Compassionate Connector Program | Proveda

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.

Meet Anna, our Compassionate Connector Program Coordinator, who talks about the details of the Compassionate Connector Program and the comprehensive training it offers.

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