THE Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is celebrating 30 years of supporting seniors in our community.

To celebrate this milestone they have launched an e-resource called ‘30 years of friendship’.

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This resource captures a snippet of the many stories of friendships that have developed from the Community Visitors Program.

“We encourage people to enjoy a light read and a smile by reading some of these stories,” Di Woods, Manager at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre told News Of The Area.

The e-resource is available at www.chnc.com.au/services.

The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) across Australia recognises that most people want ‘someone special’ in their lives.

Older community members also want to connect to friends in their community.

Some, however, may be quite isolated and may not have family close by.

The Community Visitors Scheme matches volunteers on a one-on-one basis with a person living in an aged care facility.

The volunteer then visits regularly.

Through the relationship which develops, loneliness and isolation are reduced in an older person’s life.

“We tend to forget that many older people have not grown up with technology,” said Di.

“One in four Australians is not confident or able to use technology.

“So while many of us use a range of ways to connect with family, friends or services, for some seniors this creates a divide and a disadvantage in connecting with their community.”

Community Visitors come from all walks of life.

They’re of all ages and genders.

“One of our volunteers has been visiting a lovely man for several years, who is now 108 years old.

“They share stories and have a good laugh.”

Community Visitors are people who enjoy spending time, listening or sharing with seniors in our local community.

They have a little spare time and can make a regular, ongoing commitment.

Each volunteer is linked with a specific person who often shares similar interests.

Some go for coffee, some play chess, some share stories or chat about sport, kids or their other shared interests.

“We have one lovely lady who enjoys chatting, who was in the Army in her younger years, but who now struggles with her mobility, who we would love to connect with a visitor.

“Unfortunately, with Covid, she has been quite isolated for some time.

“If you may have some spare time to meet with her, we would love to hear from you,” invited Di.

The beauty of the program is that volunteers don’t need to have a lot of time, they can visit once a week or once a fortnight for as long or short as they have and at a time that suits them, which doesn’t have to be the same time or day necessarily, so it’s an easy fit for anyone wanting to volunteer.

Volunteers may have previously lost their own parents, and very much value the importance of being part of someone’s life.

Community members who want more information about getting involved, or seniors or families who think they or their loved one would benefit from having a visitor, can find out more information about the program downloading a brochure from chnc.com.au/services or by contacting Di on 02 6648 3663 or at cvscoffs@chnc.com.au.

By Andrea FERRARI