Volunteering SA&NT calls for more volunteers to help address shortage brought about by the pandemic

At the height of the pandemic last year, two out of three volunteers stopped volunteering. Many have not returned, prompting a plea for people who can, to give up their time.

South Australia is facing a shortage of volunteers to undertake essential work, following the loss of thousands of volunteers during the pandemic.

At the height of COVID-19 last year, two out of three volunteers stopped volunteering.

Most of these volunteers were temporarily stood down, and as programs returned, many have chosen not to go back to their roles.

Organisations, which were already dealing with a 7 per cent decline in volunteer numbers in 2019/20, are now finding it difficult to re-engage or recruit volunteers.

Volunteering SA&NT chief executive Evelyn O’Loughlin said if numbers continued to drop, organisations that relied on volunteers “face the serious concern of a dramatic reduction in their programs and services”.

“For essential services, like those within the health and disability sectors, the consequences would have a detrimental impact on the individuals and communities they support,” she said.

Ms O’Loughlin said that during the pandemic, older volunteers and those in vulnerable groups stopped giving up their time to help.

She said that younger people did step forward, however with other commitments such as study and sport, often did not continue in the role.

“The pandemic gave many people the opportunity to reassess their lives and with more time on their hands, many people turned to new hobbies or chose to spend quality time with family

members,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

“It provided the opportunity to take life a little slower, and with that, some people have re-

prioritised their lives, with volunteering taking on a new dimension.”

Volunteer photographer Fumika Takagi with Guide Dogs SA/NT volunteer Howard Duchene and Guide Dog JoJo. Picture: Dean Martin

She said the way people volunteered had also changed, with people wanting more flexibility.

“It’s time to start the discussions and to reinvigorate volunteering,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

Organisations most in need of volunteers are those in aged care, sports groups, op shops and the “helping services”, such as home visits and meal services.

Fumika Takagi moved to Australia from Japan in 2019 to study photography at TAFE SA.

Soon after, she approached Volunteering SA&NT about helping out with taking photos, to refine her skills and give back to the community.

“I was so nervous but everyone was so nice,” Ms Takagi said.

She said a bonus of volunteering was that it had led to paid work.

The call for more help comes in the lead up to National Volunteer Week, held annually to thank Australia’s tireless volunteers.

The week will be launched on Monday, May 17 with a volunteer parade that will start at the Torrens Parade Ground and travel along King William Street to Victoria Square.

People are invited to line the streets to cheer on the volunteers from 11.15am.

The #colouryourcommunityred social media campaign will again being held as part of the celebrations, which encourages everyone to wear red or decorate their homes, offices and businesses in red.

City and regional buildings, including Parliament House, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Convention Centre and the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre at Mount Gambier, will also be lit up red.

Students happy to lend a hand in the kitchen

Helping prepare meals at a volunteer kitchen has ignited an enduring passion for community service for teenagers Tameka Joseph and Shaylee Wood.

It’s hoped other young people will follow suit and also line up to volunteer.

The Paralowie R-12 School students have been rolling up their sleeves to help at the Salisbury Meals on Wheels branch.

As well as gaining accreditation towards the VET Certificate III Health Services Assistance course, the students have gained insight into the critical role of volunteers.

Meals on Wheels volunteers Shaylee Wood and Tameka Joseph. Picture: Mike Burton

Meals on Wheels SA chief executive Sharyn Broer said it had never been more important to promote community service, particularly among the next generation, with many charities in urgent need of assistance as demand swelled post-COVID.

“Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your lifetime,” Ms Broer said.

“Our volunteers enrich the lives of our clients, many of whom are disadvantaged and seeking social connection.

“Our branches across the state are in urgent need of more volunteers, particularly drivers and deliverers, and we must also look to the future.

“It’s vital we attract volunteers of all ages and walks of life to keep up with the growing demand for our services. I’d urge anyone who has some hours to spare to contact us.”

For Year 11 student Tameka the experience has highlighted the pressing demand among society’s less fortunate for support services.

“When I leave school, I would love to continue volunteering. It’s an interesting activity to do and gets you out communicating with people in the community, talking and following instructions,” she said. Classmate Shaylee has plans to volunteer or work part-time in a caring role while studying paediatric nursing at university.

“It is a small thing for us to help out, but it can make a real difference in people’s lives so they can stay healthy and live in their own homes,” she said.

Meals on Wheel is looking for more volunteers, for information go to: mealsonwheelssa.org.au/support-us/volunteer