Mick discovers a new passion through volunteering

Mick loves keeping busy and is no stranger to giving back to his community.

As an overseas textile business owner, he’s volunteered on various school boards, acted as a P&C president, coached junior soccer clubs, and ran programs to support fathers in his local school.

But despite all these activities, Mick found that he still longed to do something to support older Australians. That’s where Silverchain’s Community Connection Volunteer Program came in.

Mick joined the program five years ago and is currently supporting one client, Theo, with regular social visits to help him stay connected with others. As a chatty person he enjoys spending time with people and helping them get out and about and not feel alone.

He’s seen Theo for over four years now, and in that time they’ve built a strong relationship where they can talk about anything and everything. The two of them usually have a coffee and chat in Theo’s home, but have started going out to various coffee shops with the warmer weather.

“This volunteer service helps me get out more and to meet new people,” says Theo. “Mick is a great volunteer, and I am very lucky to have him.”

Mick is also grateful to the program for opening doors to pursue further experience in aged care with a focus on supporting people with dementia.

“I’m now studying my Certificate III in Aged Care and Disability Support, and have also studied and passed three courses on dementia,” says Mick.

Volunteering with Silverchain not only allowed Mick to give back to his community and make a lasting difference to people’s lives like Theo, but also motivated him to find new interests and passions to pursue.

If you want to see where volunteering can take you, you can click here to visit our volunteers page or contact our team at volunteer@silverchain.org.au.