At Catholic Healthcare we are shining a 'light' on our people and the exceptional work they are all doing across our services. We share how team members are innovating, engaging and helping to make Catholic Healthcare a great place to work.
This week, meet Niv Srivastava, Volunteer Coordinator for Home & Community Services, Northern Sydney region.
“I have always been keen on understanding people and how they interact with their environments, with organisations and with each other,” says Niv.
Niv’s role as Volunteer Coordinator allows her to utilise her people skills when engaging with volunteers, organisations, and consumers. Niv coordinates home-visiting and residential homes volunteer visitation programs under the government-funded, Community Visitors Scheme (CVS). The volunteers provide one-on-one social support to the clients and residents. Under the recent COVID-19 lockdowns, the volunteers have been connecting with their clients/residents using virtual means.
“It is a privilege to hear stories and insights from individuals from all walks of life. The role has a lot of focus on advocacy and relationship-building and it’s quite rewarding when we can find a perfect match of a volunteer with a client, with similar interests and aptitudes,” says Niv.
“Volunteers play a significant part in helping us achieve our customer promise. We provide a nurturing and inspiring environment for our volunteers, so they can engage with and enjoy their role with sustained enthusiasm,” says Niv.
Niv has witnessed the long-term positive effects of the programs, and how they can mutually benefit both volunteers and clients.
“We have seen some amazing long-lasting and self-sustaining companionships develop. It’s often surprising how often the volunteer unexpectedly benefits from the relationship with the client. What starts out as a casual connection often flourishes into a meaningful bond.”
One client, Jean, who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago was set up with two volunteers through her Home Care Package.
“The volunteers have been an amazing support for me,” says Jean. “They visit over the weekends and are always interested in what I have to say. My cancer journey has been a lot easier due to their thoughtfulness and joyful support.”
In a constantly evolving role, Niv remains alert to new ideas and is keen to embrace innovation.
“During the COVID-19 extended lockdown period we have gone the extra mile and promoted virtual calls using Zoom, and also WhatsApp calls to help keep client/volunteer contact and interaction going. This has been greatly appreciated and well received by the clients that have been further isolated due to COVID-19 restrictions.”
“As a team, we’re able to think outside the box and come up with creative ways to allow our program to continue to operate and be effective. We’re able to provide that essential care for our clients and meet their needs, despite the circumstances.”
For more information on Catholic Healthcare’s Volunteer program please contact us on 1800 225 474.
October 12, 2021
Residential Aged Care, CHL, Forbes Orange Bathurst
Meet John Moran, Diversional Therapist at St Catherine’s Residential Aged Care in Bathurst. John’s role involves contributing to a ‘lifestyle of fun and experience’ for the residents. He certainly achieves this in his work, taking advantage of his skills and experience as a talented musician, artist and performer.
October 5, 2021
Home Care Services, CHL
Meet Geralyn Ong, Care Advisor for Home & Community Services, in the Northern Sydney Region. Geralyn regularly visits the McQuoin Park Retirement Living Village in Wahroonga each week where a number of residents also receive Home Care support.
