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Help to fill the gaps

By Melissa Donchi
HEALESVILLE has just one volunteer working with Anglicare according to the long-standing volunteer agency.
Anglicare used to have at least three volunteers who have now moved on due to work and family commitments, leaving just one resident to service the area.
Healesville resident and volunteer Tess Hughes said she was surprised to hear that she was the only Anglicare volunteer in Healesville having been part of the friends program for just 18 months.
“Filling in the gaps here and there can make all the difference,” Ms Hughes said.
“I spend a few hours per week with a family and it just lessens the load.”
As part of the friends program, Ms Hughes spends a few hours a week with families in need.
“The family might have experienced a death of a love one or a separation and I try and pick up some of the pieces,” Ms Hughes said.
“Usually they are just very small things like picking the kids up from school one night but they can make the world of difference to someone who is under pressure.”
Her latest family in need is a single mother with twin boys aged three and a half.
“This woman was in an accident and she is finding it hard to look after the boys and get to her medical appointments and do the housework,” Ms Hughes said.
“So I am able to pitch in here and there lighten her load.”
The family has also responded well to Ms Hughes seven year-old golden Labrador Anna who also comes along for the visit.
One of the twin boys has bonded with the dog so well it has even surprised his mother.
“This particular little boy has special needs and has had trouble forming relationships with people but he has really taken a shine to Anna,” Ms Hughes said.
“And, likewise, Anna has formed a real bond with him and seems to understand him more than the other kids.”
Ms Hughes said her work with this family has been particularly rewarding as she has formed a strong bond with the mother and the children.
“One of boys even offered to push my wheelchair when I am old and in need,” she said. “It’s wonderful when you’re able to form a bond with the family.”
In her time with Anglicare Ms Hughes has assisted a range of families with different needs and has taken on the role of tutor and even helped with transport needs.
“One of my more challenging tasks was to drive a teenager to school some mornings,” she said.
“Making conversation with a 14-year-old in the morning is probably one of my more challenging tasks to date.”
Anglicare’s friends coordinator Judy Davidson said it was people such as Tess that Anglicare was looking for.
“Sometimes it’s just someone with a few hours to spare,” Ms Davidson said.
“All our volunteers have a lot of flexibility and training – it can be a very rewarding experience.”
People who are interested in joining Anglicare’s Friends Program can register for an information session on Tuesday, 7 August by calling Anglicare on 9735 4188.

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