Earlier this year, we published an article on the “Adopt a Nonna or Nonno” program run by CO.AS.IT. Community Services in Brisbane, in which participants are paired with a senior in their area who they spend time with for an hour a fortnight for 40 weeks.

Having received incredible feedback from our readers, many of whom asked if there was a similar program in Melbourne, we’re pleased to say that there in fact is.

CO.AS.IT. Victoria has been coordinating a companionship and friendly visiting program since early 1985.

Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Health, the program offers friendship and social support to elderly and socially isolated Italians living in the community, in both their own homes and aged care facilities.

The service runs in many Melbourne suburbs and the rural area of the Greater City of Shepparton, including nearby districts.

“In Victoria, the CO.AS.IT Visitation Program is well established and highly sought after by our most vulnerable older Italian speaking community members, their family members, friends and service providers working in aged care and the health sector,” said the program’s coordinator, Catia Sicari.

“Precisely to break the ‘yoke’ of loneliness for those individuals at higher risk of being socially isolated in their private homes or residential aged care facilities.”

A celebration of the volunteers working with the CO.AS.IT. Italian Assistance Association Visitation program and their birthplace

Sicari explained that the program is always eager to welcome Italian-speaking individuals who are willing to volunteer a couple of hours a week to visit elderly Italians who are lonely and in need of a little company.

“Although we are proud of our sizeable team of volunteers, the demand always far exceeds the placement targets we can achieve on a daily basis,” she said.

“Therefore, one of our principle aims is to constantly recruit and look for recruitment opportunities.”

Volunteers attend training sessions conducted by CO.AS.IT. which identify care-specific areas relevant to the nonna or nonno they’ve been matched with.

They’re also provided with all the relevant guidelines about the program and their role as volunteers.

Ongoing support and monitoring of visits is offered, so volunteers won’t ever feel out of their depth.

The program is highly flexible, and visits are arranged at the mutual convenience of both the client and the volunteer.

By assisting an older person on a social level, you have the chance to make a difference in their life as well as in your own. 

What are you waiting for?!

To participate in the program or make a referral, head to CO.AS.IT.’s website or call (03) 9349 9028.