Connections to combat loneliness – Age Concern volunteer managers making a difference
Today is International Volunteer Managers Day and Age Concern is celebrating its own wonderful volunteer managers.
“Volunteers and their managers are vital to Age Concern, and support our work in many different ways. Our Accredited
Visiting Service coordinators manage over 2,000 dedicated volunteer visitors aged from 18 to over 90, who make a huge
difference in the lives of lonely and socially isolated older people throughout New Zealand” said Age Concern CEO Ann
Martin today.
Andrea Billingsley, the Tauranga coordinator, says, “Our volunteer visitors make such a difference that it’s challenging
to fill the gap when a really great volunteer visitor has to step back from their role. It’s important to respond
quickly, as the older person can come to really rely on their weekly visit, and the friendship and support that the
volunteer provides.”
Andrea adds, “I love the job. The best part for me is going out to assess the older people. I want to make a good match
with the right volunteer, so I often spend an hour at the first interview learning about their lives, their jobs, their
loves. Quality matches can sometimes last for years, and we screen and train volunteers carefully at the beginning, so
that we find people who are willing to commit to the role.”
Today organizations across the globe will be celebrating their Volunteer Managers and the wonderful contributions they
make.
To volunteer for Age Concern, visit our website at www.ageconcern.org.nz or call your local Age Concern.
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