Volunteers critical to the provision of aged care and disability services

Mersey Community Care Association (MCCA), is experiencing a steady increase in the number of older Tasmanian’s, requesting support and assistance to remain living in their own homes, for as long as possible.

MCCA has been providing Transport, Home Maintenance, Spring Cleaning and Social Support Services to frail, older people and younger disabled persons, for over 45 years and has established a reputation for providing top quality client services.

The organisation will provide services for client’s and carers living within the Devonport, Latrobe, Kentish and Central Coast municipalities.

The organisation is reliant on the good will of our wonderful team of volunteers, who work at the coal face to provide our much needed services. However, to ensure that the organisation can continue to meet the current demand for services, we are always seeking new volunteers, to join our team.

The geographical area, covered by our service provision, (where our services are provided) is quite extensive (large) and it is not uncommon for clients, living as far away as Cradle Valley and many outlying areas of the Kentish municipality, to request services.

Transport Coordinator, Taylah Court, said, “We are currently experiencing a huge increase in the demand for long distance transport and this has put pressure on the service, as not all volunteers want to drive to Hobart and back in one day”. Taylah went on to say “A lot of our regular volunteers are currently on leave and this has placed additional pressure on the remaining volunteers, with some people driving two shifts per week, or more”.

On the Friday, 31st March, 2017, MCCA will be conducting a volunteer recruiting campaign, at our premises at 167 Steele Street, Devonport, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Volunteer Coordinator, Zara King, is organising a “Volunteer Bring a Friend Day”, but, is hoping that people from the wider community come along and have a look at the volunteer opportunities available.

Information about the services is available and staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. A free BBQ and refreshments will be provided and opportunities to have a look through the building and workshop.

If you are interested in supporting others in the community and you like driving, home maintenance, gardening work, helping out on the bus, visiting a client at home or assisting a client to do their shopping, then MCCA is for you. If you can provide just four hours each month, you will be helping us to make a difference in someone’s life.
Kathryn Edmunds Operations Manager Mersey Community Care Association Inc.