Volunteer
Two volunteer roles:
Para-Counsellors
Volunteers are trained with basic counselling skills and are attached to older persons who may be depressed, lonely or isolated. They will visit them on a regular basis, to support them and help them cope with their issues.
HOA Facilitators
Volunteers are trained to co-facilitate artistic workshops for older persons and build a supportive community for participants.
What our volunteers say:
Reaping the rewards of volunteering
Maria Koh, 68
Para-counsellor & HOA facilitator
“By helping people, I also get to learn a lot from the oldies such as remedies for a sore throat! They have years of experience and they will tell you to try all kinds of things. Some of these can't be found in books and sometimes, they do work.”
First time volunteers
Mr & Mrs Pang, 75
HOA facilitators
“We have free time. Our children and grandchildren are big already. ... The experience [volunteering] has made us happy. Being at home can be very boring as we would be alone, but coming here is fun.”
Never too old to volunteer
Chiew Sim, 65
HOA facilitator
“It is good for the old folks to come down and spend a few hours being active, meeting and talking to other people. Otherwise the day is very long for them and it is dreary. I make many new friends here too!”
Asked if she will ever slow down, she replied animatedly, “I will do this until I can’t do it anymore!”
A meaningful way to spend retirement
Yoke Chin, 59
Para-counsellor & HOA facilitator
“It is truly heart-warming to see the elderly happy doing the activities at O’Joy and having company. Many elderly folks feel lonely at home and sometimes just need to talk to someone.”
Participant turned volunteer
Ong Khng Tee, 63
HOA facilitator
"I knew who they [other HOA participants] are, but we weren't on talking terms. After coming here, I feel we are one big family. I will look out for them on the streets now."
Matched to the Board
Joanna Teo, 30
Past president of management committee
“The work at O'Joy has been very meaningful and rewarding [to me], knowing that our services are benefitting older Singaporeans and their families.”
Volunteer Training Course
Recruitment for the current Volunteer Training Course is closed. If you are interested in volunteering as a para-counsellor, please indicate your interest using this contact form. We look forward to having you!
What Participants Say
Yi Ru
I really enjoyed the course and it was very interactive. The training put us in the shoes of the elderly. I feel empowered as a befriender.
Erin Lim
I learnt about the definition of helping, the emphasis on process and not outcome. I also learnt about accepting and respecting the elderly despite their past behaviour.
Serene Loh
I gained deeper understanding about common concerns of elderly, and learnt about boundaries and the likely issues we may encountered during our visits.