Coordinator gains special insight into older people’s lives

By Anne Manchester

Getting to know many older residents in Eastbourne has been one of the delights for Kim WeberSwain in her 18-month role as Okiwi Trust coordinator.

Before taking on the role, she had volunteered as a driver for the trust, which principally provides a driving service for people needing lifts to medical appointments or other activities. Most drives are local or Hutt-based, though some go as far as Wellington. There is also a 20-minute volunteer service for people needing help with small jobs around the house.

“Being a volunteer driver was a good stepping stone into the coordinator’s role,” Weber-Swain said. “I have now seen how the trust operates from two sides. When people ring to book a drive, I like to have a chat to see how they are, and they enjoy sharing their life stories too. The role has given me an insight into their lives that most people in the community would never have. It is also affirming to know how much clients appreciate our service.”

Although the role only requires around five to seven hours a week, Weber-Swain says it does mean being near a phone most of the time. “Calls from clients arrive at quite random times and I like to deal with requests immediately. One of my great loves is playing golf. I have at times taken calls on the course or sent texts to volunteers while walking down the fairway. It’s my way of staying on top of the job.”

Numbers of clients and requests for drives fluctuate as people’s needs change or they move out of the area into residential care when living at home becomes too difficult. The service is particularly helpful for those on their own or without family nearby. As well as occasional bookings, there are some regular weekly or fortnightly drives to shops or day activities at Woburn Home. Then there are monthly social outings to the Lighthouse Cinema or the East Harbour Women’s Club for a movie screening, followed by lunch. The biggest challenge, Weber-Swain says, is finding a movie that will please everyone. “ Downton Abbey and My Octopus Teacher were real winners.”

In December, Weber-Swain organised Christmas morning teas for clients and drivers at a local cafe. Feedback was very positive for both occasions. “Some drivers never get to meet the other volunteers who help run our unique service. It was great to be able to introduce them to each other and for them to have the chance to socialise.”

The coordinator’s role also includes some administration work and managing the Okiwi Trust Facebook page.

Weber-Swain will be heading overseas for a year in June, but she will be around for a couple of months after her contract ends on March 31. “I am happy to help whoever is appointed to the role to settle in and find their feet, and answer any questions they may have,” she said.