Barwon Health hopes a new DVD will entice more people to consider becoming a volunteer with the health service across the Geelong region.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, today launched Barwon Health’s Volunteer Recruitment DVD, which encourages people from diverse backgrounds to become volunteers for Barwon Health.
“Volunteering opportunities at Barwon Health include work in aged care, hospital emergency areas, and transport, as well as offering companionship and support to patients,” Ms Tierney said.
“Without the efforts of Barwon Health volunteers, many of their vital services would not be able to be provided.
”The Victorian Government is pleased to have provided funding to produce the DVD because research shows that volunteering is an important aspect of all communities.
“Research shows that volunteering delivers many benefits for both individuals and communities.
“For communities, those benefits include improved community wellbeing and more positive social outcomes, such as less crime.
“And for individuals, not only is volunteering about helping others and giving something back to the community, research also shows that people who volunteer report better physical and mental health, as well as better employment opportunities.
“It’s also a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and feel more connected,” Ms. Tierney said.
Barwon Health received $4000 from the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants program to produce the promotional DVD. It was produced in partnership with Diversitat (formerly the Geelong Ethnic Communities Council) and is designed to appeal to people from diverse cultural backgrounds. A recent audit by Barwon Health indicated that its current volunteer workforce is not representative of the community.
“With today being the first day of National Volunteer Week, it’s a fitting day to be launching this DVD,” Ms. Tierney said.
“And being National Volunteer Week, there’s no better time to become involved and participate in your community.”
The 2007-2008 State Budget includes $6 million over four years to improve volunteer programs across Victoria and to help people get involved.
This will include an extension of the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants program and the Community Bus Program.
Since 2004, the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants program has provided $2.4 million in grants to over 750 community projects.
