volunteering

Volunteering with your local Meals on Wheels

Volunteers are crucial to the operation of every local meals on wheels organisation. They drive the cars and deliver the meals and other food services to clients, as well as helping run the service itself by serving on the management committee. The committee receives government funding for the operation of the organisation at the local level, and is responsible for its governance.

Depending on which service they work with, volunteers also assist in transporting clients to a community centre to enjoy a meal along with other social activities. Or they can contribute by using their computer skills to assist in setting up databases, writing newsletters, or preparing promotional fliers about upcoming events. Some organisations recruit volunteers for setting up and running new programmes - the possibilities are endless.

Volunteers' FAQs


How do I become a volunteer?

Contact your nearest meals on wheels organisation. The Association can give you the relevant phone number: call (02) 8219 4200 or drop us an email.

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Is there a selection process for volunteers?

Your local meals on wheels organisation will generally interview you when you offer your services to explain what they expect from you and what you can expect from them. Organisations may require references, or police checks. These are designed to protect the clients whose homes you will be entering.

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What does it involve?

It depends on the organisation recruiting - many skills are catered for. The traditional work of meals on wheels field volunteers is the delivery of meals to clients, using their own cars, or acting as a partner to someone who is using their own car. Most deliveries are done in pairs. Other volunteers may be recruited to assist with management of the organisation at the local level, which means joining the management committee. Organisations now also recruit volunteers to help with database entry, with the development of new services, such as the breakfast and snack programme described on the about meals on wheels page and with social programmes such as centre-based meal programmes.

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How much time will it take?

Depending on what type of volunteering you are doing, anything from an hour a month to one or more full days a week.

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What training will I receive?

This depends on the task for which you have been recruited. Most organisations are happy to take whatever time you can give and this should be negotiated at the initial interview.

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Am I covered in case of an accident or injury received whilst I am carrying out volunteer duties?

Meals on wheels organisations carry insurance cover for their volunteers and some basic car insurance to protect the excess clause in the volunteer's comprehensive car insurance policy.

You can contact the Association's Insurance Line: 1300 652 556 to find out about insurance policies an organisation should have in place.

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Will I be reimbursed for any expenses I incur whilst volunteering?

Volunteers are reimbursed for out of pocket expenses including petrol used in delivering meals to clients.

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What can I expect from volunteering?

You will experience the satisfaction that comes from the delivery of a vital service to people in need of that service. You will make new friends, learn new skills, and probably experience a growth in your self esteem and self-confidence.

You will be contributing to the building of the social fabric of your community, making the world a better place for us all to live in. Many organisations hold social events to recognise the contribution of their volunteers - this is often a civic event.

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