BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO START THE CONVERSATION THAT MATTERS

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2 BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO START THE CONVERSATION THAT MATTERS

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4 take inspiration from others

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6 Pyjama Angels are very special people [they] make a child feel special. They bring fun and laughter into a child s life without stress or hidden agenda. They communicate with a child and make them feel safe. I have no hesitation in recommending this scheme to other carers. All children should have an Angel. Foster Carer

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8 From the perspective of a foster carer. I cannot over emphasise the importance of this program in the lives of children in care. The quality of the Foundation s sourcing and training of volunteers is exemplary. In my experience the volunteers achieve a perfect balance of professionalism and flexibility to work effectively with the children who can often present challenging behaviours

9 Each Angel spends their time with their child differently some do homework and tutoring; others read for the entire time; some do craft and play games; others cook! Regardless of the activities, the children adore their time with their Angels and long for the visits each week. Personally, the Pyjama Foundation is the single biggest support to me in my role as a foster carer. The children s Angels celebrate their successes and debrief with me when I ve had a difficult week. They encourage me and brainstorm with me. The Angels have taken the children out during school holidays to allow me a break. This is a rare organisation that does so much good in the individual lives of these children.

10 I like the people who keep the conversation going, no matter how random the topics get

11 June Quinlan OzCare volunteer and Lifetime Contribution Award Winner

12 I get a real buzz out of intelligent conversation

13 Michael Andrews Youth Volunteering Award Recipient Michael s volunteer journey started with St John when he was merely five years old. For the last five years Michael has volunteered with Surf Life Saving Queensland, and recently launched his own consulting business to provide pro-bono IT assistance for small businesses

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15 Cutting Edge Group Corporate Volunteering Award recipients helping YoungCare

16 Talk Low, Talk Slow and don t say too much John Wayne

17 ARDOCH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 1462 Volunteers The Volunteer Programs won 3 awards in 2016: 1. Innovation Award for the workplace Volunteer Programs 2. Excellence Award for Education Volunteer Program 3. NAPCAN Award for Child Safety processes We attained funding from NAB in 2016 to research the impact of Education Volunteers over a 6 month period Presented at major sector conferences

18 ARDOCH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Education volunteers impact Impact Confidence Academic Social Engagement 78% volunteers reported that they made a positive impact on children s confidence 70% volunteers reported that they made a positive impact on children s literacy / numeracy 72% volunteers reported that they made a positive impact on children s social & communication skills 82% volunteers reported that they made a positive impact on children s motivation, enthusiasm to learn 18

19 EDUCATION VOLUNTEER moments Seeing specific children sit down and focus on a quiet activity The connections they make with the kids. Always approachable and friendly Principal One of the most difficult girls in the class sat together with me and worked through a maths problem, proving to herself that she could do it. Once she had a sense that she was on the right track, she was determined to complete the task. She then ran across to show the teacher, as she was overjoyed at her success! (Normally this child gives up and is always distracting other children because she feels she cannot do the work). Volunteer A 5-year-old kinder with severe behavioural problems who is usually disruptive and angry at everyone asked to hold my hand and proudly showed me a block tower he was building. I felt that my careful consistent approach with him throughout the year (praising good behaviour, setting boundaries) was finally paying off. Volunteer

20 LITERACY BUDDIES moments My buddy's last card to me also said "You have inspired me to work hard to become someone AMAZING". That was such a huge compliment. Workplace Volunteer Thank you for your letter, writing is now my favourite subject because I like to write letters. It s cool to write to someone I don t know because it makes it more interesting. (..) It s nice to learn about you and all the best to you too. Student The opportunity to meet and visit people outside their usual circles. It provides them with the opportunity to see that there is more than just their local suburb and more employment opportunities than just what is offered locally. I know it also motivated some to further their studies. Teacher 20

21 NUMERACY BUDDIES moments Asking me for advice on how fractions work and what other things can be similar to a fraction. Workplace Volunteer The look on the little buddies faces staring out the windows from Level 33 of the ANZ offices at 55 Collins Street Teacher Students really enjoyed the workplace and school visits as it was an opportunity for students to communicate further with their big buddies and meet them face to face whilst solving mathematical problems and seeing how maths is used in real life situations in the workplace. Teacher 21

22 Ipswich Hospice Care Palliative care and bereavement service in Ipswich and the West Moreton region

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24 Jess first came to Jeays Street when Shaun took her to a centre barbeque. She now spends two days a week volunteering as a receptionist and says coming to the centre has changed her life. So it s nice they come in and see we re helping here and we re able to help them, and even afterwards we help them after hours because they re also our neighbours.

25 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR ALLAN TENNENT Awarded for his selfless, consistent dedication to the Coast Guard, and the incredible, immeasurable impact of his efforts on the lives of his community over 35 years. M1s4m03v4

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28 Access Community Services Ltd Volunteering Impact Award Recipient

29 I enjoy conversation. I wasn t built for small talk

30 Volunteering Qld s Marketing Support, Board and Admin Volunteers and supporting staff

31 Nicolle Edwards Excellence in Volunteer Management Award Recipient RizeUp, a charity organisation providing immediate, practical support to families who are fleeing from domestic violence