What is the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)?

The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is a Commonwealth Government Program, funded by the Department of Health. Its purpose is to recruit Volunteers who will be engaged to enrich the quality of life of older people who have been identified as being socially, physically, or culturally lonely, socially isolated or has little to no contact with relatives or friends. The Program focuses on clients who are permanent residents of residential home care settings or care recipients receiving a Commonwealth Home Care Package or those approved and waitlisted for either service. Regular visits from a Community Visitor Volunteer can help to improve their quality of life and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The Community Visitors Scheme is a FREE Service.

Who are the Volunteers?

The Volunteers are called Community Visitors and they play a vital role in improving the quality of life of the resident or care recipient through ongoing companionship and friendship to ensure they feel socially connected to their community and have a sense of purpose and belonging.

We welcome Volunteers from all social and cultural backgrounds who are then carefully matched to a resident, group or care recipient who has similar interests and hobbies.

Volunteering as a Community Visitor is a rewarding experience and the life you change could be your own!

How does it work?

The Community Visitor makes a commitment to share their time, a minimum of once a fortnight for an hour, although most devote their time weekly to keep the connection strong, engaging, and positive.

What you both do will depend on the health and mobility of the person/s you are visiting. No nursing or personal care is undertaken, and visits are purely focused on the friendship.

While face to face visits are preferred, during lockdown periods, the Community Visitor is encouraged to keep in contact by phone, letters, video link, postcards, and emails.

What area does the CVS Visit?

The Community Visitors Scheme Aged Care Planning Region is the Mid North Coast that consists of Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Wauchope, Kempsey, Frederickton, South West Rocks, and other surrounding areas on the Mid North Coast.

How do I access a Community Visitor?

A referral is received from an Aged Care Provider, Hospital, Healthcare or Community Worker, family, friends, or care recipient if you are receiving a government subsidised residential aged care or home care package.