St John Volunteers -Supporting and Empowering People in our Communities

Support Partner Empower Sustain Flourish

Presenter: Vanessa Leane

St John Community Care

The meaning and impact of isolation and languishing

“Some old people only have lines” Max aged 96

• Ageing cohort, living longer, alone, increasing frailty and or disability

• Emotional loneliness• Social isolation• Social exclusion

– Sensory deprivation– Loss of confidence – Boredom– No value – No purpose

> Despair

Seeking to Understand • Why, What and How? • Focus on what a client can

do and would like to do with the support of volunteers

St John Coordinators: Support and Empower

Discovering and Matching

• Why and What is important and of value for both Max and Amy?

• Creating a intergenerational match and opportunity which fulfils needs and desires.

St John Volunteers

Supporting and Empowering Flourishing Communities

OUR STORIES 437 volunteers

534 clients

Support Partner Empower Sustain Flourish

Valerie and Colleen • “Valerie is lovely” • It has been good to be a part of

helping• Long time friends

Colleen – Volunteer

• Disconnected• “Colleen is brilliant” • Go, see, potter, do together • Made a good friend• Helped me reconnect

Valerie

“Colleen has given me a BOOST in

SELF CONFIDENCE ”Valerie

Irena and Joyleen • We really enjoy each other’s company• I help her in ways that she needs • We talk a lot about her Polish dishes

Joyleen – Volunteer

• She walks with me, helps me • I am extremely lucky • I have a sense of purpose• We have a lot of fun-together

Irena

“We actually never stop

talking”Irene

“Irene is an absolute inspiration”Joyleen

Kiara and Pauline • It is so rewarding – to

be a part of Kiara’s journey of rediscovery

• I am amazed to see the growth and changein Kiara

Pauline - Volunteer

• We are so compatible• We explore • Beautiful, Exciting, Relaxing, Peaceful • So nice to feel cared for and accepted

Kiara

“So soul filling” Kiara

Robin, Victor, Magdalene and Pas

• Footy showdowns• Concerts• Foreign films• Conversation • Care• Tutoring Computer • Being a Friend

“Pas is wonderful, wonderful and so patient” Magdalene

Kristen and Ashley “ Working with Kristen has been an

amazing experience and has allowed me to see life through a whole new perspective”

Ashley – Volunteer

“I never resented what happenedto me. After all, it has to happen to someone! Now, I just make the most of what I have!”

Kristen- Volunteer

• Kristen is a volunteer for St John Community Care and Hampstead Rehab Hospital

“If I could volunteer everyday, I would”

Kristen

Beryl and Georgie “I have come to value the older generation- the

wisdom, knowledge…behind every face is a story – dig deep and you will find their true meanings!”

“It was important to her, to feel heard and bereminded that her life was of significant value and a lesson to all.”

“Georgie is marvellous – so patient…I am thrilled to bits with my story”

Beryl

Wojceich and Justin • We talk - He knows so

much about everything • Opened a whole new

world for me • I am a part of his journey

- I find that very fulfillingJustin- Volunteer

+ Shirley

“Helping Shirley (learn computer) is the best birthday present I

could have” Justin

Phyllis and Lorraine

“I have really enjoyed getting to know Phyllis, always look forward to seeing her and am very conscious that women of her generation who have lived their lives with such humility, gratitude and community spirit are becoming rarer with each passing day……….”

Lorraine- Volunteer

“I am really amazed with it all!” Phyllis

Ida and Daniel • Daniel is learning from the

experience, wisdom and insight from Ida…

• Greater sense of self-worth and connectedness

• The smiles on both Ida and Daniel’s faces

Deputy Principal Josh Vick

• Daniel will sometimes bring me flowers

• His parents are very pleased• He has truly come a long way

Ida

“It is wonderful to help him and he is helping me” Ida

Arthur and Kim • We sit and chat… we go shopping

together • I really enjoy my time with Arthur• Developed a trusting relationship• Assist him in buying his handicrafts

so that he can continue to create gifts to give away Kim

• Kim understands me • She lifts a weight off my shoulders • Makes me feel as if I can

go on

“She lifts you..it is fantastic” Arthur

Richard and SallyI had the privilege of reading and editing Richard’s story withencouragement/understanding. He persevered and I have been rewarded for the hours spent – to see him achieve his goal! “I have a new lease

of life” Richard+ Dot and Jean Privilege of interviewing, recording and writing the life stories of two women. Weekly visits to transform memories into a treasure- a gift of everlasting presence.

First Aid in Schools

Melissa and St John volunteers are providing hands on, vital experience to learn First Aid in schools Empowering 6,000 children in 2013

“ Informative, fun, fantastic, inspired children to become

volunteers! Teacher

Conclusion: Flourishing Communities

• How the support of St John Community Care volunteers reflects a strength based, strategic empowerment approach

• Creating flourishing resources – Individual – Community

• A Gift of Value

Support Partner Empower Sustain Flourish