Aged Care Volunteer
Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
Friendly visits to help older people feel connected, valued and supported.
FRIENDSHIP • COMPANIONSHIP • CONNECTION
A friendly visit.
A meaningful connection.
Our Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) connects older people with friendly volunteers for regular conversation, shared interests and genuine companionship.
Free volunteer visits for eligible older people living in residential aged care in Melbourne’s Southern Metro region.
Someone to share time with
A regular visit can bring something special to the week: a familiar face, a good conversation and time to enjoy the things that matter to you. You might share stories over a cup of tea, read together, play cards, listen to music or enjoy a gentle walk where appropriate.
Matched with you in mind
We consider your interests, language, cultural background, communication needs and availability when arranging a suitable volunteer match.
Regular, relaxed visits
Visits are generally fortnightly, for around 1–2 hours, by agreement. We aim to support an ongoing friendship with the same volunteer wherever practical.
Your choice, always
Taking part is voluntary. You can decline a proposed match, ask for a change, pause visits or leave the program at any time.
Who can take part?
Our current program focuses on older people living in Australian Government-subsidised residential aged care in Melbourne’s Southern Metro region who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation, or are at risk of becoming isolated.
We welcome people from diverse backgrounds, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ older people, and people living with disability, mental ill health or sensory impairment. Tell us about your language and communication preferences so we can consider them when matching.
Contact our team to discuss eligibility, availability and whether the program is a suitable fit. Matching depends on finding a suitable volunteer.
Get involved
Request a visitor or make a referral
Older people, families, representatives, aged care homes and health professionals are welcome to enquire. Please discuss the referral with the older person and seek their consent.
- Talk with us. Call our team or use our contact form and mention ACVVS.
- Share preferences. We will discuss eligibility, consent, interests and relevant communication or safety needs.
- Meet a volunteer. We arrange an introduction and agree on visits when a suitable match is available.
Enquire about an ACVVS visitor →
For aged care homes: we can discuss referral arrangements, resident preferences and how visits fit with your home’s access and safety procedures.
Become a volunteer visitor
Your time and friendship can make a difference. We welcome volunteers aged 18 and over who are friendly, reliable, patient and respectful of different backgrounds. People who speak another language are encouraged to enquire.
No previous aged care experience is needed. We provide screening, induction, guidance and ongoing support before and during your volunteering.
Regular, ongoing availability helps a friendship grow. Contact us to discuss your interests, location and the commitment you can make.
Friendship and companionship
ACVVS is a social visiting program. Volunteers do not provide personal care, medication assistance, clinical services, domestic support or transport in their private vehicles. Personal purchases, meals and beverages are paid for by each person.
Volunteer screening, consent, privacy and clear role boundaries support safe, respectful visits. Our coordinator remains available to help with matches, concerns or changes in circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee?
There is no fee to participate in ACVVS. Any personal purchases are self-funded.
Can you match someone who speaks my language?
We consider language and cultural preferences when matching. Let us know what matters to you. A particular language match depends on volunteer availability.
Can visits take place outside business hours?
Visits may be arranged outside business hours where agreed by the older person and volunteer, permitted by the aged care home and approved by our coordinator.
Can I enquire for someone else?
Yes. Families, representatives, aged care homes and health professionals can enquire. The older person’s wishes and consent remain central to participation.
长者志愿探访计划（ACVVS）
为居住在墨尔本南部都会区养老院、感到孤独或缺少社交联系的合资格长者提供免费陪伴。志愿者可与您聊天、分享故事或一起享受您喜爱的活动。
通常每两周探访一次，每次约1–2小时，具体安排由双方商定。我们会考虑您的兴趣、语言及文化背景，安排合适的志愿者。参加完全自愿。
欢迎长者、家属及养老院致电 1300 936 588，了解参加条件或转介长者。请告知我们您的语言偏好。
Let’s start with a conversation
To request a visitor, refer an older person or become a volunteer, talk with the Attainable Care team.
Funded by the Australian Government. Delivered by Platinum Living (Attainable Care).