Volunteer Host

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Volunteer Host

Hosting - Its volunteering with a difference which makes a difference

If you live in Melbourne’s outer east and want to make a positive difference to the lives of others in your community, you might like to consider becoming A Volunteer Host With Interchange

There is a wide range of hosting options, from sharing a full weekend to sharing a few hours with a child or young adult with a disability. There are also many different hosting roles- as an additional and very important second family to a child, a supportive friend or mentor, or as a buddy who shares a common interest.

Whatever your hosting contribution you know you will be making a positive difference to the lives of everyone involved, especially your own.

HOSTS come from all walks of life, all cultural backgrounds and all lifestyle situations.

• hosts can be singles or couples, male or female, with or without children of their own, young adults through to grandparents.
• family friends can be hosts – with the added security of being covered by our insurance
• no experience with disability is necessary just a willingness to accept and accommodate differences in people. A sense of humour is a definite plus !
• hosts and children are matched carefully to ensure compatibility. All parties must be comfortable with the match for it to proceed.
• emphasis is placed on matching those with shared interests
• training is provided and Interchange support and assistance is always available
• a small reimbursement is given to hosts annually to assist with any extra costs incurred
• a police record, medical check, Working with Children check and reference checks are done prior to hosting.
• and just in case ... volunteer host carers are covered by public liability insurance.

The Ingram Family Life has always been busy, but both Dan and Jason have been welcome additions, fitting in with our family life and enriching it. More Information Eloise Fraser Hosting Luke has not only been a positive experience for us but also for our families, friends and our wider community. More Information Kerry Hands It's nearly seventeen years since I made the phone call that changed my life! More Information

Frequently Asked Questions Do I need to have any experience with children? No. You just need to enjoy spending time with children. Having a positive attitude to life, a good sense of fun, patience and tolerance and acceptance of people for who they are, are much more important than experience. I don’t know anything about disability, can I still host? Certainly. We make sure you have as much information about the child and their care as possible. You have the choice of who you would like to host. The child’s family is always the best source of information and staff are always available to help with any queries. Who can be a host? Just about anyone who is 18 years old or over. Hosts come from all different lifestyles and cultural and religious backgrounds. A positive and caring attitude to children, life and disability and an ability to make a commitment are the most important attributes. Of course you must have medical and police clearances and reference checks before you can host. How do we entertain our host child? You don’t. Of course you can do those special treat things but the whole idea of the program is that the child fits in with whatever you usually do. Whenever possible we try to match people who share a common interest. Meeting new friends and having different experiences are often entertainment enough. The building of the relationship is more important than where you go. I’m young and single. Would a parent trust me to look after their child? Looking after someone’s child is a big responsibility, as is letting your child go to someone else. An important part of a match is the building of trust between all parties. Just because you are young doesn’t mean you’re not responsible, caring and trustworthy. Young people can bring a fresh new approach to a hosting relationship. Its attitude that is important. I’m retired. Do you think I am too old? Older citizens can make excellent hosts. Obviously you need to be in good health and be matched to a child who suits your lifestyle and energy levels! You can share a lifetime of experiences with your host child …and children keep you young at heart. What happens in an emergency situation? You are provided with all emergency contact numbers and an emergency procedure to follow. Interchange staff can always be contacted via our pager service. Do I have to make any commitment? Yes We ask that you consider committing to at least one year from the time your match begins, as it may take quite some time for everyone to feel comfortable and for the match relationships to develop. Of course circumstances may arise where this is not possible. If you have any further questions about hosting please email our Host Coordinator Colleen McCormack on colleen.mccormack@ioe.org.au

Hosting – Something For Everyone

For Children it’s different experiences, new social contacts, involvement in a wider community and a break from home.

For Families it’s a rest from the carer role, time to unwind and enjoy those things in life that are difficult to do when their child is home, quality time with siblings and partners, a chance to ‘recharge the batteries’.

For Hosts - it's a new family member, new experiences, an appreciation of their own family life, positive feelings from overcoming doubts and challenges and from knowing they are 'making a difference'. Hosting is just one way of putting something back into your local community.

For Community - it's greater awareness, tolerance, understanding and acceptance of differences in people. An inclusive community is a healthier and happier community ... a community where all members are valued.

Interested in finding out more?

Take the first step, obligation free, fill in your details and more information will be forwarded to your email.

If you do not want the commitment of Hosting, another way to volunteer with Interchange is with our recreation volunteer programs.