'Volunteering makes me feel an essential part of the community'

Did you know that Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid does more than just transport? NINA provides vital social support to many clients. To get an insight into the importance of this service to both clients and volunteers we had a chat with our volunteer Louise Field.

Please tell us how you came to be volunteering with NINA.

In 2008 I was diagnosed with an illness and I used the services of NINA for hospital appointments as I wasn’t able to drive myself at that time. In 2010 I became a volunteer with NINA because I was so appreciative of the service they offered me. In the beginning I would deliver Meals on Wheels and assist at Café Club, and now I provide transport to clients to attend medical appoints, visit family or do shopping.

Tell us about how you support Muriel and the relationship you’ve formed.

Through volunteering with NINA I have made good friends with Muriel Smith aka Nanna Moo. We’ve become very good friends and what starts out as a 45-minute shopping trip turns into a 2-hour social event as everyone in town knows Mooy and wants a chat! Muriel has difficulty with her sight so I help with vegetable shopping at Binners as well as her banking at the post office and quite often we pick up bits from the Reject Shop. I then help her with her shopping at Coles. So, she’s become like a second mother to me I suppose as my mother passed away two years ago.

I love to hear Muriel’s stories about the history of Helensburgh, and she keeps me updated about her grandchildren, I feel like I know the whole family! I also have a close relationship with another NINA client, Judith Collins. We quite often make phone calls to each other. I appreciate the friendship that I have formed with both Nanna Moo and Judith over the years. We feel comfortable to ring and just have a chat.

Would you recommend providing social support to other potential volunteers?

Yes! You come to know the client and become comfortable with them. Doing this volunteering makes me feel an essential part of the community. It’s a great feeling to know you are helping someone to make their life more comfortable and enabling them to not have to rely on family to do everything for them.

Don’t forget! If you’re on a Home Care Package (HCP) you can still use NINA services. Meals on Wheels, transport and social support. All services are still available to you even if you move on to a HCP.

NINA is a charity so if you’re looking for somewhere local to donate your time or money please consider us. All gifts are tax deductible and no amount of time is too small. We are always looking for volunteers to join our fabulous team!

NINA is open Monday–Friday (8.30am-4.30pm)  |  telephone 02 4294 1900 | 18 Walker Street, Helensburgh