Brightwater Buddies
Brightwater Buddies contribute to the Brightwater community in numerous ways. Our Buddies give their time to contribute to the social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of our residents through social connection.
Brightwater Buddies are here to support our residents and build strong friendships, to make a difference to our resident’s lives by adding something special to their day.
Brightwater Buddies need to have their flu vaccination (compulsory) and we recommend they receive all of their COVID-19 vaccinations (recommended).
Volunteers can access additional training as and when they need, for areas including dementia, dysphagia, safe movement, communication, and driver competency.
And of course, ongoing support will always be available to our Buddies. If you are looking for student placements – please contact our Learning and Development team at [email protected].
How you can volunteer
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1:1 Buddy
We all crave social interaction and our 1:1 Buddies provide companionship to our residents. 1:1 Buddies are matched with a resident who has similar interests for regular visits.
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Sunshine Callers
Sunshine Callers bring joy into the lives of seniors with regular calls to those living at home.
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Activity Buddy
Activity Buddies take part in activities such as tabletop games, reading, reminiscence chats, gardening and pet therapy.
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Spiritual Support Buddy
Spiritual Support Buddies provide pastoral and spiritual support to enhance the thoughts, beliefs and wellbeing of our residents.
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Site Support Buddy
Site Support Buddies can provide maintenance, hairdressing or manage our mobile libraries.
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Virtual Buddy
Virtual buddies are our pen pals. We partner a Buddy and resident together to share letters.
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Other
There are many other ways people can volunteer. Get in contact to discuss how you may be able to volunteer.
Getting started
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Complete the Expression of Interest
Complete the Expression of Interest form located on this page. The more detail, the better!
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Keep your phone handy
Our Volunteer Services team will contact you to find out more about your interests, skills, availability and goals, to see if you are suitable for our Brightwater Buddies Volunteer Program.
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Get checked
If you’re happy to join our Brightwater Buddy team, you’ll need a simple reference, Police and NDIS Workers Screening Check. Brightwater Buddies also need to have their flu vaccination (compulsory) and we recommend they receive all of their COVID-19 vaccinations (recommended).
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Be matched
If you are suitable, you will be matched with one of our residents and sent a link to complete our online orientation session to learn more about our Brightwater and our Brightwater Buddies Volunteer Program.
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On-site induction
If you are volunteering in-person, once all checks are received, we’ll arrange your onsite induction.
Apply now
Partner in Care
The Partner in Care program enables visitors to continue visiting our aged care and disability homes safely during infectious disease outbreaks.
A partner in care is a person who has a close and continuing relationship with one of our care home residents, such as a family member, loved one, friend or representative.
Family and friends make important contributions to the wellbeing and safety of residents in our care homes, and our Partner in Care program allows for ongoing regular contact between residents, family and friends.
The program is available to all Brightwater residents, and each resident will be able to have one nominated partner in care.
Find out more