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Multicultural Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)

What is the Community Visitors Scheme?

This free program provides the opportunity for isolated clients to receive a suitable voluntary community visitor who can talk to them in their own language. With the community visitor speaking the same language as the client, the isolation caused by the language barrier is broken and therefore the resident has an improved quality of life through social contact. Multicultural Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) volunteers make regular social visits and provide companionship and friendship to residents of aged care facility or people living in their own homes that are socially isolated or lonely, and would benefit from a friendly visitor. The CVS also helps to establish links between people living in aged care homes and their local community.

Who can have a community visitor?

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) persons in the Macarthur region who are either living at home or residing in an aged care facility, and who are lonely or socially isolated. This can include residents who have few visits from family or friends and/or have communication or mobility issues.

Who can make referrals?

Anyone can make a referral to the Community Visitors Scheme. If you know someone who is living at home whose quality of life would be enriched by friendly visits, please contact our CVS Coordinator. If the person is residing in an aged care facility – please speak to the residential home’s management team about the program. The residential management team should identify people who may benefit from a visitor and refer them to FOCUS Connect. Once contacted, FOCUS Connect endeavours to match residents with a visitor who speaks their language and understands their culture.

What do community visitors do?

A community visitor will regularly visit the resident they are matched with, at least once a fortnight. The visitor and the resident may read, chat, do crosswords, reminisce or listen to music, watch TV together or go for a walk.

How can I become a community visitor?

FOCUS Connect welcomes volunteers to participate in this program. If you are bilingual and interested in volunteering please feel free to call the Community Visitors Scheme Coordinator to discuss getting involved.

For more information or to make a referral please call 02 4627 1188.

Funded by myagedcare

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