Abstracts & Presentation Summaries - Department of Health

Why the client needs assistance to socialise
To encourage and motivate
To establish what their interest are
To hear about their life experiences, personality, culture and social history
To know who they are.
Volunteer Support
All DoCare volunteers go through an orientation process.
1. Interview
2. Compulsory comprehensive information sessions
3. Police check
4. Verbal reference check
They receive:
Position Description
Detailed Handbook – specific to each Program
Certificate of Attendance – detailing Session topics
HACC Guidelines
Insurance details
Bus-driving session with Instructor
The on-going support of the Social Groups Manager.
Before matching a volunteer driver or facilitator to a group, the manager meets with
each volunteer. The personality and communication skills of the volunteer play an
important part in how they interact and contribute in group situations. They need to
be able to work as part of a team – be available to listen to concerns, deal with any
problems on an outing – be a friend AND most importantly – HAVE FUN!
The team dynamics can make or break a Group.
Organisational Support
DoCare’s strength lies in what I call ‘the parallel tracks’. Both equally important,
mutually beneficial, separate – but in partnership.
OPERATIONAL – The ‘How’ we do it
Vision, Philosophy, Culture
Skilled professional Staff
Policies and Procedures
Evaluation / Monitoring
Trained, supported volunteers
WARM FUZZIES – The Outcome for
the client
Satisfaction, Fulfilment
Quality of Life
Fun, Friendship
Good health & well-being
Motivation
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