The importance of older men having opportunities to spend quality meeting time together is not lost on the dedicated team at Mercy Place Mandurah.
One of the male volunteers at the not-for-profit home was recently recognised as part of 2019 International Volunteer Day, for his commitment and long term running of the fortnightly men’s group, which proves particularly popular with the elderly residents.
Since the group started with the help of volunteer Bill Muir, Mercy Place Mandurah’s male residents have met regularly to share a cuppa and chat amongst friends, with the focus on boosting their emotional health and wellbeing and reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation.
Mercy Health Service Manager, Kathryn Murphy, said the group was a simple concept, but the residents had embraced it.
“Men typically keep things close to their chest, so it’s important for them to have time to share their thoughts and experiences, have a chat, make some new friends and reflect on their past, within a safe and social environment,” she said.
“We appreciate so much the fact that our wonderful volunteer Bill makes himself available every fortnight to spend time with our residents, and International Volunteer Day gives us an opportunity to recognise him, and in fact all of our wonderful volunteers who do so much for our home.
“Bill in particular is a huge hit with our male seniors. They all love chatting with him about news and current affairs, and also about Mandurah and its history. Quite simply it makes their day.”
International Volunteer Day is mandated by the UN General Assembly and is held each year on 5 December. It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their successes, to share their values, and to promote their work in the community.
Mercy Health is a Catholic not-for-profit provider of care, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and grounded in a 2,000-year tradition of caring for those in need.
The organisation provides health and aged care services throughout Victoria, southern New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
In Western Australia, the organisation cares for more than 300 people across six residential aged care homes, with an additional 78 retirement living units.