Older Adult Services offers a range of social activities for frail elderly and isolated people, those with dementia and people with a disability still living at home or in a supported residential service accommodation.

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All these program activities offer a respite opportunity for carers, whilst providing opportunities for companionship, community connections and friendship for carer recipients. The service stream includes Planned Activity Groups (PAG’s), coordinated by Killara House and Golden Wattle House; and social support groups hosted by the Wednesday Activity Group and Ben’s Shed.

In addition to this the service stream includes a small number of specific carer focussed initiatives: the State-wide Family Relationship Services for Carers (FRSC); The National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP), Shiralee House; and the Whistle Stop Café.

Killara House

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Killara House is a Planned Activity Group for elderly people with dementia or suffering memory loss who still live at home or in a Supported Residential Service accommodation. The service operates from Killara House in Ringwood meeting the needs of people living in the municipalities of Maroondah, Yarra Ranges, Whitehorse, or Manningham.

For further information contact the Program Coordinator on (03) 9870 0531 or visit the Killara House page.

Golden Wattle House

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Golden Wattle is a Planned Activity Group for elderly people that include older people who are frail, isolated or live with a disability or dementia. The service operates from Golden Wattle House in Healesville meeting the needs of people living in the Shire Yarra Ranges.

Participants contribute their ideas and suggestions for the program activities that include games and quizzes, current affairs discussions, guest speakers and entertainers. Outings vary between shopping, bowling, movies, out-to-lunch venues, drives and participation in community events.

For further information contact the Program Manager on (03) 5962 2588 or visit the Golden Wattle page.

Wednesday Activity Group

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The Wednesday Activity Group (WAG) is a social support group that has been in operation for over 30 years, between the hours 10am and 1pm each Wednesday from St Stevens Church in Ringwood East. WAG is an informal group for people aged 35 years and above who require a low level of support whilst participating in the group.

The activity boasts a significantly strong volunteer base, some clients and volunteers have been involved with WAG from inception of the program. The volunteers are the back bone of this program, providing continual support in areas of assistance with transport if required and kitchen tasks that involve preparation of a midday meal.

For further information contact the Program Coordinator on (03) 9879 3933 or visit the Wednesday Activity Group page.

Ben's Shed

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Bens Shed is a recent social support group initiated by EACH and the local Yarra Junction community that operates on an informal basis Monday – Friday for a varied age group of men who require a low level of support whilst participating in the group.

Ben’s Shed provides a place for the blokes in the community to share a yarn, meet others, make new friends to socialise with, relax and have a laugh while sharing skills and ideas.

For further information contact the Project Worker on (03) 5967 2648 or visit the Ben's Shed page.

Opportunities for our volunteers

Our work at CISS encompasses a very broad range of services that gives volunteers an opportunity to learn and practice many of the skills required throughout life. Volunteering provides a chance to explore the community services sector and make a real and positive contribution to the lives of people, while developing your skills and enhancing your work experience.

Our services operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so we require people who are flexible and looking to volunteer some of their time.

Support is provided to volunteers by trained staff.

For further information, download our CISS Pathways brochure, or visit the Volunteer at EACH page.