“We get on like a house on fire.” Debbie Larkings could visit Robyn Eggleston at the Niola Nursing Home in Parkes again when the stay-at-home orders were lifted.
“It means everything to me. It makes my week.”
This is how much Robyn Eggleston (73) looks forward to a weekly visit she gets from Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) volunteer Debbie Larkings. Debbie takes her on drives and visits, but the stories and laughter they share are what gives their time together so much meaning.
“I just like it – from the stories they tell to how much I learn from them,” said Debbie, who also visits other people as part of her volunteer work with Neighbourhood Central.
“I would recommend it to anyone. The experience and enjoyment you get out of it is just priceless,” said Debbie. “It makes you feel so much better helping others. It is like a domino effect, it’s so good for everyone involved.”
Neighbourhood Central is looking for more volunteers to join the CVS program. Val Mann said it only entailed a visit or phone call (during lockdown) once a fortnight to provide friendship and companionship through visits to residential aged care individuals who are isolated or at risk of social isolation or loneliness.
“The only requirement is that the volunteer needs to have a pretty stable life to make a long-term commitment to be able to see the person regularly.”
If you are interested contact Val at cvs@ncentral.org.au.