Our organisation is an initiative of Catholic lay people with links to that religious community, however the pastoral care we provide is not coupled to one set of traditions or beliefs. Our services are available to everyone in need, regardless of culture, faith and spiritual belief, including those of no faith. The background and interests of our pastoral care givers equally reflect this philosophy.

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All our pastoral care givers are volunteers, committing up to five to eight hours of training and face to face contact each week. Mostly retired or semi-retired, our volunteers have a broad range of backgrounds and skill sets. Business, trade, medical or homemaker knowledge provides us with equal capability as does that of administration, education, church and human services credentials.

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Being a pastoral care giver requires resilience and strength. Redirecting and positively responding to clients’ stress, disability, isolation and loss of meaning or purpose can be challenging, but no volunteer is ever alone in resolving client need. Volunteers work in pairs, and teams freely share their knowledge and experiences. Close bonds of understanding and friendship form between our volunteers, and this ensures we all experience the advantages of a sense of belonging and achievement.

 

Regardless of our personal history, our volunteers' core skills are the desire and strength to relate to the inner world of the disadvantaged, the vulnerable, the homeless, the institutionalised and the mentally ill. We listen with respect to their stories, are sensitive to their vulnerabilities and suffering, and guide them to foster their resources of hope, courage and faith. Where people have difficulty mustering these resources, we freely offer our own.

 

Volunteering makes a huge difference in the lives of people being supported and the volunteers themselves, and Pastoral Carers Association is particularly proud of its friendly, nurturing and passionate environment.

 

• Are you a compassionate person who wants to alleviate mental distress by helping people better connect with society?

• Do you want to help change the lives of people who suffer from mental trauma?

• Do you want to use your life skills? Perhaps develop new ones?

• Are you keen to engage within the community and forge new relationships and friendships?

 

If the answer to any of the questions is ‘yes’, there may be a role for you as a volunteer with Pastoral Carer’s Association.

 

Contact us now for a confidential and obligation-free phone call or chat over a coffee of tea with one of our experienced volunteers. We’d love to hear from you!