More volunteers are needed across many of these groups and initiatives, including the Riverina Community College’s (RCC) Community Visitors Scheme (CVS).  

Leeton CVS co-ordinator Kathy Murphy said the program was in desperate need of volunteers to help continue its vital work. 

“The CVS aims to improve the quality of life of aged residents that are lonely or socially isolated by matching visitors to a resident using common interests and backgrounds to achieve the best outcomes for both residents and visitors,” she said. 

“The existing CVS program provides a one-on-one visit by a volunteer to a recipient in an Australian government subsidised aged care home.”

RCC has been granted an expansion to the current program that will extend to group visitation within an aged care facility. 

This would mean a volunteer could visit with two or more residents at the same time. 

The new program also includes one-on-one visiting by a volunteer to a community member within private homes as part of the home care package.  

Mrs Murphy said being a volunteer was rewarding. 

“It’s something I do myself and I find it to be a really great experience,” she said. 

“The residents you visit with just love it. 

“They enjoy the company. 

“You don’t have to do too much. You can sit and read to them, have a chat or just a cup of tea or coffee. 

“It’s definitely a worthwhile experience.

“We don’t want to take anything away from the many other great organisations and programs, but we are in desperate need of volunteers for this program.”

For more information about the program contact the Leeton RCC office on 6953 6957.