This week – 16-22 May – is National Volunteer Week, and there are plenty of opportunities if you’re looking to lend a hand in or out of aged care.

With the theme of “better together”, this year’s National Volunteer Week is looking to encourage Australians to recognise the power of volunteering, says Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering Australia.

“This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the significant contribution made by all of the five million volunteers across Australia.

“Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better,” he said.

Opportunities abound to lend your time and effort to worthy causes – the Federal Government is seeking to re-engage volunteers in residential aged care homes to perform non-clinical tasks like leisure, exercise, companionship, and administrative duties; there are also emergency services, relief charities, and mental health and suicide prevention services that are always after helping hands.

“We encourage everyone to come together and support their communities by offering your time and skills to help others. To get involved and find a volunteer opportunity that suits you, visit GoVolunteer.com.au or contact your local State or Territory volunteering peak body,” said Mark.

And if you’re not a volunteer yourself, be sure to “wave your appreciation” – share a photo of you waving your hand in thanks with the hashtags #NVW2022 and #waveforvolunteers.