NOTICEBOARD

Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours

Oozing community spirit, the volunteers at Inner West Neighbour Aid offer their time and skills to make a positive difference to residents’ lives.

Inner West Neighbour Aid has been supporting the local community since 1992. It provides services to help older people, people with disability and their carers stay independent, healthy and connected. A small team of staff work with up to 200 volunteers to support around 700 clients living in Sydney’s inner west.

Aid is provided in many different ways. A team of gardening volunteers, for example, helps residents who are unable to maintain their garden or afford professional gardening services. “I volunteer to help others and contribute to the local community,” says Julie. “We deliver great results for our clients, which makes their day. It’s physical, fun and extremely rewarding.” The gardening team, say clients Roger and Soraya, are “incredible”. “They love gardening and helping people like us — and it shows in their work. They are like family.”

With the aim of helping older residents stay independent and mobile, Inner West Neighbour Aid also provide exercise classes — for the mind and body. These include gentle exercise classes, hydrotherapy, laughter yoga, creative art classes, and brain training. “I get out of the house and make new friends,” says client Max. “I talk with people and enjoy their company . . . and the exercises are good too!” Professional, practical healthy ageing talks are also given on topics such as stroke recovery, anxiety and depression, nutrition, pet therapy, and personal safety.

One of the most popular services provided by Inner West Neighbour Aid are the group outings. The outings — in and around Sydney — help people gain confidence, make new friends, and remain active and visible in the community. “I love the outings,” says Heather. “Getting out amongst people is the best thing — you make wonderful friends.” Among the outings offered are picnics, movies, ferry rides, gardens, galleries, fish-and-chips by the sea, exhibitions, parks, shows, clubs, and more. “I love helping others and seeing their enjoyment at experiencing places they’ve never been before,” says volunteer Diane. “It’s great to see Sydney with new people. We have many interesting conversations.”

For residents who find it difficult to get out of the house, Inner West Neighbour Aid runs a home-visiting program. Volunteers are carefully matched with clients based on interests, experiences and their outlook on life. Visits are relaxed and social — you might chat, reminisce, listen to music, read the paper or play card games. The informal fortnightly visits often lead to strong, lasting friendships. There is also a dog-walking program. “I like to be busy!” says dog-walker Joe. “I want to contribute something to the community and the personal satisfaction I get from volunteering is self-reinforcing.”

Corporate gardening volunteers

n If you are over 18 and interested in volunteering with Inner West Neighbour

Aid, they would love to hear from you. Call 9799 5099. You can also call that number if you are in need of any of the services mentioned above.