St John Volunteers - Supporting and Empowering People in our Communities Support Partner Empower Sustain Flourish Presenter: Vanessa Leane St John C ommunity C are

The meaning and impact of isolation and languishing Some old people only have lines Max aged 96 Ageing cohort, living longer, alone, increasing frailty and or disability Emotional loneliness Social isolation Social exclusion – Sensory deprivation – Loss of confidence – Boredom – No value – No purpose > Despair

Seeking to Understand Why, What and How? Focus on what a client can do and would like to do with the support of volunteers St John Coordinators: Support and Empower Discovering and Matching Why and What is important and of value for both Max and Amy? Creating a intergenerational match and opportunity which fulfils needs and desires.

St John Volunteers Supporting and Empowering Flourishing Communities OUR STORIES 437 volunteers 534 clients Support Partner Empower Sustain Flourish

Valerie and Colleen Valerie is lovely It has been good to be a part of helping Long time friends Colleen – Volunteer Disconnected Colleen is brilliant Go, see, potter, do together Made a good friend Helped me reconnect Valerie Colleen has given me a BOOST in SELF CONFIDENCE Valerie

Irena and Joyleen We really enjoy each others company I help her in ways that she needs We talk a lot about her Polish dishes Joyleen – Volunteer She walks with me, helps me I am extremely lucky I have a sense of purpose We have a lot of fun-together Irena We actually never stop talking Irene Irene is an absolute inspiration Joyleen

Kiara and Pauline It is so rewarding – to be a part of Kiaras journey of rediscovery I am amazed to see the growth and change in Kiara Pauline - Volunteer We are so compatible We explore Beautiful, Exciting, Relaxing, Peaceful So nice to feel cared for and accepted Kiara So soul filling Kiara

Robin, Victor, Magdalene and Pas Footy showdowns Concerts Foreign films Conversation Care Tutoring Computer Being a Friend Pas is wonderful, wonderful and so patient Magdalene

Kristen and Ashley Working with Kristen has been an amazing experience and has allowed me to see life through a whole new perspective Ashley – Volunteer I never resented what happened to me. After all, it has to happen to someone! Now, I just make the most of what I have! Kristen- Volunteer Kristen is a volunteer for St John Community Care and Hampstead Rehab Hospital If I could volunteer everyday, I would Kristen

Beryl and Georgie I have come to value the older generation- the wisdom, knowledge…behind every face is a story – dig deep and you will find their true meanings! It was important to her, to feel heard and be reminded that her life was of significant value and a lesson to all. Georgie is marvellous – so patient…I am thrilled to bits with my story Beryl

Wojceich and Justin We talk - He knows so much about everything Opened a whole new world for me I am a part of his journey - I find that very fulfilling Justin- Volunteer + Shirley Helping Shirley (learn computer) is the best birthday present I could have Justin

Phyllis and Lorraine I have really enjoyed getting to know Phyllis, always look forward to seeing her and am very conscious that women of her generation who have lived their lives with such humility, gratitude and community spirit are becoming rarer with each passing day………. Lorraine- Volunteer I am really amazed with it all! Phyllis

Ida and Daniel Daniel is learning from the experience, wisdom and insight from Ida… Greater sense of self-worth and connectedness The smiles on both Ida and Daniels faces Deputy Principal Josh Vick Daniel will sometimes bring me flowers His parents are very pleased He has truly come a long way Ida It is wonderful to help him and he is helping me Ida

Arthur and Kim We sit and chat… we go shopping together I really enjoy my time with Arthur Developed a trusting relationship Assist him in buying his handicrafts so that he can continue to create gifts to give away Kim Kim understands me She lifts a weight off my shoulders Makes me feel as if I can go on She lifts you.. it is fantastic Arthur

Richard and Sally I had the privilege of reading and editing Richards story with encouragement/understanding. He persevered and I have been rewarded for the hours spent – to see him achieve his goal! I have a new lease of life Richard + Dot and Jean Privilege of interviewing, recording and writing the life stories of two women. Weekly visits to transform memories into a treasure- a gift of everlasting presence.

First Aid in Schools Melissa and St John volunteers are providing hands on, vital experience to learn First Aid in schools Empowering 6,000 children in 2013 Informative, fun, fantastic, inspired children to become volunteers! Teacher

Conclusion: Flourishing Communities How the support of St John Community Care volunteers reflects a strength based, strategic empowerment approach Creating flourishing resources – Individual – Community A Gift of Value Support Partner Empower Sustain Flourish