh — it’s a lovely thing to have.
“Got nothing to do with the volunteer: she’s my mate.”
Patricia is visually impaired, and welcoming someone into her life was a significant step, but connecting with Sharon is a decision she’s glad she made.
“Being vision impaired, there’s not a lot of things that you can do; like, I can’t sit there and read a book or write a letter or I don’t cook for myself,” Patricia said.
“It’s just brilliant the help that you can get if you’re open to it and willing to take a chance.
“And trust, and trust.
“Trust is a big thing, especially when you can’t see to allow people to come in and be with you.
“(Sharon) is just (an) awesome lady, and I look forward to my visits from her on a Friday every fortnight — she's just wonderful.
“Sharon is so bubbly and so light-hearted with everything; you can’t help but smile and laugh with her.
“Even if you’re feeling a bit down for a start, you feel jolly good when she comes around and sad to see her go.
“To have someone like that come in and just sit and talk, make you laugh, take you out for coffee.
“She’s just a brilliant lady and so special to me — we have lots of laughs.
“She’s very outgoing, telling me stories about her family and what they’re doing, about her garden, and has helped me in a lot of ways.
“I haven’t been well, and she was just a highlight in my life — and she still is.
“I just can’t wait for Fridays to come around.
“If you’re open to allowing someone to come in and talk to you and for you to tell your story as well — it’s very, very special.”
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is open to older Australians living in aged care facilities or receiving a Home Care Package, including those on the waitlist — at no cost.
Referrals can come from anyone, whether it’s family, friends, healthcare professionals or even the individual themselves.
Becoming a volunteer doesn’t require experience or qualifications, just an interest in connecting with others. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support, making it easy to get started.
Whether you’re looking to make a new friend, brighten someone’s day, or simply give back to the community, this program is a chance to make a real difference. A conversation, a shared moment or a regular visit can have a lasting impact.
To get involved or find out more, call Stacey on 0437 245 107 or 1300 843 236, or email acvvs@thecentre.vic.edu.au.
Cadet journalist