Colin’s connection to community, health and culture

This National Volunteer Week, we are taking a moment to celebrate some of our amazing volunteers at Connect Health & Community.

Our volunteers play an invaluable role in helping us help others.  For some of our volunteers, their work has provided them with valuable connections to their own health, too.

Colin has been volunteering at Connect Health & Community for 21 years.  During that time, he’s found a connection to his health and sense of self through his work as a Community Transport driver. 

“Because I was driving transport to Tai Chi, I was invited to join the class,” said Colin.

“I don’t go for the esoteric flow, but for the balance and strength.  I had turned 65 and have been doing Tai Chi since.  That was 12 years ago.”

Joining the Tai Chi classes has also given Colin an opportunity to connect to his heritage.  He was born and raised in Australia and has a Chinese grandfather.  Taking part in Tai Chi class gave him a meaningful way to connect with Chinese cultural practices.

“Volunteering is an education.  Volunteering has connected me to something that helps support my health.”

Colin says his work as a volunteer has also had a positive impact on how he interacts with other people.

“Before I was more introverted but these days I talk to anyone.  As a volunteer, you have a duty of care to make sure the clients are okay, and naturally, you get better at chatting and asking questions.”

Thank you Colin and our exceptional team of volunteers.

The theme of the 2022 National Volunteer Week is ‘Better Together’.

Our volunteers are valued members of the Connect Health & Community team.

With more than 150 volunteers lending a hand, we know we couldn’t do our work without them.  By giving their time, skills and dedication, our volunteers make a priceless contribution to our community.

For more information on volunteering and how you can sign up, visit https://connecthealth.org.au/about-us/volunteer-with-us/