Services

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS), previously known as the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is funded by the Australian Government, to support quality friendship matched between volunteers and older people living in residential aged care facilities or receiving a Home Care Package.

The Scheme recognises that most people want ‘someone special’ in their lives and that connection is essential to an individual’s wellbeing, especially later in life. Older community members still want the opportunity to connect to friends in their community but the scheme acknowledges that some may be  isolated and not have family close by.

Who can get involved as a Community Visitor?

Our volunteers come from a broad range of different backgrounds and give of their time for various reasons.  All are understanding and kind with a caring heart and willing to listen; important attributes that contribute to being a great aged care volunteer visitor.

To join the volunteer team, no experience is needed and volunteers receive training to understand the requirements and responsibilities of their role, which supports them to undertake  their volunteer role with confidence. All volunteers receive support from the ACVVS Project Co-ordinator.

The benefits for the recipients are many; they have regular, positive visits to look forward to, can share their stories and participate in activities, feel valued and active members of the community. The visits bring joy to their lives and ensures their twilight years are enhanced by the wonderful friendships made.  

The program is of incredible value to volunteers too. Many volunteers do not have connections with older people because of distance, older people passing away or other reasons, therefore the connection with an older person also brings joy to the lives of our volunteers and they are provided with a new dimension of experience in their lives and a greater sense of satisfaction by giving their time to enhance the life experience of another person.

For more information about becoming an Aged Care Volunteer Visitor, please contact your local ACVVS Co-ordinator on 02 66 48 3662 or email: acvvs@chnc.com.au

Legal advice

Free legal advice is available every second Thursday evening from 5 pm.

Hugo is a local solicitor who volunteers his time. Everyone can access this service.

Advice can be given on a range of issues, including family law, power of attorney/guardianship, wills, neighbourhood law and some criminal matters.

Bookings are essential. Appointments are currently over the phone.

Help to fill in forms

If you need help to understand or fill in forms, writing a resume or letter, or setting up a new phone or computer, someone from Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre can help you. We have helpful volunteers available to assist you.

Appointments are required.

Digital Mentor Training

Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre provides FREE digital mentor training to community members to improve their skills to be able to help community members and clients who are not confident or able to navigate or connect using technology as they would like. This training builds a combination of digital skills and techniques to support others. Anyone can train as a digital mentor. Providing training to people who are able to support broader community members aims to improve equity of access to services and ensure everyone can remain connected to their community.

If you wish to broaden your digital mentor skills, contact lauren@chnc.com.au

The workshop covers

• overview of Be Connected program,
• safety online
• barriers people can experience and strategies to help overcome them
• inclusive learning

Craft group for carers

Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre Carers Craft Group is a not-for-profit group. New members are always welcome!

Community members come together to work on craft projects of their own and other projects for the community. It is the perfect opportunity to share your passion, enjoy time with others who also enjoy a range of crafts and collaborate to bring joy or support to others.

Sharing their time and skills is very much appreciated. Just a few of the projects this amazing group have worked on include masks for the Centre’s Bright Sparks Learning Club, knitted items for newborn babies and infants and various Christmas cards and gifts for volunteers and local community members. They have been connecting and supporting our community for over 10 years.

Craft group meet at the Centre on Tuesday afternoons from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm.

New members welcome

For more information drop in or contact us.

Support for alcohol or drugs

For individuals:

SMART ( Self-Management and Recovery Training) is facilitated by Mid North Coast Local Health District on Thursday afternoons for people who would like support to manage their alcohol or drug use.

SMART is a mental health and educational program that focuses on helping people to recognise and change their own behaviour, thoughts and feelings. It can help them to makes the changes they wish to make including cutting down, ceasing, reducing harm or making lifestyles choices. SMART Recovery emphasises four key areas of awareness and change. These are:

(1) Building and maintaining motivation.
(2) Coping with urges.
(3) Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
(4) Living a balanced life.

For more information contact 02 6656 7936

For Family and Friends:

SMART Family and Friends is a group program that enables people to challenge their own thinking, communicate effectively, seek motivation to change and engage in self-care.

It is based on self-management and recovery training. It provides strategies to stay safe, seek support, problem-solve and set goals.

It provides a safe space for families, partners and friends, where they are supported and surrounded by others who may be experiencing similar concerns and issues.