Briony Lia always planned to volunteer when she retired.
"Looking at my skills and experience, the CVS felt like the place where I could give my time and make a real difference," she said.
Now, she is one of the many generous South Australian stepping up to support people with disability through the CVS, which will undergo a major expansion later this year.
Regulations have been implemented to expand the scheme, extending its scope beyond state-run disability services to include people living in private and non-government accommodation.
Community visitors, like Briony, are trained, independent volunteers who visit people with disability and mental illness to check on their wellbeing, listen to concerns, and help ensure their rights and care needs are being upheld.
This expansion will strengthen oversight and safeguarding for more South Australians. It also means many more volunteers are needed.
If you have empathy, life experience, good communication, and report writing skills you are encouraged to put yourself forward to advocate for others.
Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including health, education, government and community services, and use their experience to act as independent advocates.
"If you are able to advocate [for people] by listening to their story and giving them a voice you can influence service provision and change, as well as changing something during an inspection that may seem simple," Briony said.
"I still feel very passionate about this service and not only what I am able to contribute, but the sense of purpose and belonging I receive from such a supportive organisation."
Principal Community Visitor Anne Gale agreed: "The work community visitors do is both vital and deeply rewarding, offering meaningful connection while improving the lives of others."
Find out more at communityvisitorscheme.sa.gov.au (external site) or call 1800 606 302.
MORE STORIES LIKE THIS
