Volunteering with MCHS

Volunteers are an extremely valued resource at Merri Community Health Services. The involvement of committed individuals in supporting a range of programs helps widen the skill base of the organisation, extend the reach of programs and fosters social connectedness among our community.
MCHS has a growing number of volunteers engaged in various activities to support our clients in the following program areas:

Health promotion volunteers lead walking groups, are involved in gardening and assist with administrative tasks in the office.
Allied Health volunteers assist in the area of fitness, as peer leaders of tai chi, chair based exercises and water exercise classes.
Activity Programs for older people and people with disabilities benefit from the social support provided by volunteers engaged in these activities.
Exchange program supports clients with mental health issues to reintegrate in the community. Volunteers assist in various psychosocial based activities such as art, creative writing and music.
Interchange North West is a program that provides respite for parents who have a child with a disability. Volunteers provide one to one support by being ‘matched’ with a child with a disability. Recreational group based activities are supported by volunteers on Friday evenings and Saturdays.
Supporting Connections supports clients of the program on a one to one basis with unmet health and social needs to access the community.

Volunteer Achievements

Maria Rosa Bonacci Rocca won the 2010 Minister for Health Volunteer Award in the category for Outstanding Individual Achievement – Primary Health Services. The Victorian Minister for Health, Hon Daniel Andrews MP, presented Maria with her award at Parliament House. Maria is passionate, caring and extremely dedicated to supporting and engaging vulnerable members of our community. She commenced with MCHS in 2004 as a participant in a therapeutic grief and loss group. When the group ceased, she enhanced her group work knowledge and skills enabling her to continue to provide support. The group has since evolved into the Italian Ladies Friendship Group. Maria thoroughly enjoys contributing to the develovpment of inclusive communities and it shows, well done Maria!

The Honouring Women in Moreland Awards recognise the important contributions of women in Moreland in the areas of social justice and the well being of our community. These Awards are open to all women who live or work in Moreland in recognition of their leadership in areas of politics, business, advocacy and community. We congratulated our Volunteer Angela Vidic for winning the 2010 Award in the Youth Category. Angela has been an exceptional young volunteer with MCHS and other organisations, coordinating walking programs, diabetes awareness raising and programs that promote better social inclusion and well being.

Testimonials

What did volunteers have to say when asked, “What it is about volunteering with MCHS that is most enjoyable?”

“Being able to help out a family and also being able to bring a smile to a child’s face... I enjoy being with the kids and it also makes me appreciate my own family even more” Bryalee (Interchange North West – Recreation Volunteer)

“I like helping people and enjoy the friendships” Maria (Italian Pensioner’s Group)

“ I enjoyed learning new things, meeting new people and helping make a difference in people’s lives. I enjoyed interacting and doing things in a productive and healthy garden.” Christian (Stewart Lodge Wellbeing Project – Garden)

“Meeting new people who join the group and going for the walks is enjoyable; I am committed to it.” Lin (Walking Group Leader)

Become a Volunteer

MCHS prides itself on its core values and our commitment to innovative and forward thinking. If you have specific skills that you believe you can offer in a different way to what is currently available at MCHS, we are open to discussing new ideas which may be beneficial to the community.
If you are interested in volunteering, please download and complete an application form and submit. Once your application has been processed, a Coordinator of Volunteers will contact you for an interview.

All volunteers must undergo a mandatory Police Records Check. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to clarify some details regarding the process including the identification you will require in order for the police check to be processed effectively. Anyone who would like to work with children must also undergo mandatory Working with Children Check.
If you require further information, please phone (03) 9388 9933 and ask for the Coordinator of Volunteers.