When HammondCare Volunteer Coordinator Alison teamed volunteer Vera with Home Care client Kathleen, little did she know how perfect the pairing of the two would be.

Vera visits Kathleen in her home every Monday. Both women have recently moved to the same district – Vera with her husband and daughter and Kathleen on her own. Apart from a friend each, neither of them had any other social connections in the area.

During an early visit, Vera discovered how much Kathleen enjoyed crocheting, and soon found a way to make the activity more meaningful. Vera suggested they make squares for Wrap with Love – a charity that sends handmade blankets around the world to people in need.

The regular Monday visit is a great start to the week for Kathleen, who admits to feeling lonely at times in her new suburb. They share stories about their families and what they have been up to, then it’s down to the business of crocheting.

‘It feels like a long-standing friendship already – not just a few months. We get on very well,’ says Kathleen. ‘Vera has been very patient with me as I’d forgotten how to crochet, it’s been so long.’

The get together is not all about crocheting. Kathleen also has a passion for words and has been doing crosswords and word puzzles for many years. In an ironic twist, Kathleen is teaching Vera, a retired journalist, new words to add to her vocabulary.  

‘It’s fantastic,’ shares Vera. ‘The word games need two people, so we spend most of our time together doing them. But first we update each other on our crocheting project - and set a few tasks to be completed by the following week, giving Kathleen something to focus on in between visits.’

By first getting to know the person and their interests, Alison’s team then match the volunteer who may be the most suitable or share the same passions.

‘It’s wonderful to see the bond grow between them,’ says Alison. ‘Moving into an unknown area later in life as Kathleen did is very courageous. I’m so pleased they have developed a friendship and mutual understanding, and so quickly, too.’

After a busy career which involved lots of responsibility and working under pressure, the decision for full-time retirement wasn't made quickly or easily for Vera. She was used to getting up in the morning with somewhere to go and a lot to do and, with that, a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

‘For me, volunteering has given me a sense of purpose in my retirement. While I have a lot of interests, sharing my skills with someone else feels more worthwhile than doing something on my own.

‘When I met Kathleen, I could see she had similar interests and skills and, like me, she needed a purpose to assist her motivation. 

‘I think retirement can be a bit like older age. Having a purpose can quickly disappear, and it takes more effort to motivate yourself.’ 

Vera says ‘Volunteering provides a balance where you are doing things for other people, not just going to work to get paid. I was lucky to receive a free education at university – it’s been a privilege. And if you have the spare time, why not? 

‘As people’s circumstances change later in life, they can find themselves alone. HammondCare provides great opportunities for local people to link up, to create connections. Kathleen deserves to feel valued, and to know that she matters.’ 

Kathleen adds: ‘I appreciate Vera giving me some of her spare time every week. It means so much.’

Want to know more about being paired with a volunteer? Speak with your Care Manager who will be happy to discuss options with you.