Volunteers
Claud Switzer Memorial Trust Rest Home and Hospital
Volunteers are an essential part of our service and we are most grateful for their support. We welcome men and women from all walks of life who have spare time and the commitment to help us enhance the well-being of the older people who live at Switzer.
At Switzer, we believe ‘it’s not the years in the life, but the life in the years that matter most’ and we work hard to ensure that we provide an environment where people can flourish in a real human habitat.
Volunteers bring variety and spontaneity to the lives of our residents and share in activities such as cooking, reading, art, exercise and looking after the animals and plants.
Volunteering to make a difference
Resident Companionship
Volunteers and residents form close and continuing relationships and take part in meaningful activities—for both the resident and volunteers. Volunteers are there to support the growth of the residents, to recognise their needs and interests and to visit them regularly to provide loving companionship in their lives.
This is the antidote to loneliness!
Volunteers are encouraged to find residents they feel real connections with and to enjoy Switzer’s flexible and inviting community environments.
For those who would like more structure and direction in their volunteer’s role, there are opportunities to support our staff:
- By spending time with residents, having a chat and listening
- Accompanying residents on short walks or outings
- Helping to set up for meals and assisting a resident to eat
- Caring for plants and animals
- Assisting with the activities programme or many more…
Getting Ready to Volunteer
We hope that you will become a part of our team and look forward to introducing you to our lovely home. The next step is to:
- Fill in a Volunteer Application and Police Vetting Form and forward it to us by hand, mail or email
- We will contact you when the application is processed (this may take up to 4 weeks to complete)
- We will arrange to provide you with an orientation programme.
The Switzer Home Auxiliary (Inc):
Established in 1955, the Switzer home Auxiliary is a voluntary group which meets monthly to raise funds for ‘luxury’ items for the residents at Switzer. These items include, ‘Happy Hour’ drinks, gifts for birthdays and Christmas, money for special outings, entertainment and social events. Their activities enrich the quality of life of each of our residents.
If you would like to join the Auxiliary please contact us, they meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 13.30 and you would be very welcome.
“Service to others is the rent you pay
for your room here on earth.”
– Muhammad Ali