Chinthiya Jansz laughs that while Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with roses, chocolates and romance, it was the start of an enriching new relationship in her life: becoming friends with an 81-year-old lady.

That was the day that Sri-Lankan-born and raised Chinthiya started her role as a social connections volunteer at Uniting AgeWell. She’s been with us for two months and she’s already seen how volunteering can enhance her life and the lives of those around her.

From the moment she walked into Denise’s Bayswater home, Chinthiya knew their friendship would be something she would cherish. “We got on well from the start,” explains Chinthiya. “We chat about all sorts of things: gardening, our families and our hobbies, what’s on television … You name it, we talk about it.

Denise receives individual support at home This means that Chinthiya is a special social support to Denise during the week. Shetakes Denise to Bunnings or out for coffee. Whatever she would like to do to remain connected to the community around her.

The enjoyment goes both ways. “I’m loving the whole experience to be honest,” says Chinthiya. “I see her every second weekend, and I really look forward to it. Visiting Denise also gets me out of my house and instead of just chilling and lazing around, I get out and about in the community. It’s an opportunity for me to enjoy new experiences too.”

It also dovetails with a new career direction that Denise is looking forward to. Working in aged care. She currently works in the electrical industry and early next year completes her Cert III in Aged Care and Disability. “I’d love to work with older people,” she says. “It’s a career with heart.”

Chinthiya has a big heart. She and her 20-year-old daughter live in Ringwood – the rest of her family is back in Sri Lanka. “I’m finding this volunteering experience enriches my life,” she says. “It’s a great feeling to know that it is enriching Denise’s life too.”

Chinthiya found the onboarding process at Uniting AgeWell easy ad relatively quick. “It’s not difficult, and I know that it is a necessary part to becoming a volunteer.”

Now that she’s met Denise, Chinthiya is looking forward to the many connections she will form as she enters the aged care workforce. By volunteering, she’s had a great headstart!

If you have room in your heart and your schedule like Chinthiya, you could be our next volunteer. Uniting AgeWell would love to hear from you! Call 13 93 75 today.