Alzheimer's Australia Acknowledges Volunteers during National Volunteers Week

Alzheimer's Australia Acknowledges Volunteers during National Volunteers Week

Alzheimer's Australia Vic extends its gratitude to the more than 120 volunteers who contribute invaluable time and experience enabling the organisation to provide vital counselling support to Victorians living with dementia.

'Our volunteers are the back bone of our organisation, in fact we were founded by committed volunteers more than 25 years ago and that commitment has only grown since then, Alzheimer's Australia Vic CEO, Maree McCabe said.

'The theme of this year's National Volunteer Week, -Volunteers – Every one counts' is absolutely fitting for those who volunteer with our organisation."

Alzheimer's Australia Vic has a dedicated volunteer program that trains those who join to become National Dementia Helpline advisors, assist in role play during education courses and various administrative and supporting tasks.

'For many, our volunteers are the first contact they have with Alzheimer's Australia Vic.
'With most of our volunteers being former carers and clients, they are able to lend a supportive, understanding ear based on experience and the wider training we provide that enables the Helpline to act as an essential gateway to all the support and services available to those living with dementia and their families.
'Most of our carers volunteer because they want to give back after receiving our support and advice during the challenging times dementia can present, Ms McCabe said.

'National Volunteers Week provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to all those Australians who volunteer.
'Our volunteers are truly an inspiration and I thank them"

National Volunteer Week runs from 14th to 20th May 2012.
For those needing support or information about dementia the National Dementia Helpline is 1800 100 500 or visit www.fightdementia.org.au/vic

Image: The 2012 intake of dementia Helpline advisers - from left to right Louise Crosby, Margot Dorum, Linda Macleod, Anne Williams, Hyacinth Salosa, Sylvia Tarraran, Alice Cheung, ,Anne Varley, seated Caroline Giomi and (absent Elsa Lau and Mary Wilson).