More Than Time: How One Connection Can Make a Difference
Updated: Sep 17
Sometimes making a difference does not begin with money. It begins with showing up.
A conversation. A familiar voice. Someone willing to listen.
These actions may seem small, but connection can have a meaningful impact on an older person. For culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older Australians, feeling connected can also mean having their language, culture and life experiences recognised and respected.
More Than Volunteering
Volunteering is not simply about giving away your time. It can mean giving someone something valuable: connection, companionship and a sense of belonging.
AfCAS works to support culturally appropriate services for people from diverse backgrounds. Its activities include training, support and advocacy, as well as helping communities access translating and interpreting support and CALD volunteer visitors.
Through volunteering, people can provide friendship and companionship to older Australians while helping them remain connected to the wider community. A friendly visit or regular conversation can create an opportunity for an older person to share stories, experiences and culture with someone who is willing to listen.
Your Time Can Have Meaning
Making a difference does not always require a huge gesture.
Sometimes it starts with listening. Sometimes it is sharing a conversation. Sometimes it is simply being there.
For older Australians from multicultural backgrounds, having someone who understands or respects their culture, and language can make communication more comfortable and meaningful.
AfCAS recognises the importance of supporting multicultural and multilingual seniors. The organisation is also working towards stronger recognition, partnerships, advocacy and resources to improve its ability to support culturally diverse communities.
Volunteering can therefore be more than giving your time. It can help create a sense of belonging and remind older people that their stories, cultures and experiences continue to matter.
Your Support Matters Too
Not everyone may be able to volunteer, but there are other ways to contribute.
AfCAS identifies funding and sustainability as significant challenges, together with limited marketing and organisational capacity. Community support can therefore contribute to AfCAS's ongoing efforts to advocate for and strengthen culturally appropriate aged-care services.
There are two simple ways you can make a difference:
🤝 Give your time. Explore volunteering opportunities and help create meaningful connections.
💜 Give your support. Help AfCAS continue its work with culturally diverse communities.
Your contribution may seem small to you, but the connection it helps create could mean much more to someone else.
Every conversation can be a starting point. Every act of support can contribute to a more inclusive community where older people from diverse backgrounds feel recognised, respected and connected.
Your time. Your support. Their connection.
👉 Ready to make a difference? Visit to learn how you can volunteer or support its work.
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(Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University).
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