SJSA Annual Report 2023-24

St John Ambulance SA

enabling clients to maintain their independence and access essential services.

incredible dedication of our 189 volunteers. Their commitment is evident in the thousands of hours they devoted to helping those in need, bringing companionship, joy, and a renewed sense of belonging to those they serve. This culture of care and inclusion is at the core of our organisation’s values and is central to the impact we have in the community. As we look toward the coming year, our focus remains on adapting and evolving our volunteer led services while continuing to deliver high-quality programs. Our priorities include strengthening volunteer recruitment, enhancing training programs, and exploring new initiatives to better support both clients and volunteers. We are committed to providing volunteers with the resources they need to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our clients. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers for their unwavering dedication and to our staff for their steadfast commitment to the success of our programs. Their contributions go beyond practical support, fostering a sense of community and connection that is invaluable. I would also like to extend a special thank you to the Community Care Committee members, including Emma Hinchey, Richard Hearn and Shane Bolton, who give their time to support the ongoing governance and progress of our program. Through the dedication and compassion of our volunteers and staff, we can continue to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. I look forward to another wonderful year ahead for Community Care in 2024/25.

In July 2023, we transitioned from the Community Visitors Scheme to the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, securing funding until June 2026. This shift has allowed us to continue providing essential social support to those who are socially isolated. Additionally, our Commonwealth Home Support Program Social Support Individual funding was extended until June 2025, further enabling us to help clients maintain their independence and engage actively with their community. To ensure continued success, a restructure of the Community Care team was carried out early in 2024. This introduced roles aligned with specific programs and services, as well as casual home support positions. These changes were implemented to strengthen service delivery and ensure adaptability as we prepare for the Federal Government’s new Support at Home program. Recruitment of new volunteers remains a priority, and we have actively promoted volunteering through various community events. These events included: • Westfield Marion Volunteer Recruitment Stall – July 2023 • Westfield West Lakes Volunteer Recruitment Stall – August 2023 • Disability Ageing and Lifestyle Expo – October 2023 • Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Volunteer Recruitment Stall – February 2024 These efforts have allowed us to engage with potential volunteers, showcasing the benefits of joining our organisation and the positive impact they can have in their communities. We will continue to focus on these initiatives to ensure we attract dedicated individuals who are committed to making a difference. Over the past year, our volunteers contributed 13,460 hours of service, valued at $637,734. These figures are impressive, but the real impact of our volunteers extends beyond the numbers. Our Community Care Program supported 306 clients across metropolitan Adelaide, thanks to the

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