Red Cross wants volunteer helpers

The Australian Red Cross is looking for volunteers in the Peninsula area for its Hands On Care service.

"Australian Red Cross' Hands On Care provides companionship, hand care and facial massage to clients in nursing homes, hostels and frail-aged friendship programmes throughout the Central Coast," Australian Red Cross regional fundraiser and PR coordinator Ms Amber Edwards said.

"We would like to invite anyone who would like to meet new people and enhance the lives of the vulnerable, through the Hands On Care program to become a volunteer.

"No experience is necessary and training will be provided.

"The training program goes over two days and covers practical sessions in hand care and massage, infection control, administration, working as a volunteer, working with the elderly and people with a disability and information on the many activities and services provided by Red Cross.

"It is really sad for our clients when their regular volunteers at a centre go on holidays and we do not have any one to take their place."

Ms Edwards said the contribution of time by volunteers would be greatly appreciated and they would be amazed at what a difference their involvement would make.

"So many of our volunteers, current and retired, are enjoying their time skiing that we need people who can fill the holes."

Ms Edwards said that anyone who had previously done the Cosmetic or Hands On Care training would be particularly welcome for morning tea.

Ms Edwards said the Australian Red Cross was also introducing a new program to provide companionship and foot-leg massages to patients while they are having haemodialysis.

"Patients attend dialysis three times a week for between four and six hours," Ms Edwards said.

"Many of the patients are men and this is an opportunity for some men to become involved in the Hands On Care service of the Australian Red Cross.

"Full training on the massage procedure, infection control, working as a volunteer will be covered.

"There are two dialysis units at Gosford hospital and one at Lake Haven.

"We hope to be able to attend four sessions each week at each unit and we will need at least three volunteers per session."

Sessions are Mondays and Thursdays from 10am or 3pm for two to three hours.

Telephone Vicki Langley, Hands On Care Coordinator on 4324 3411 or email vlangley@redcross.org.au for more information.

Press release, 26 Mar 2007 Amber Edwards, Australian Red Cross