From today (1 July 2023), one of Lutheran Care’s longest running programs, the Community Visitors Scheme, will now be referred to as the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is essentially the same program, but has been expanded and rebranded, in line with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
A growth of funding and increased eligibility for older Australians means this program will help more socially isolated people in the community and in aged care facilities, with a renewed focus on enhancing the experiences of recipients through volunteer engagement.
Lutheran Care has been matching volunteers and older people at risk of social isolation through the Community Visitors Scheme for more than 30 years. The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme will continue to connect volunteers with older people approved for Home Care Packages or living in Residential Aged Care, offering companionship, social support and opportunities for meaningful interactions.
Volunteers play a vital role in improving the wellbeing and quality of life for recipients and we are grateful for their dedication and contribution. Lutheran Care would like to assure our volunteers that there are no major changes to your volunteering or visiting arrangements through the ACVVS.
The ACVVS rebrand has been led by the Department of Health and Aged Care and is accompanied by a new logo. The change in name reflects a commitment to fostering a sense of community, inclusiveness and active participation for recipients of subsidised aged care services.
Lutheran Care’s marketing and communications team is currently working on the new brand rollout and during the next few months you will see the changes to the ACVVS website, social media and other promotional items.
Communication is being sent directly to our volunteers, but if you have any questions in the meantime, please contact a member of our CVS team.
If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to have you join our team. Please visit our website or contact us on 8269 9333 or volunteer@lutherancare.org.au.
Lutheran Care is the lead organisation of a consortium of ACVVS providers from a host of different agencies, working in partnership to deliver the program even more broadly across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
We would like to acknowledge our partners the Anglican Parish of Glenelg, Mount Gambier Uniting Church, Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, St Elizabeth’s Mothers Union, St Jude’s Brighton, Uniting Care Wesley Bowden and Uniting Communities Eyre Peninsula.
The ACVVS is funded by the Australian Government.