St John Caring Callers/ Reo Manaaki

Wendy Richards from Volunteering New Plymouth

St John as most of us know are responsible for our ambulance service, however they are so much more than that; and this week we are focusing on a service that no many of us know about – I certainly did not know until talking with Rebecca and learnt about the Caring Callers.

A caring kōrero (chat) can make a difference.
Caring Caller is a free service where friendly volunteers call lonely people for a catch up, helping them feel less alone. For whānau and friends who do not live close by, this provides comfort that their loved one has support and friendship.

Caring Caller is a programme led by volunteers who offer friendship to individuals with various health and wellbeing needs. There are standards in place to make sure everyone stays safe, and the aim is always to help people in a way that suits them best.

Are there criteria?
Time is the most important thing; this could be just 15min a call or longer if you are finding you are both engaged in conversations.
As part of this service a regular call to your client and at least 12 months to build a genuine connection with the person you are calling
Good communication and caring nature
An appreciation for different cultures will also help you.
You will need to be a NZ Citizen or have a valid NZ work or residence visa
All volunteers are required to have a Police check

As a Caring Caller what will you do?
You can make someone’s day with a friendly korero / chat. Locally St John are looking for people who can give time and make lasting friendships. They make it easier by matching you with someone that has similar interests to you.
As part of this you:
Call on agreed days for a good chat and be a friendly voice
Provide an important community service, to people who need it.
You may even build a lasting friendship with the person you call (this happens often)

Is there training and support?
Yes there is ongoing guidance training and support for all Caring Callers

Where can you learn more?
If you are interested to learn more about the work of St John Caring Callers programme, listen to Volly Voices on Access Radio 104.4fm on Sunday July 21st, at 2pm when Rebecca chats about what is happening at St John and how they support the community and what is involved.
This can also be listened to on the Monday July 22nd on:
Spotify open.spotify.com...
Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com...
Access Radio website www.accessradiotaranaki.com...
Volunteering New Plymouth website www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz...

Who can you contact?
If you curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Hato Hone St John please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986; E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph / Text: 022 571 4228 to take the next step.