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The Women's and Children's Health Network (WCHN) has a long history of valuing and supporting voluntary effort within the organisation, and acknowledges the very significant contributions made by volunteers, both past and present. The Women's and Children's Health Network believes that involving volunteers in the provision of its community-based services greatly enhances the relevance of its services available to the community, and enables the organisation to offer a valuable support service to families, which complements existing services.
The Women's and Children's Health Network recognises the importance of engaging volunteers in a well-structured and maintained 'Volunteer Program', and the mutual benefits involved in providing community members with the opportunity to participate in its activities.
WCHN volunteers provided 24,973 hours of service in the 2009/2010 financial period to the organisation equating to $649,298. Within this, community-based volunteers visited 5, 639 new parents in hospitals statewide and made 743 home visits.
All WCHN Volunteers complete a comprehensive training course and are supported in their roles by WCHN staff. Volunteers have an offender history check and sign a confidentiality agreement prior to commencing in their role.
The general volunteer role with children and families
Home Visiting
Volunteers help parents needing support in their own homes due to:
- geographical isolation
- illness or disability in parent
- illness or disability in child
- lack of extended family/social supports
- emotional support
- lack of practical support
- multiple children under five years
- multiple births.
Role description
Home Visiting Volunteer
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General volunteer training programs
Training programs are held throughout the year at both metropolitan and country venues and will be advertised accordingly. Click on the following to view an example of a general volunteer training program.
Example
General volunteer training outline
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Parent Information Volunteer
Volunteers visit parents in some maternity hospitals to:
- promote CYWHS services
- provide information about local WCHN centres and support groups and the Parent Helpline
Participating hospitals at present are:
- Women's and Children's Hospital
- Lyell McEwin Hospital
- North Eastern Community Hospital
- Some country hospitals.
Role description
Parent Information Volunteer
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All volunteers are required to:
- be able to give approximately 4 hours per week
- commit to a minimum of 12 months with our Volunteer programs
- respect client confidentiality
- work within the Volunteer role description
- attend staff development activities as appropriate
- agree to an Offender History Check
- successfully complete a full training course.
Volunteering - the benefits to you
- an extensive training course, learning new skills and building on the life experiences that you bring
- friendship, support and ongoing training
- experience in the workplace and the health system
- public liability insurance
- inclusion in team activities including decision making, information sharing, meetings and celebrations
- ongoing opportunity for you to contribute to your community.
Volunteer Service (community based) Newsletter
Newsletter June 2011 (PDF document - 1mb)
Contact details
For further information about WCHN Volunteers contact Cynthia Baldwin, Manager, WCH Volunteer Service, Community Engagement Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network.
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