Volunteering at AnglicareSA’s Elizabeth East Residential Aged Care site for two days a week is about more than just supporting the residents for Mollie – it’s also developing her self-confidence.
Each week, Mollie, 19, joins other volunteers at Elizabeth East to support the residents with activities and social interaction all with a friendly smile and good conversation.
“When I finished high school and I was looking into joining the workforce, I felt like I wasn’t quite ready for it,” Mollie says.
“So, I looked into volunteering, and someone suggested I come here to Elizabeth East, and it has been the best thing as it has really improved my social skills.”
Mollie and her fellow volunteers support the team at the busy aged care site helping residents with regular activities and checking in on them to see how they are and if they want to get involved.
“I also like to ask about what they’ve been up to, anything they want to talk about really and once they’re out amongst the activities of the day I like to encourage them to join in and get involved.”
I just love how confident volunteering has made me just by talking to people and doing things by myself because they’ll say ‘OK, this is your job today, can you please go and do this’ and I’m like ‘OK’.
It’s that social interaction that inspires Mollie to continue volunteering, mixing it in with her part-time employment where she works on her own.
“It really helps me get up in the morning and get out and about talking to people because I do notice that when I’m not spending time interacting with others it can affect my social skills.
“I just love how confident volunteering has made me just by talking to people and doing things by myself because they’ll say ‘OK, this is your job today, can you please go and do this’ and I’m like ‘OK’.
“Plus, as a young person I have an opportunity here to gather so much free life advice,” she adds with a smile.
Volunteers play a vital role in the day-to-day running of a residential aged care site, and Customer Wellness Coordinator for AnglicareSA’s Elizabeth East and Dutton Court sites, Tracey Wyatt, says Mollie is no exception.
“Mollie is such a great volunteer with a gorgeous personality,” Tracey says. “Mollie will happily do any task that is assigned to her and especially enjoys doing hand pampers and painting the ladies’ nails.
“She is so valued at Elizabeth East and even though she has a part-time job out of the kindness of her heart, she continues to volunteer when she can.
“Residents have a great rapport with Mollie, and nothing is too much trouble for her.”
At AnglicareSA, we’re proud to have around 300 volunteers who give their time to support people in need. Volunteers are an integral part of our support services — their generosity and commitment enable us to deliver a broad range of services to the South Australian community.
You can Register Your Interest online by clicking here, or alternatively view our current volunteer opportunities here.