Service Learning offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. Volunteering and helping others can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help others those in need and improve your health and happiness.
Unitingcare West
Family Foundation – A safe and welcoming environment supporting vulnerable families; homeless or otherwise, achieve positive outcomes. Through advocacy, case management and material support, parents and children can thrive physically, mentally and psychologically.
How staff can assist:
Education and activities –Supporting school age children with homework and tutoring.
Holiday art/music program
Donating goods – such as first aid kits, sleeping bags, hats/caps, thongs, tents, torches, personal care for women, underwear – adult and children, sunglasses, socks, cash donation.
Family Care Packs i.e. toothpaste/brushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, roll on deodorant, razors, moisturiser, comb/hairbrushes.
Kids Packs eg. colouring pencils, books, cuddly toys.
Pamper Sessions eg. Hand/foot massage, haircuts.
Accommodation vouchers eg. 2 nights hotel/motel/caravan park.
Tranby Day Centre – A service centre which engages people experiencing homelessness to identify and achieve a range of immediate goals. Through advocacy, referrals, case management and material support clients are supported in achieving positive outcomes.
How staff can assist:
Attending the facility early morning to assist with breakfast preparation and service. Engage with clients.
Donating goods - such as first aid kits, sleeping bags, hats/caps, thongs, tents, torches, personal care for women, underwear, sunglasses, socks, cash donation, refillable water bottles, razors/shaving cream, tee-shirts etc.
Donating old clothes, blankets, sleeping bags etc.
Family Group Homes – Residential therapeutic care for children and young people affected by abuse or neglect. Children reside in a shared home with carer.
How staff can assist:
Holiday day outing with 2-4 children.
Food Rescue- Alleviating hunger by rescuing perishable food and delivering it to disadvantaged, vulnerable people in Perth. Food is collected in a chilled food cart in the city from participating cafes, supermarkets and restaurants in the Perth CBD by volunteers and returned to the central point where a refrigerated van collects it to distribute it to emergency relief agencies.
How staff can help:
Volunteering to participate on an established roster regularly or at intervals such as school holidays.
CATA – Creative Arts Therapy Activities
CATA provides creative and therapeutic activities, support and respite for people with disabilities and their carers. The group offers social contact and recreational activities in a safe, friendly and supportive environment, fostering dignity and respect. The group programs offer opportunities to develop potential, which may help prevent inappropriate institutionalization.
How staff can help:
Volunteering to assist with outings such as ten pin bowling, picnics, movies etc.
Volunteering time to interact with clients while supporting them to participate in music therapy, art, craft, woodwork, cooking etc.
VIP – Valued Independent People
Valued Independent People provides support and services to people with a disability. The service offers individualized programs with the person central to the planning. Clients attend the service any number of days per week, depending on their program, participating in recreational, social and physical activities.
How staff can assist:
Volunteering during their holidays to participate with clients in various activities at the centre or attend external outings with the client and support worker.
Red Cross
Soup Patrol - Soup Patrol is a mobile food service for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, socially disadvantaged, or on very low incomes. It is a ‘no questions asked’, volunteer-delivered service operating in Perth and Fremantle 7 nights a week, 365 nights a year. St. Stephen’s School is currently on roster once a month to do the Perth run.
How staff can assist:
A group of three staff members to be prepared to join a roster to assist with the Perth run. Currently it is once a month but the more staff we have participate the more we can assist. Red Cross are always running short of volunteers to fill the roster.
It is as simple as packing the van with essential items, collecting the soup from Hollywood hospital and attending two stops to serve those requiring a meal. The total amount of time taken is approximately two and a quarter hours.
Blood Bank - People of all walks of life need blood products. Some need it to get them through a serious event in their lives, like cancer or a dangerous pregnancy. Others have medical conditions which mean they need blood products regularly to stay alive or be healthy.
Join other staff members to regularly donate blood/plasma or platelets at the local centre of the Blood Bank. Can attend as a group booking or make individual appointments. Blood and platelets can be donated every three months and plasma every two weeks.
** There is an eligibility criteria.