Starting out as a youth volunteer in aged care: Jossie's story

Meet Jossie, one of our young volunteers who gives her time to support our Victorian aged care communities.

As a Year 12 student at Methodist Ladies College, Jossie brings a wide range of talents and achievements. She’s a high-performing student with multiple high distinction awards in maths, an accomplished athlete, and a talented musician who has performed alongside pianist Richard Clayderman.

Despite a busy schedule, Jossie has been volunteering with BaptistCare for the past two years, motivated by a desire to make a meaningful contribution to her community.

“I’ve been close to my grandparents since I was young, so I’ve always understood how important it is for older people to feel valued and included,” says Jossie. “Volunteering has been a way for me to put those values into action.”

Taking the first step into volunteering

Like many volunteers, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect at first.

“I felt nervous when I started because I didn’t know what I could offer,” she says. “But I quickly realised it was about spending time with people, being present, and just letting the conversations flow.”

Those early days were filled with simple, shared moments, including afternoons spent playing balloon tennis with residents. After one of these games, Jossie struck up a conversation with *Paula, a resident whose story stayed with her.

“She told me about her first job in a small clothing shop and how nervous she felt on her first day,” Jossie says. “She ended up staying there for 20 years, and she spoke about raising her children and how proud she still is of them.”

Moments like this helped Jossie see things very differently.

“I realised that people carry so much of their lives with them,” she says. “You can learn a lot by taking the time to listen. Things like family, hard work and resilience don’t disappear with age. They are proud expressions of a life well lived. And it’s an honour to be here and to hear these stories.”

Growing in confidence and connection

Through volunteering, Jossie also began to notice changes in how she connected with people in her own life.

“I don’t rush conversations as much anymore,” she explains. “I listen more carefully and ask more questions. It’s changed the way I show up for people around me, especially my family.”

Her experiences have also given her a deeper appreciation for the role everyone plays in creating supportive communities.

“When you step back, you realise it’s not just one person or group making a difference in aged care,” she says. “There are volunteers, staff and families working together to support people and their loved ones. It happens in small moments, in shared laughter and in things that seem ordinary at the time. But together, we make sure residents are seen and heard.”

For Jossie, these moments are where the real impact lies.

“All of these moments come together to create a culture of care, respect and connection,” she says. “I think that’s what volunteering at BaptistCare gave me. Not just a place to volunteer, but a deeper understanding of what it means to truly connect with someone. And that is something I will never take for granted.”

What young people can gain from volunteering

Lana Davis, Head of Volunteer Operations (Acting), is passionate about supporting youth volunteers.

“Young people bring so much to our communities, from energy and curiosity to a genuine willingness to connect,” she says. “At the same time, volunteering helps build empathy, confidence and a deeper understanding of what it means to care for others.”

“Starting early gives young people the chance to see themselves as active contributors to their communities, and we’re always encouraged by the impact they make.”

This is something Jossie has experienced firsthand.

Asked what she’d say to another person her age about volunteering, Jossie is clear. “You might feel like you’re only doing something small at first, as an individual. But once you get started and meet other volunteers, you realise you’re part of something bigger, and that together with others, your impact is making a real difference,” she says.

At BaptistCare, youth volunteers like Jossie continue to impress everyone with their energy and positivity. “All our volunteers are amazing, having led such incredible lives with so much to give. Our youth volunteers are strong achievers, and it’s clear to me that we are working with the leaders of tomorrow,” says Bryan Mooney, Business Partner – Volunteers.

Thank you, Jossie, for the time, care and thoughtfulness you bring to volunteering. The way you show up continues to make a meaningful difference to the people around you, and we’re so glad to have you as part of our community.

If you’d like to learn more about BaptistCare volunteering opportunities near you, click the links below to learn more:

Victoria and Tasmania

South Australia

New South Wales, ACT and Western Australia.

*Name changed to protect resident privacy.