Vast is a government organisation that supports Home and Community Care (HACC) services across Eastern Sydney. These services provide quality support to people who are frail aged or with a disability and their carers. They rely on the support of volunteers to maintain these valuable services.
VAST has two roles:
- To recruit, train and place volunteers within HACC services.
- To provide training and support to HACC workers.
VAST covers five local government areas: Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra, Botany and City of Sydney.
See "Publications" for VAST's 2010 Training Calendar (December-June) and Volunteer Jobs Available
What if I Volunteer?
If you volunteer, you are offering a few hours of your time to help a person remain independent and stay within their community.The amount of time you give is entirely dependent on you. This may be a few hours a week, fortnight or month. Some positions may be short term, others long term.
What Can VAST Offer You as a Volunteer?
- A range of Volunteering opportunities
- Free volunteer orientation training
- Opportunity to learn new skills
- Being involved with your local community and meeting new people
- You can make a REAL difference
Commonly asked questions about voluntary work:
- Can I volunteer in my local area? ...Yes
- What training is provided for volunteers? ...Lots, speak to a VAST Coordinator
- Are there opportunities for on-going training?...Yes, in many different fields
- What are the types of work available? ...See some ideas below
- How many hours do I work? ...This is up to you
- Do I need a car? ...No
- Do I work alone, with one other person, or in groups? ...Flexible
- Can voluntary work provide skills that will help me get a paid job? ...Yes
What Are The Types of Volunteer Work?
- Home visiting (social support)
- Driving the person to the bank, a doctor's appointment or visiting friends etc.
- Administration support in the HACC agencies
- Respite care (giving carers a break)
- Shopping assistance
- Assisting with recreational activities
- Food/meals distribution, eg. Meals on Wheels
- Tutors and teachers
What is Volunteer Training?
The Volunteer Training runs for 1 full day and covers a variety of topics to help you become familiar with HACC services and their clients.
- What is Home and Community Care
- Volunteer rights and responsibilities
- Confidentiality
- Duty of care
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Working with older people
- Communication skills
- Cultural diversity
- Working with people with varying abilities
- Stress management
How to Conatct Us
You can contact VAST:Tuesday to Thursday and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm and Wednesdays 9am - 12 noon
Please phone or email the VAST Co-ordinator to make an appointment to discuss the many volunteer positions available.
Telephone: 9349 8200
Email: vast@jnc.org.au
A copy of our brochure is available on the Publications page.
