St John Volunteers - Supporting and Empowering People in our Communities

1. St John Community Care St John Volunteers -Supporting and Empowering People in our Communities Presenter: Vanessa Leane Support Partner Empower Sustain Flourish

2. The meaning and impact of isolation and languishing • 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 “Some old people only have lines” Max aged 96

3. St John Coordinators: Support and Empower Seeking to Understand • Why, What and How? • Focus on what a client can do and would like to do with the support of volunteers Discovering and Matching • Why and What is important and of value for both Max and Amy? • Creating a intergenerationalmatch and opportunity which fulfils needs and desires.

4. St John Volunteers Supporting and Empowering Flourishing Communities OUR STORIES 437 volunteers 534 clients Support Partner Empower Sustain Flourish

5. 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

6. 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 “Irene is an absolute inspiration”Joyleen “We actually never stop talking”Irene

7. Kiara and Pauline • It is so rewarding – to be a part of Kiara’sjourneyof 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 “Sosoul filling” Kiara

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 fulfilling Justin- Volunteer + Shirley “Helping Shirley (learn computer) is the best birthday present I could have” Justin

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Richard and Sally I 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.

16. 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

17. 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