From styling to volunteering with older people — Denise is exactly where she wants to be

Resthaven Malvern hairdresser, Denise Lockwood, put down her scissors in July 2022, but you can still find her doing what she loves at 43 Marlborough Street!

Denise explains, ‘I moved down from Sydney when I was 45 years old, and I started hairdressing in a busy salon in Norwood.’

‘Three years later, one of my clients who worked at Resthaven Malvern, gave me a call when a spot opened up for a sub-contracted hairdresser on site.’

‘I started working three days a week, and I just loved it—the purpose of what I was doing shifted significantly.’

‘As a commercial hairdresser, a lot of what you do is superficial, and there can be a lot of emphasis on how you look, rather than how you feel. Coming into aged care, I was truly humbled. The residents grounded me in the best way.’

‘Resthaven is their home, and I felt honoured to be invited in, and to make their day when they walked in the salon—the truth is, it was them who made my day.’

After almost 15 years, Denise retired from her role, but she didn’t go anywhere.

‘After all this time, Resthaven Malvern became my home, so I couldn’t leave!’

‘I was encouraged by staff to take on a volunteer role here, and now, I am able to do what I love—spread love and joy—even without the scissors!’

‘Coming across the people at Resthaven Malvern was the best thing that could have ever happened to me, and I love every single person. I feel very blessed to continue to be a part of this beautiful community.’

Now, Denise is exactly where she wants to be, supporting spiritual wellbeing with the site Chaplain, Rev Sil Hein, having more time to engage and connect with residents, and tapping into her creative side with the art and craft group.

There are many ways for volunteers to connect with older people. If you know someone who would like to be involved, share Denise’s story with them.

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