Who can join?
Anyone who receives government-subsidised residential aged care or a Home Care Package, and is socially isolated.
What's involved?
Companionship and connection through 1 on 1, face to face with a volunteer visitor.
Location
ACVVS operates in the North, North-West and South of Tasmania.
Cost
ACVVS is a free service.
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ACVVS participants
Val
My volunteer visitor will take out for a walk, I love being by the water. He'll push me in the wheelchair, I'm happy for him to do all the hard work while I enjoy the outing and company.
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Dottie
Without ACVVS I would miss having a real visitor. I have my phone, I have contact but we can talk about anything and it is lovely. He’s so kind and so gentle, that’s what I think.
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Why join ACVVS?
What's the difference between Chats and ACVVS?
ACVVS has a focus of isolated individuals who live in a residential aged care facility or have an assigned Home Care Package.
Chats provides support under the entry level Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the Tasmanian Home and Community Care Program (HACC).
Both programs however provide 1-on-1 or group support, depending on the individual.
What sort of training do volunteers have?
Our volunteers have been equipped with the knowledge required to provide appropriate companionship. Additionally, they have undergone necessary checks prior to becoming a volunteer with the program.
For more information, contact:
ACVVS volunteers
Louisa
"I have been volunteering with Lifeline's ACVVS program since December 2021, which was when I met Marilyn. At the time I was new to the area so I wanted to meet new people and get involved with social activities. Volunteering seemed like a good place to start and it turned out to be a great decision.
Making an older friend who has a wealth of wisdom and life experience is enriching on many levels. We have a number of interests in common and share some very intellectually stimulating conversations.
The other reason why I appreciate the program is because it has given me the opportunity to contribute to the community and gain some experience with mental health support, which is the field of study I am undertaking. Having this experience is an opportunity to find out if I am any good in this field and if I can see a future in it. This is easily one of the best decisions I have made so far."