Vivian Simpson promotes the personal benefits of volunteering

VIVIAN Simpson is speaking out to promote the personal benefits of volunteering.

The recent recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his community service, Mr Simpson has been involved with Sawtell Catholic Care, providing aged care; Coffs Harbour Salvation Army, providing welfare and emergency services; the Federal Government’s community visitors scheme, working out of the Coffs Harbour community village; and private home care.

He was also a finalist in Ageing Australia’s “You are ACE!” award, a program that recognises excellence in aged care.

“Doing community service or volunteering can be done in many capacities,” he told News Of The Area.

“You can use your life or trade skills to make a difference in the community that you live in… and it’s good for one’s own mental health wellbeing.”

For Mr Simpson, the reward can be the simple gesture of seeing a smile on someone’s face because of something he has done for them.

“Taking people with disabilities to church mass, which is a very important part of their lives, makes me feel I have contributed to their wellbeing,” he said.

Volunteering in aged care began for Mr Simpson when his mother became a resident in an aged care facility.

Through visiting her each day, he saw that there were many residents that either did not have family, or their family lived too far away to visit regularly.

“I enjoyed talking to these people and sharing their life stories, voluntarily becoming their visitor too.”

Mr Simpson volunteered with the Salvos for many years.

This led to him becoming involved in the organisation’s disaster relief work – cooking in evacuation centres during bushfires and floods.

“I recommend people try different types of volunteering in areas you are interested in or are passionate about.

“For example, if you like gardening, the Friends of the Botanic Garden are always looking for volunteers, as are the Pink Ladies (at the hospital) and the RSPCA.

“The Community Village also has a volunteer centre where they will find you volunteer positions that will give you personal satisfaction and the ability to use your skills and interests.”

By Andrea FERRARI