Monday 1 October 2018

An important new partnership has formed to help increase participation of people with disability in volunteer programs across the community services sector.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria and Volunteering Victoria, with support of the State Government, have commenced the Victoria ALIVE Project. ALIVE is an acronym which stands for Ability, Links, Inclusive Volunteering, Everyday.

The aim is to equip community organisations with the resources they need to make their volunteering programs more inclusive for people with disability.

The project has formed a Project Governance Group and Project Advisory Group, both made up of people with disability to ensure people’s lived experiences are at the centre of the project every step of the way.

“It is important for people with lived experience to be leading the way in our communities and we are excited about the possibilities to change lives that this project presents,” says Scott Miller, Chief Executive of Volunteering Victoria.

NHVic CEO Nicole Battle said the project would include several engagement and research activities that will inform a suit of resources and training for community organisations.

“Together, the project team will develop resources tailor-made for volunteer-involving organisations to equip them with the tools they need to meet the highest standards of inclusiveness. And we will highlight the best examples of inclusive volunteering through social media,” said Nicole.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan said, “Whether it’s down at the local footy club, at your library, out planting trees or in an animal shelter, you’ll find volunteers everywhere making Victoria the best place to live.

“It’s on us to recognise the incredible contribution volunteers with disability are making for our communities, and to break down every barrier so that they can volunteer effectively.”

For more information on Victoria ALIVE, visit the Victoria ALIVE website.

Did you know? 21 per cent of people who visit neighbourhood houses in Victoria have a disability.