Gateway volunteers Natalie Suwart, left, Keith Thornett, Lee thomas, and co-ordinator Fatima Milhem at the Gateway centre in Spotswood. 88937 PICTURE: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By VANESSA VALENZUELA
POPPING in for a quick visit and having a chat over a cuppa is a great way to brighten up someone’s day.
Elderly citizens and people with a disability who live alone or with a carer can often find themselves disconnected from society.
That’s why a team of hard-working volunteers have given up their time to help isolated residents get back in touch with the local community.
Gateway Social Support Options is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on a group of volunteers to run social and recreational activities for hundreds of older people living in Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
Volunteer co-ordinator Fatima Milhem said the helpful team provides invaluable support and friendship to hundreds of clients living in the western suburbs.
“I consider our volunteers to be the backbone of the organisation,” Ms Milhem said.
“Without our volunteers, because there is only nine staff, we just wouldn’t exist. We wouldn’t be able to be in all those different places and roles at the one time.”
Ms Milhem is calling on residents to give back to the community by lending a helping hand as a volunteer role.
“I’d like people to think about the fact that Christmas is coming and most of our clients are going to be on their own for the Christmas period,” Ms Milhem said.
“When our office is closed and we don’t have any programs running, it is important to have friendly visitor volunteers in our client’s lives and the fact that we have 20 people on the waiting list is quite sad. They all want someone to visit them.”
For a full list of volunteer roles available visit www.gatewaysupport.org.au
