Volunteering brings international students and older people together

Volunteers Yumeng Han and Shuchan Wang are both studying a Masters in Social Work and, through volunteering with Resthaven, are gaining experience that complements their chosen career path. In turn, residents are enjoying these interactions as well as offering their wise counsel and experience.

‘Growing up in China, my grandparents lived with us,’ Shuchan says. ‘I feel very comfortable with older people and I enjoy their company. Volunteering with Resthaven provides me with a wonderful opportunity to connect with older people, similar to my experiences with my grandparents, which is very comforting.’

Shuchan is in Australia without any family and says that the regular contact with residents has helped her improve her English and form good connections with people.

‘When I shared with a resident that I am here alone, she told me how brave I am and that made me feel proud,’ Shuchan says. ‘I gain as much out of the conversations I have with residents as they do.’

Yumeng has a similar story, also moving from China to Australia for her studies.

‘I really enjoy talking with residents and hearing about their lives,’ Yumeng says. ‘It’s lovely to chat together, enjoy a stroll in the gardens, or a cup of tea. This is a wonderful experience, and I am gaining knowledge that is contributing to my development as a social worker.’

Both Shuchan and Yumeng say they feel welcomed and appreciated by Resthaven and the residents who they spend time with.

‘I sometimes go in earlier and play the piano,’ Shuchan says. ‘One day I was playing a song, and one of the residents started to sing the words. It was lovely to share that moment with him.’

Shuchan also plays the accordion and hopes to play it at Resthaven in the future.

From her volunteer experience with Resthaven, Shuchan says she now wants to work with older people in her social work career.

‘When I told my family I was volunteering in aged care they were very proud of me,’ Shuchan says. ‘I am gaining such good experience, and I am very grateful to all at Resthaven for how they have welcomed and encouraged me.’

Yumeng agrees: ‘Volunteering is such a good opportunity for me to engage with people and develop my skills in interacting and relating with people.’

Stacey Thompson, Manager Volunteer Services, Resthaven, says volunteering brings a range of benefits to all involved.

‘It is wonderful to hear about the connection Yumeng and Shuchan share with residents,’ Stacey says. ‘We are honoured to have Yumeng and Shuchan join us, both who have embarked on a career change, inspired by a desire to support and help people, following the impact of the global pandemic.’

A number of international students studying a Masters in Social Work have since also joined Resthaven as volunteers and are connecting with older people through volunteering.

Resthaven welcomes more people to volunteer and enrich the lives of older people. If you or someone you know would enjoy connecting through volunteering, we would like to connect with you.

For more information, call Volunteer Services on 8373 9036, email volunteer@resthaven.asn.au or visit the Resthaven Volunteering webpage.