In the lead-up to National Volunteer Week (18-24 May) Social Futures is acknowledging the vital role volunteers play in fostering inclusive communities and supporting vulnerable people at its Lismore Supported Temporary Accommodation hub.
Former Social Futures employee, Cathy Serventy, has combined her passion for education and community to create a free library for residents, featuring fiction, non-fiction, teenage and children’s books donated by local supporters, including the Lismore Library. Now retired and with some extra time on her hands, Cathy runs weekly story-time sessions, using books, songs and musical instruments to create an engaging space for children staying at the hub. She says volunteering boosts her own mental health, social connection, and well-being.
“This community has given me a lot since we moved here, so it’s nice to give a little back,” she said.
Cathy said one of the greatest rewards has been seeing children and families feel comfortable, connected and ready to take their next steps.
“I get so much out of it,” she said. “It’s keeping me interested, keeping me out in the community, and keeping my brain active. And I get a lot of gratitude from doing it. Often, that’s the way it is with volunteering, you get out of it much more than you put in.”
Photo: Cathy started the Storytime with Cathy group
The local Lismore Country Women’s Association (CWA) Evening Branch is also providing support, with members assembling thoughtful comfort bags for women staying at the accommodation site. The bags include essential toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene products and tissues, helping make each person’s stay a little more comfortable and dignified.
The initiative reflects the branch’s strong focus on supporting vulnerable women and children in the community through practical care and connection. Jo Kilburn said the decision to support Social Futures was a meaningful one for members.
“We like to have a focus once a year on a specific program, particularly to do with women, vulnerable women, and children,” Jo said. “The members vote on which initiative they would like to support for the year, and this cause received 99% of the votes.”
“At CWA we really believe it is through collective action and care for each other that we create thriving, happy communities,” she said.
Jo said volunteering through the CWA also creates a strong sense of fellowship and shared purpose for members.
“Our group, in particular, is more about fellowship and companionship,” she said. “We meet in the evening over a shared dinner, which sometimes involves a glass of wine or two, and we kind of blend what’s happening in the community with what we can do to help the community, as well as focus on our fundraising goals.”
Photo: (Front L to R) Sonia Wylie and Jo Kilburn (CWA) (Back L to R) Elizabeth Oliveri (Social Futures) and Susan Upton (CWA)
Social Futures is inviting more locals to share their skills and time. Senior Manager Accommodation Services, Lucie White, says there are plenty of ways in which community volunteers could contribute.
“New volunteers could run activities or classes. It could be something practical, like teaching people to make healthy meals using an air fryer, or someone might like to run a trivia night once a month or do art and craft, or mindfulness or stretching classes.”
By dedicating just an hour or two a month, volunteers can help residents learn new skills and enjoy moments of much-needed fun during a challenging time.
“It is incredibly cathartic for people who have been through so much to know that their community cares and has their back” Lucie said.
More than 75 people have been accommodated at the Lismore site since it opened in April this year with nine people moving onto permanent accommodation in the area.
Volunteering opportunities could include running arts and crafts classes, stretching and meditation classes, air fryer or microwave cooking classes, trivia or other games.
If you are interested in volunteering with one of Social Futures temporary accommodation sites in Lismore, Grafton or Tweed Heads please contact Lucie White at [email protected] or call 1800 719 625.
To learn more about joining the CWA please go to www.cwalismorerooms.org.au or email [email protected]
