Compassionate Connector Program

What is the Compassionate Connector Program?

This program is designed to connect people in the community who are over 65 living with a life changing diagnosis with Compassionate Connectors (volunteers). The aim is to maintain and build social networks, enabling participants to remain at home in the Community for longer.

The Compassionate Connectors are there to identify existing and additional social and practical supports available within the local community that can support participants and their families. The day-to-day support provided to the person living with a life changing diagnosis, is done by ‘Willing Helpers.’

This program has been adapted from the Compassionate Connectors Program, as part of the South West Compassionate Communities Network in Western Australia.

This 3 year translational pilot program is jointly funded by the Sydney North Health Network and The Wicking Trust.

The 3 Key Roles

Many elders in Sydney’s North live with a life changing diagnosis and need social (rather than clinical) support to carry out many of the tasks we all take for granted.

Some people living with a life changing diagnosis might not have many carers to support them, and those they do have might feel overwhelmed or stressed by the enormity of the task.

This is where a volunteer 'Connector' can step in to provide support.

Express your interest in becoming a Participant

A 'Connector' is a volunteer from the Community who has offered to identify existing and additional social and practical supports eligible participants may require from within their local community.

Connectors may seek additional support with things such as home visit to support with preparing Wills or Advance Care Planning, helping to establish or increase services such as house cleaning or meal delivery.

Express your interest in becoming a Connector

Practical support will be offered by “willing helpers”. These helpers are volunteers from within the family, friends, neighbours or members of the community who are happy to help without expectation of payment.

Willing helpers may help with tasks such as dog walking, gardening, transporting to appointments, tidying up or sitting with someone who needs a break.

Express your interest in becoming a Willing Helper

Anyone in the community who has a desire to help others can register to become a Connector, however Connectors often have some caring experience, an understanding of working in the palliative care sector, or have knowledge around supports which may be required for people living with a life changing diagnosis and end of life care.

All Connectors undergo interview and police check and receive comprehensive training before being matched with a participant in the Program.

If you would like to apply to become a Connector, please register via the button below.

Express your interest in becoming a Connector

Practical support is offered by “willing helpers”. These helpers are volunteers from within the family, friends, neighbours or members of the community who are happy to help without expectation of payment.

Willing helpers help with tasks such as dog walking, gardening, transporting to appointments, tidying up or sitting with someone who needs a break.

If you would like to become a willing helper in your community, you can register your interest by clicking on the button below.

Express your interest in becoming a Willing Helper

Caring for one another is everyone’s responsibility

This is not a clinical program, it relies on experienced, compassionate, and passionate people to say YES to sharing their knowledge and helping others, so we need your help!

Compassion is the community’s responsibility, that’s us, you, all individuals, families, peers, neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, health services, government, faith based, voluntary and other organisations and services.

This is an opportunity, not only for those who need extra support and connection during end of life, but also a rewarding and empowering experience for Connectors and Willing Helpers, knowing they are making things a little easier and more fulfilling for those facing a life changing diagnosis.

To become a Connector, Proveda offers complimentary training to prepare you for the role. This enjoyable, high-quality training equips you with the skills needed and provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. It also marks the beginning of ongoing support throughout your Connector experience. Training is conducted in small groups, and we recommend signing up early.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Compassionate Connector Program?

The Compassionate Connector Program is a community-based initiative run by Proveda that connects people aged over 65 living with a life-changing diagnosis to trained volunteers (Compassionate Connectors). The program aims to maintain and build social networks so participants can remain at home in their community for longer. It is a non-clinical program — focused on social and practical support rather than medical care.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

The program is open to people over 65 living in Northern Sydney who have a life-changing diagnosis and need social (rather than clinical) support to carry out everyday tasks. If you or someone you care for is feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or lacking the practical support networks needed to stay at home, you may be eligible. Express your interest via the form on this page and the team will be in touch.

What is the difference between a Connector and a Willing Helper?

A Connector is a trained volunteer who identifies existing and additional social and practical supports available in the local community — such as help with preparing wills, advance care planning, or coordinating services like house cleaning and meal delivery. Connectors undergo an interview, police check, and comprehensive training. A Willing Helper is a volunteer (often family, friends, neighbours, or community members) who provides hands-on practical support — such as dog walking, gardening, transport to appointments, tidying up, or sitting with someone who needs a break.

How can I become a Compassionate Connector?

Anyone in the community with a desire to help others can register. Connectors often have some caring experience, an understanding of palliative care, or knowledge of supports needed during end of life. All Connectors complete an interview and police check, then receive complimentary, high-quality training in small groups before being matched with a participant. Register your interest via the Express your interest button on this page.

Is the Compassionate Connector Program free?

Yes. The program is free for participants and training is complimentary for Connectors. It is a 3-year translational pilot program jointly funded by the Sydney North Health Network and The Wicking Trust, and has been adapted from the South West Compassionate Communities Network in Western Australia.