When most people scale down their workload, they might take up a hobby or plan to spend extra time relaxing and enjoy slowing down.
But for long term Gisborne local Scott Murray, when he started teaching part-time he saw the move as an opportunity to give back.
“I reduced my load a bit so I wanted to volunteer and I wanted to volunteer in the old age sector,” Scott said.
“My parents are also not around this area, but receiving some support where they live. So it’s sort of paying society back a little bit, balancing out society a bit.”
Scott volunteers through the Macedon Ranges council’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme, which was setup to address social isolation and enhance the wellbeing of older people in the community.
“[What has been] set up is to link possible volunteers with possible people who need or would like or would benefit from a visit,” Scott said.
“That’s usually worked through with the people in the homes and retirement villages and through [council] as well.
“[The scheme] helps out the residents with their social health and hopefully their mental health, [and gives them] the opportunity to interact with different people.
“I think you if you’ve got the time and the availability to do it, and you can see some benefits in helping other people.”
The scheme is funded by the federal government and is free to those eligible. If residents would like to learn more about volunteering there will be an information pop-up at the volunteer expo on Match 16.
Details: shorturl.at/rz078
Zoe Moffatt
