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.
