Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel’s burgeoning partnership with the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre has been boosted by the delivery of three tablets which will help residents to keep in touch with volunteers who can no longer visit the facility.

While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been widespread and well publicised, what has often gone forgotten is the impact social distancing has had on aged care facilities who, in many cases, rely on volunteers to provide extracurricular support and activities.

Known as the Community Visitors Scheme, the volunteer program is funded by the Federal Government Department of Health and matches volunteers with residents to help create genuine connections and relationships that last over time – a product of seeing the same face every week.

That interaction has been significantly inhibited by COVID-19, but in handing over three tablets on loan to the facility, the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre will assist in brightening the lives of residents throughout the facility.

“For many years we have had a strong relationship with the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre, which previously saw handmade blankets donated regularly for our residents,” Chief Executive Officer, Justin Dover said.

“While the blankets continue to be delivered, we are incredibly grateful that the Centre has seen fit to loan us these Samsung tablets so that our residents and volunteers can see each other once again.

“We recognise that while our own staff have great relationships with our residents, the volunteers who visit our facility have built valuable connections as well, so it’s really special to be able to maintain that while restrictions remain on visitation in person to the facility.”

The first Skype call using the tablets was held this week, with resident Shirley catching up with Janelle, a volunteer.

Thrilled to be seeing Janelle again, Shirley was visibly teary as they regaled stories about their favourite rock cake recipes.

The pair couldn’t believe how far technology has come and were very happy that, in such tough times, they were still able to catch up and chat about things they enjoy.

“It’s interactions like this that we value the most at Vietnam Veterans,” Mr Dover continued.

“Any chance we get to improve the lives of our residents is one we will jump at, and when you see the results like this it makes it all worthwhile.”