WHEN thinking of volunteers, high-profile community groups such as Lions and Rotary are among the first organisations to spring to mind.
However, volunteers are the backbone of a vast array of operations, including goverment departments.
Among them is the Department for Child Protection (DCP), which has a team of 240 volunteers across the state helping support children and families.
Volunteering at DCP for close to three years, Mount Gambier retiree Sharon Manser said she was first drawn to the position after her husband passed away.
“My husband volunteered at DCP for around 10 years,” she said.
“When he got sick he expressed to me that he would like me to carry on after him.
“I took a little time off after he passed for myself but decided I would take it on and have not looked back since.
“A long time ago I started volunteering with Riding for the Disabled.
“From there I volunteered with St Johns before now coming to DCP.
“I think volunteering is something that will always have a special place in my heart but here at DCP things are just that extra bit special.”
Personal loss also drove fellow volunteer Emma Carpenter to join the DCP team.
Ms Carpenter said the promise of enriching young people’s lives was the driving force behind joining the organisation.
“I started two years ago when I first moved to the region form Victoria,” she said.
“After I lost my brother I was looking for a way to give back and make an impact on young people and this was the perfect way to do that.
“It is such a rewarding experience – there’s nothing better than seeing their little faces light up when you come to pick them up – I cannot even explain it.”
Although the volunteers are aware of the difficult circumstances that have led the children to be in care, Ms Carpenter remained focussed on delivering the help needed.
“It is hard to deal with when you think about what some of them have gone through,” she said.
“But you know they page is turning for them now, things are starting fresh and they’re getting another shot.
“It is really uplifting.”
Volunteer coordinator Viv Sims said children see the volunteers as friends rather than decision makers, which helps build close relationships.
“Emma broke her leg and had to spend time off to heal and the children she deals with were quite upset to not have their friend around for a few weeks,” she said.
“I think they find it easier to share and chat with the volunteers than they do with workers as they know they’re not making all of the decisions.
“They’re just there to help and support them and they really gravitate towards that.”
Ms Sims encouraged those interested in volunteering with the DCP to visit the website for further information.
