Volunteering

Remarkable people advertisementManuela's story

Local northern beaches musician Manuela Schneider says people should beat their own stress by bringing joy to the lives of others.

As the face of UnitingCare Ageing’s NSW and ACT wide Volunteers Week campaign, Remarkable People, Manuela shares her experiences.

“Life can feel stuck sometimes, but if you’re feeling down I say get out of the house and help other people,” Ms Schneider said.

“The joy that surrounds volunteering will help you as much as it helps others.”
Volunteering at UnitingCare’s Caring About Frail and Elderly (CAFÉ) Jacaranda in Warriewood, Manuela plays guitar, Native American flute and sings. The CAFE Jacaranda caters lunch for community groups, social clubs, retirement villages, hostels, nursing homes and day centres.

“I answered an ad to help serve meals to the elderly at Jacaranda. By the end of my first day they discovered I was a musician and asked me back to play for them,” Ms Schneider said.

“Everyone was so nice and supportive, I was more than happy to come back. “I start by handing out percussion instruments and by the end of lunchtime, everyone’s singing along,” said Ms Schneider. “I have seen people really come out of their shell as a result of the music.”

Volunteers at UnitingCare participate in a range of innovative and fun programs in aged care. These include music classes, art, laughter therapy, and fitness programs.

“Volunteering expands your consciousness and realisation. I’ve benefitted from ideas and encounters I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. As a volunteer you’re supported as you’re supporting others. I can literally say volunteering has changed my life.”

If you have the time, or a special skill to share and help make others lives more joyful, contact UnitingCare Ageing (see Regional contacts below).


Hunter, Central Coast and New England
(02) 4943 6077 or email mail@uchunter.org.au

North Coast
(02) 6624 6333 or email: recruitment@caroona.org.au

Northern Sydney
(02) 9975 0502 volunteers@nsr.unitingcare.org.au

South Eastern Region
(02) 4253 6536 or email unitingagedcare@unitingagedcare.org.au

Sydney Region
(02) 9556 9050 or email rteuma@unitingcarenswact.org.au

Western Region
(02) 02 4723 9400 or traceyh@unitingagedcarewest.org.au

We look forward to hearing from you.