’Tis the season with Resthaven volunteer, Bob

This Christmas, Resthaven Mitcham volunteer, Bob Wharton, shares a special musical memory.

Bob says, ‘I was working part-time back when I started volunteering with Resthaven, about fourteen years ago, and I wanted to contribute to the community in some way.’

‘I have always enjoyed playing my guitar and singing with people, and I had a particular interest in connecting with older people, so I decided to volunteer with Resthaven.’

Bob is inspired by the powerful impact that sharing music has on people who are living with dementia.

‘Aged care is special. It’s quite amazing to see residents who rarely speak start singing along and swaying to my music.’

He recalls, ‘In my early years of volunteering, I remember an older gentleman was enjoying my rendition of “O little town in Bethlehem,” when he began sharing memories of his travels to Bethlehem and Jerusalem many years ago.’

‘He told the most incredible stories to the group, and staff were surprised and delighted with this interaction, as he did not often speak.’

‘Since then, I have always made time in the festive season to sing along with residents at Resthaven. It is a special time of year to share music with people, and I can see the difference it makes from when I walk in, to when I walk out.’

‘To be honest, I get more out of it than I give. Volunteering with your community is a great thing to do,’ he says.

’Tis the season of giving, and there’s no better time to explore volunteering with Resthaven!

There are many ways to connect with older people through volunteering. We would like to hear about your interests and discover how you might like to be involved.

For more information, call us on 8373 9036, or email us at volunteer@resthaven.asn.au. Alternatively, you can visit the volunteering page.