Celebrating the vital work of volunteers

National Volunteers Week is an opportunity to recognise the contributions of our wonderful Silverchain volunteers who provided essential support to our clients. With a team of 140 volunteers, we are able to offer additional support and companionship to clients who may feel isolated or lonely.  

Silverchain volunteers provide a valuable community connection to older Western Australians. They may drive their clients to medical appointments or the shops, spend quality time with them, or offer a helping hand at our social centres with food preparation, activity support and transport. We also have volunteers who drive community transport buses and others who teach seniors in regional Western Australia how to use technology and stay connected with their families.  

Community transport driver Sam Kane started volunteering with Silverchain after taking early retirement. 

“After getting all those incomplete jobs around the house finished, I needed something else to keep body and mind active. Volunteering has done just that,” Mr Kane said. 

Tech support volunteer Colin Thompson said that volunteering kept him connected to the world, meeting new people and using his mind. 

“I think I probably get more out of volunteering than the clients I work with do.  Being able to break down technology barriers for people that makes their life easier or just a bit more fun is really rewarding,” Mr Thompson said. 

“I get to meet people I never would otherwise and help them to do new things that make them more connected, independent and entertained, it’s very rewarding. I especially love it when I’m faced with a tech issue that I haven't come across before, I get to research a fix and learn something new also.” 

Silverchain offers a range of volunteer roles that can be matched to your skills and interests. You do not need a formal qualification to make a lasting impact in our clients’ lives.  

If you would like to know more information about volunteer opportunities at Silverchain or to register your interest, email volunteer@silverchain.org.au.