Volunteering can open doors – just ask Mitchell Leedham.
He’s yet another person who started volunteering at Uniting AgeWell and who is now employed at the organisation as the Lifestyle Assistant at Newnham Community Aldersgate Village in Tasmania.
It’s National Volunteer Week, and time to publicly give heartfelt-thanks to all our volunteers, for their endless work and tireless energy in enriching the lives of older people in the community.
The theme for this year is The Change Makers which celebrates the power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of the Australian community.
Uniting AgeWell General Manager Tasmania Jane Johnston says, ”this theme rings true for us, where inclusion is a core value underpinning everything we do. With a long history of volunteer support, Uniting AgeWell’s services have grown and flourished; a vital contribution we recognise and appreciate.”
Volunteering is certainly a pathway into finding a permanent role. Jane says “It’s understandable, really. One of the pre-requisites for working at Uniting AgeWell is kindness. And you have to be a special, kind person to volunteer.”
One year into the role, Mitchell thinks his decision to volunteer two days a week with the lifestyle team at the facility was the best one he’s ever made.
Towards the end of 2021, Mitchell was busy with his Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Sport when he applied to volunteer at the site.
“I loved it from the get-go,” says Mitchell. An opening came up, he applied for it, and the rest is history.
The 22-year old brings his own brand of fun to the older residents. He enjoys introducing them to new technology and chatting about pet fish (he owns a few!)
And while he’s very happy just where he is, Mitchell is excited about the career opportunities in aged care. “It’s great that working in aged care is not only meaningful, but also a good career move. It’s the best of both worlds.”
There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available at Uniting AgeWell.
Click the link below or call 13 93 75 to see how you too can enrich the lives of older people – and your own!
Learn more about volunteering with Uniting AgeWell