FOOTPRINTS Community is drawing attention to the social struggles seniors face, such as isolation and loneliness, by promoting their Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). ACVVS is a government initiative aimed at reducing feelings of social isolation and loneliness in older adults by matching volunteers with like-minded recipients for face-to-face social visits, with volunteers providing friendship and companionship.
The initiative includes a one-hour-per-fortnight commitment, with flexible time arrangements, to support older people in feeling less lonely by either chatting, going for a walk, or completing an activity together, with the goal of making a new, genuine friendship.
“What gives us the most satisfaction is the many feel-good moments we have when matching a volunteer to a recipient and hearing how well the visit went and that the next visit is booked in,” they said. The ACVVS is just over a year old, having started in July 2023, servicing the South East Queensland region.
The small team of Remi, Shana, and Johanna provide person-centred, holistic support services, delivered through their values-based organisation, with a skilled and engaged workforce. The Footprints Community organisation strives to create an inclusive community where individuals can maintain an independent lifestyle of their choice.
They are open from 8am to 4:30pm at 2/5 Hasking Street, Caboolture, or visit their website www. footprintscommunity. org.au. Email ACVVS@ footprintscommunity.org.au or phone 1800 366 877.
