Stories - July 1, 2024
Chontelle is balancing life and volunteering with Intereach
Intereach’s new volunteer leave scheme has made a significant impact on Early Childhood Approach worker Chontelle.
A passionate volunteer, Chontelle no longer has to choose between the various initiatives she supports. She shared how paid volunteer leave allows her to balance work, parenting, and community involvement.
“As many working parents can agree, it can be really hard trying to balance things out,” Chontelle said.
“With the ability to use volunteer leave, I can take on volunteer roles to support my children’s schools.
“It gives me a sense of achievement both as a parent and a school community member.”
Chontelle has also been able to continue a heartfelt initiative she has dedicated time to over the past few years.
“I also will be able to use my volunteer leave for something very close to my heart – creating bereavement care packages for my local hospital to support parents after the loss of a baby,” Chontelle said.
“Due to work and family commitments, I was struggling to complete these and had spoken to my husband about perhaps needing to step away. However, I will now be able to continue this important work thanks to Intereach’s volunteer leave.
I think if a workplace can support families to create a better work-life balance and become more involved in the community, it’s a win-win. I encourage everyone to think about something they are passionate about supporting or how they can use this to support the volunteer work they already do.“
Intereach Volunteer Team Leader Sarah Bartsh emphasised the volunteer leave scheme supports employees who already volunteer, those wanting to return to volunteering and encourages more staff members to volunteer for the first time.
“We know many Intereach staff already give so much of their time and efforts to volunteering. So, whether it’s becoming a volunteer visitor and helping end loneliness, participating in environmental conservation efforts, grassroots initiatives, or supporting educational programs or charities, each act of service has a ripple effect that extends far beyond our organisation,” Sarah said.
We want every staff member to have the opportunity to volunteer and to have certainty that while they are helping build strong, connected communities, they have our support to balance the demands of work, life, and volunteering.”
Volunteer leave is just one of the many benefits of a career with Intereach. Discover opportunities to work with us here.
Or consider volunteering with one of our amazing community initiatives in your area. Chat with a Volunteer Team Leader today, call 1300 488 226, or visit our Volunteer page.
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