NINA volunteers help brighten someone’s day

As part of National Volunteer Week in May, NINA held an appreciation lunch for our fantastic group of volunteers. We celebrated the milestone years of service of our volunteers Bronwyn, Dianne and an amazing 20 years of service from Dennis. We asked a few questions to find out about their time with NINA. If this inspires you, please get in touch as we are always looking for more volunteers.

How did you first find out about volunteering at NINA?

Dianne: I discovered NINA and its reliance on volunteers by seeing the organisation’s shop front. I then enquired about what roles were required to fill.

Bronwyn: I had known about NINA for some time and had read about NINA in the Flame magazine (formerly 2508). As I was still working at the time, it was a plan for some time in the future to be able to volunteer.

What made you want to start volunteering?

Dianne: In my past employment I had undertaken roles in disability services and aged persons services. Retirement from paid work meant I then had time to volunteer my assistance to a local community-based organisation. Additionally, I was new to this community and wanted to meet people.

Bronwyn: After retiring I was speaking with a friend at the gym who was volunteering for NINA and that got me thinking again … maybe it’s time.

What do you do in your volunteering role?

Dianne: Individual transport.

Bronwyn: Individual Transport, also Group Assistant on the Shopping Trips which involves helping clients on and off the bus, helping store their shopping safely in the bus etc.

What do you get out of your volunteering role?

Dianne: It is a privilege to assist people who are unable to get to their appointments. The clients impart so much local history on these trips, and we always have such great chats. We share stories and you can feel like you can make a real connection, showing the great level of trust the NINA clients have with the volunteers. Also, assisting clients by providing transport keeps up my driving skills. It makes me feel I am contributing to meet a need.

Bronwyn: I get enjoyment in seeing the elderly being able to retain their independence, being able to move around in the community and surrounds. It is also very satisfying to be able to make sure the clients can keep their appointments if they have no other means of getting to them.

If someone was considering volunteering but was unsure, what insight would you share to convince them to give it a go?

Dianne: Volunteering keeps you in social contact. It adds quality of fulfilment to your life because you are assisting people maintain their social connections, or providing a hello when delivering meals which brightens a person’s day. If assisting on the bus, you will meet amazing people. Vehicle driving keeps your driving skills going. Connecting with others is a basic human need and volunteering provides that opportunity. The training you will receive can either keep you up to date with changes – eg first aid – or give you new skills, eg how to assist others appropriately.

Bronwyn: Give it a go, the people you meet and the conversations you have with the clients are priceless, and you might also require this help at some time.

For more information, visit NINA from Monday–Friday (8.30am-4.30pm) at 18 Walker Street, Helensburgh. Phone 02 4294 1900 or check the website