The Community Visitors Scheme is an on-going social support program providing companionship to those living in a Residential Aged Care Facility or those receiving a Home Care Package.

This Program supports vulnerable and socially isolated individuals through on-going weekly or fortnightly visits from our culturally and linguistically diverse volunteers. The Program provides group support or one-on-one companionship.

The Community Visitors Scheme aims to provide: 

• Connection to cultural community
• Increased independence, which leads to improved self-esteem and self-confidence
• Enhanced enjoyment when living at home or within an aged-care facility
• Enhanced quality of life.

Each individual is matched with an SMRC volunteer, with consideration given for language, culture, ethnicity, interests and experience. The Program is free and is provided weekly or fortnightly via face-to-face visits in the home, phone/video calling, delivery of greeting cards, email or digital communication.

The Community Visitors Scheme is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Health.

Read the heart-warming stories of volunteer visitors and older people across organisations in ACT. NSW and VIC under the Community Visitors Scheme.