But help is needed to keep the program running smoothly.
The program is a social group for adults over 18 years to have a fun day out to do an activity and meet new friends.
Mr Sullivan has been a Nexus Primary Health client for more than a decade, attending the social support outings most weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Unfortunately, the program had to cease during 2020, 2021 and most of 2022 due to the pandemic lockdowns.
Nexus chief executive Amanda Mullins said there was no choice but to stop the program to make sure participants, staff and the general community were safe.
“We were able to transition many of our services to virtual delivery, but our social support groups needed to be suspended in line with government directives,” Ms Mullins said.
Nexus has relaunched the program, but is challenged with client transport to meet the bus for the community members wanting to attend.
Currently, Nexus staff members are transporting the clients to pre-arranged pick-up points or the Broadford office where the trips leave from.
“We have a committed team of staff who facilitate the program, and our team who are assisting with transport are great, but with work commitments sometimes it is difficult to juggle, so we really would love to recruit some new volunteers to assist with the transport,” Ms Mullins said.
Nexus currently has more than 120 active volunteers across Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie shires, with most being involved in the Meals on Wheels program.
Nexus volunteer co-ordinator Kevin Twan said Nexus valued volunteers and the work they did in the community.
“They are responsive and flexible and we appreciate them but we don’t want their volunteering responsibilities to be too time consuming, so we are looking to recruit some more volunteers who might be interested in helping,” Mr Twan said.
“Possible Nexus volunteer roles include transport for either set days such as the social support drop-offs/pick-ups, transport on an ad hoc basis for transporting community clients to appointments, social engagement visits such as catching up with members of the community once a week or fortnight for a cup of tea and a chat or delivery of Meals on Wheels in the local community.
“We are keen to expand our services as the need in the community increases and roles can be flexible to work in with the volunteer’s schedule if needed.”
Ms Mullins is one of the staff members currently helping with transport.
“I pick up Terry Sullivan when I can on the way to work and drop him home after the trip. I love hearing stories about his life and family, it is a highlight of my week,” she said.
For anyone interested in volunteering with Nexus, contact Kevin via reception on 1300 773 352 or refer to the advertisement in this issue.
Alternatively, there is more information about volunteering and the social support programs at www.nexusprimaryhealth.org.au
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