Could volunteering give you a reason to get up in the morning? It did for Jan Williams.
Nine years ago Jan found herself alone and isolated after the death of her husband. She had no social life and her grown children lived far away with families of their own.
When Jan saw an advertisement calling for volunteers for Eurobodalla Council’s Active Living program, it set her on a new path. She now visits others who just need a chat and a cup of tea, or a lift to the shops and appointments.
Jan said it had given her a new lease on life.
“It gives me a reason to get up in the mornings,” she said.
“It has broadened my horizons and I have made new friends. I even met my second husband, who is also a volunteer. Now we work together in transporting people to social outings in the area.”
Council’s Volunteer Development Officer Beth Jewell said more male and female volunteers were needed for the Active Living program, particularly in the Narooma area.
She said the distances between Eurobodalla towns meant older residents could suffer isolation once driving became an issue.
“There are no regular bus routes like in the cities and bus stops are few and far between,” she said.
“Our Active Living volunteers can help people live at home independently for years by providing home visits, social support and community transport.
“We welcome interest from anyone from Narooma to Batemans Bay who would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer. Who knows how much brightness you could bring to someone’s life - even your own.”
For more information on becoming a volunteer, please contact Volunteer Development Officer Beth Jewell on 02 4474 1208 or visit www.esc.nsw.gov.au
Above: Jan Williams has a new lease on life after taking up volunteer work with Eurobodalla Council’s Active Living program nine years ago. She is pictured with one of her clients, Joan McNally. Media Release
