Community Visitors Scheme

The Community Visitors Scheme operates out of the New School of Arts Neighbourhood House and provides friendship to lonely and socially isolated older people living within the Clarence Valley.  Community Visitors are matched to individuals based on interests and hobbies and visit either one-on-one or in a group setting.

Community Visitors are visiting residents in aged care homes across the Valley and individuals living in their own homes with the support of a home care package.

The service is free to access and Visitors are ‘managed’ through the Scheme and undergo rigorous recruitment process that includes mandatory police checks and orientation. Over time, these matches result in a genuine friendship and a much anticipated highlight of their day.

There are currently over 50 Visitor matches taking place in the Clarence Valley undertaking a range of activities together such as outings that include shopping, attending special interest groups, and coffees/ lunches, watching the local choir, visiting the local library, or simply staying home to play board games or card games or chatting over a coffee. Mobility should not be a barrier to participation and everyone needs to feel connected to community and receive regular visits from a friend.

The Community Visitors Scheme is an initiative of the Department of Health and is free to anyone living in a residential home facility or the recipient of a home care package.