By volunteering, you can help to make significant contributions within your local community through building interpersonal relationships, providing hands-on assistance, fundraising to assist those in need, building social capital, and raising awareness of organisations and charities.

There are many opportunities currently available to Clarence Valley residents to become volunteers.

Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) offers a volunteering program which enables participants to provide comfort and social support to patients during their hospital stay.

Following the success of the initial rollout of the new Healthcare Helper Volunteer Program across health facilities in the Clarence Valley, GBH has now opened up new roles in additional departments.

General Manager of Clarence Health Service Dan Madden said staff readily welcome and value the contributions volunteers make within the hospital.

“We have been very pleased with the first cohort of volunteers and are encouraging more people from all walks of life to join us as Healthcare Helpers,” he said.

“We are keen for the new volunteers at GBH to reflect on the diversity found within our broader community to ensure all patients feel comfortable and supported.

“We have several new patient companion roles now available in our oncology, renal, surgical, and medical wards.”

Ellie Walsh, who volunteers at Maclean District Hospital, said she finds giving assistance to both patients and staff very rewarding.

“Having the opportunity to help hard-working staff while supporting patients during their stay and recuperation is a privilege,” she said.

“Seeing a patient smile in recognition, to laugh with them, to listen to their stories and help time pass more quickly, enriches my life.”

Or further information, please visit www.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/volunteering

Volunteer enquiries about GBH can be directed to the General Manager’s office via email at nnswlhd-volunteer@health.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 02 6643 0355.