Southern Cross Care has more than 200 dedicated volunteers who provide friendship, companionship and support to residents and clients. Photo: Supplied.
A chat at a party two years ago was the trigger for a young student to change his life and start volunteering at Southern Cross Care, a leading not-for-profit aged care provider in Western Australia.
Harry Turner was studying at university but, like many people his age, did not know which career path to take.
His friend suggested he had the ideal qualities for nursing, so he left university and started volunteering, aged 19, at Margaret Hubery House, a residential aged care home in Rossmoyne.
Harry has not looked back, and has since started a Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame University. He still regularly volunteers at Margaret Hubery House.
“Volunteering at Southern Cross Care was a wake-up call for me – you could say I found my calling – and it’s changed my life,” Harry said.
“I really enjoy the teamwork, it is fun and rewarding helping the residents. I love nursing and working in aged care is definitely something I’m keen on.”
Jacqui O’Meara, Therapy Coordinator at Margaret Hubery House, mentors Harry and said his story is an inspirational one.
“It’s amazing that he has volunteered for so long at such a young age and it’s been brilliant nurturing his talent for nursing. He is a valuable member of our volunteer team and our staff and residents love him – he’s so friendly and helpful,” Jacqui said.
Ian Simms, Head of Pastoral Care and Volunteer Services, said Southern Cross Care were grateful to Harry and all of its volunteers for their tremendous support.
“They come from all walks of life but have one thing in common – the satisfaction of making a difference to someone else’s life,” he said.
“Harry is a great guy and testament to the benefits of volunteering. For younger volunteers, it’s an opportunity to gain new skills and experience and it also looks good on your CV to prospective employers.”
For anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering with Southern Cross Care, contact SCC Volunteer Services on 08 9269 6855 or volunteerenquiries@scrosswa.org.au