Recognising our volunteers

This week is National Volunteers Week! It’s so important to recognise the role of our wonderful volunteers who help us support people with a disability.

Paola is a volunteer from the NSW South Coast.

PAOLA Galletly says being a volunteer has been a very positive experience for her.

“Once a week I spend time with one particular person,” she said. “I look forward to our time together. It’s a highlight for me.”

We support thousands of people with a disability throughout NSW, offering employment, education, training, accommodation and social programs.

Ms Galletly decided to try out as a volunteer after seeing an advertisement in the South Coast Register about a year ago which called for people to work with those with a disability.

“I know I wanted to contribute something to my community. I wanted to spend my time usefully,” she said.

Ms Galletly thinks volunteer work is something people should do if they are given the opportunity.

“I was looking for work when I first volunteered, but now that I have a job I still spend time once a week with my friend.”

She said she and her friend might go to the football, or shopping, or go for a walk or sometimes just sit and talk.

“She is quite self-sufficient, and enjoys company.”

She said her time as a volunteer had helped her understand how important it is to consult with people with a disability.

“Volunteer work with House with No Steps (now Aruma) has made me step outside of my comfort zone; before this I had not had much to do with people with a disability.”

Volunteer co-ordinator Wendy Ford said the Shoalhaven needed more volunteers like Ms Galletly.

“We don’t advertise that often, but we’re always looking for help.”

Ms Ford said some volunteers work one-on-one with people with a disability, others with more than one, and some worked in a group environment.

“We would like people to think about donating some of their time to help us out. It’s a fulfilling experience for the volunteers.”

Ms Ford said May 12-18 was National Volunteers Week and a good time for people to consider helping out.