Community friendship

Are you socially isolated and seeking friendship?

Staff from our Community Friend Program (CFP) will work with you to match you with an appropriate volunteer, with the aim of forming a friendship. 

You can be matched to one person (a Community Friend Volunteer) to meet in the community for a 2-3 hours on a fortnightly basis and enjoy a variety of activities together. The activities and times are chosen by you and the volunteer according to what you both enjoy doing.

You may wish to join a monthly social group. Our social groups are facilitated by a team of 2 volunteers, with up to 6 participants. These groups get together once a month to enjoy a social activity such as bowling, a movie, or just getting together for a coffee and a chat!

Social groups available:

• Crafting fun – Every 3rd Saturday of the month, from Feb – Nov. 11am – 1pm in Brunswick East.
• Games sessions – Every 2nd Wednesday of the month, from Feb – Nov. 2pm – 4pm in North Fitzroy.
• Art creations – Every 4th Saturday of the month, from Feb – Nov. 11am – 1pm in Brunswick East.
• West movie sessions – Every 1st Saturday of the month, from Feb – Nov. 12pm – 3pm in Altona North / Sunshine.
• 10 Pin Bowling – Every 3rd Sunday of the month, from Feb – Nov. 1pm – 3pm in Brunswick East.
• North movie sessions – Every 1st Saturday of the month, from Feb – Nov. 12pm – 3pm in Preston.
• Music band – Wednesday fortnight of the month, from Feb – Nov. 3pm – 5pm in Coburg North.

Available locations

You must have a mild disability, be able to access the community independently, and live in one of the following Local Government Areas in order to be paired with a volunteer:

• Banyule
• Brimbank
• Darebin
• Maribyrnong
• Moonee Valley
• Merri-bek
• Wyndham
• Yarra
• Melton
  
  

Benefits

• Continual support from Community Friend Program coordinators via phone, email and in person.
• Invitations to mid-year and end of year gatherings.
• Community Friend Program quarterly newsletters.
• Improved independence and access to the community.
• Gaining new friendships and participating in different activities.
• Being part of a wonderfully cultured service, full of inclusion and diversity.
  
  

Things to consider

Volunteers are friends -- they are unable to assist with tasks usually completed by a carer or support worker, for example toileting, meal assistance, physical support, or providing transport.

Please note that volunteers are not paid workers. Volunteers offer their own time in the program to participants.

This service is funded through Home and Community Care PYP. There is no cost to become a participant of the Community Friend Program, however you will need to pay for the cost of activities. For example, a coffee, movie ticket, transport or bowling games.

Ideal opportunity for people who would like a safe, genuine and flexible environment to engage in their community, creating activities across the year to look forward to.

Get in touch

Could you see yourself becoming part of CFP?

Contact our friendly Customer Service Team to find out more about this service and if it is the right support for you. Call us on 1800 343 287, send us an enquiry below, or email cfp@mcm.org.au.

Enquire now