Volunteering at Bethlehem
Volunteering is at the heart of Calvary Health Care Bethlehem
In 1941 six Sisters from the Little Company of Mary purchased the old Berklea Hospital in Caulfield to to further their Mission of ‘Being for others’ and tend to the sick and the marginalised. Working with volunteers from the local community they established what is now known as Calvary Health Care Bethlehem. Since that time, volunteering has remained integral to the care of the people and communities we serve. The continued generosity of our volunteers and donors helps us keep alive the Vision of Venerable Mary Potter.
Today, our volunteers dedicate their time across three areas:
Volunteers are matched to services that draw on their unique skills and interests. Volunteering can be ongoing or short-term.
All volunteers are automatically part of our Friends of Bethlehem and receive regular newsletters and updates about what we are doing as well as invitations to events.
To hear about the volunteer roles we are currently recruiting to, please contact our Volunteer coordinator at [email protected]
We believe that volunteering is more than just giving. It also brings joy, purpose, satisfaction, and growth to those who volunteer.
“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” – James Matthew Barrie (author and playwright, creator of Peter Pan)
If you have something to offer, no matter how big or small, we’d love to hear from you.
The next recruitment period for Volunteers at Bethlehem will be in the second half of the year. For more information about volunteering at Calvary, please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Lindy Shaw on
03 9834 9568
How to apply
To apply to become a Calvary volunteer:
Qualities looked for in a volunteer:
- Reliable and responsible
- Positive approach to life
- Sensitivity and understanding
- Tact and discretion
- Non judgemental
- Sense of humour
- Team player
Volunteers need to be respectful of others values and beliefs.
All prospective volunteers have a selection interview and attend an orientation program. References and a police check are required.
Following the orientation program each volunteer receives induction into the role they will perform. Volunteers are provided with mandatory training in fire safety, manual handling and infection control.
Aims
- To provide training to ensure volunteer workers gain insight, knowledge and skills relating to Palliative and Aged Care Services.
- To provide volunteer workers with the information required to work safely in a health care environment.
Training
Training includes an introduction to Calvary’s Mission, Vision and Philosophy and an overview of:
- Calvary’s Services
- Palliative and Aged Care Services
- Patient contact and role of the volunteer
- Development of effective communication skills when speaking with patient and family members
- Physical, emotional, social and spiritual issues that people can encounter when in hospital
- Basic information about Grief, Loss and Bereavement
- Role description and the boundaries of patient relationships for the volunteer worker
- Rights and responsibilities of volunteering
Gather My Crew: Crew Volunteers (currently only available in Bayside, Greater Shepparton, Yarra Ranges) https://www.gathermycrew.org.au/connect/
Be The Ripple: a collaboration with Neighbourhood House (currently only available in Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne Region) https://www.betheripple.com.au/referrals
Community Visitors Scheme: friendship and companionship for older people (anyone receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or Home Care Packages, including while on the waiting list) https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/community-visitors-scheme-cvs-flyer
We are grateful to our many volunteers who dedicate their time to enhance the care we offer our patients, their families, friends and the community.
With care and compassion, we work together, as part of Calvary,
supporting the healing, hope and nurturing of all communities through ‘being for others’.
