We love hearing about success stories! Teresa and Enid have created a beautiful friendship after meeting five years ago and it all started with Be’s companionship program. Be understands the importance of maintaining social connections at every stage of life, which is why we’re so passionate about bringing people in our community together through our Community Visitors Scheme (CVS).  

Over time Be volunteer Teresa and Be client Enid have become very close friends and they have a lot in common. Sharing a sense of humour, a love of animals and of course enjoy catching up over a good coffee and a slice of cake! “We love to try different café’s about town and we have certainly found a couple of favourites over the years,” said Teresa.  

Be volunteers play an integral role in supporting CVS clients to feel connected and reduce instances of loneliness for older adults experiencing social isolation. Since retiring as a support worker, Teresa felt drawn to reconnect and give back to the community and that’s how she became involved with Be’s Community Visitors Scheme. “I have been very blessed in the years that I have been a volunteer in the CVS Program. I have had four different clients and they have all been such wonderful people,” said Teresa.  

I have been very blessed in the years that I have been a volunteer in the CVS Program. I have had four different clients and they have all been such wonderful people.

Teresa and Enid feel very grateful to have had one another to turn to during the COVID-19 period of increased social isolation. During this time, they were able to get out and about and walk Teresa’s dog together in their village. The two spent many of walks chatting and making exciting plans of activities to do together in the future, including a visit to Australia Zoo, which they were finally able to take recently.  

Teresa has found the CVS a very rewarding program to be involved with. “I hear some really inspiring stories about how people have gone through great highs in their life and also really big lows and yet you see how in each case they have blossomed and grown and moved forward. I get a lot of joy from sharing people’s lives,” said Teresa.  

And Be certainly appreciates the time, commitment and care Teresa has given back to the community by volunteering with Be.  

Find out more about the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) here or call 1300 761 011 to chat to one of our friendly team members.

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