Michelle’s volunteering journey with MercyCare began at a time of transition. After spending 25 years as a stay-at-home mum to seven children, she found re-entering the workforce challenging. Wanting to reconnect with her community and build her work experience, Michelle chose to start volunteering.
In May 2025, Michelle started volunteering three mornings a week as a social companion for MercyCare Aged Care residents. Volunteering in the mornings allowed her to fit time around school pick-ups for her twins. During her visits, Michelle spent time chatting, listening, and enjoying gentle walks around the grounds with the residents.
When Michelle later secured paid work during the week, continued volunteering and visited Saturday mornings instead. It was during this time that she discovered the knitting club. While Michelle doesn’t knit, she does crochet. Sharing skills, learning from others, and creating together had always been something she loved. Michelle began supporting residents by writing crochet patterns and guiding them through the steps. For residents living with arthritis or limited mobility, frustration can set in. Michelle meets these moments with patience and understanding, encouraging short breaks and celebrating progress, no matter how small.
One particularly memorable moment came when a resident, an experienced knitter, decided she wanted to learn crochet. With Michelle’s guidance, she picked up the basics quickly. When Michelle returned after assisting others, she discovered the resident had adapted the pattern and created a piece entirely her own. “I was so happy for her that she’d learnt so quickly and allowed her creativity to take over,” Michelle said.
Through volunteering, Michelle says she has learned valuable lessons in communication, patience and empathy. Most of all, she’s seen firsthand that it’s never too late to learn something new. Michelle plans to continue volunteering and creating new patterns to share with the group. For her, the experience is rewarding every time.
“I’d like to encourage anyone that is considering volunteering to definitely give it a go.” she says. “The giving of your time is the most precious and rewarding experience. There are people out there that need you and your skills, no matter how insignificant they may seem to you.”
