Walking Companions, Alexandra 

What: 1:1 walks, accompanying and encouraging care home residents on their stroll around the block.   
When: 30 minutes - 1 hour per day, week or fortnight. Between 9 - 11am, Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
Where: Ranui, 4 Chapple St, Alexandra or Castlewood, 101 Tarbert Street, Alexandra. 
Request an application form


What would you do?

Some residents would like to go out for more walks but find it difficult to go alone. You will be spend 1:1 time chatting with and supporting residents on a 10 -15 minute stroll 'around the block. As you get to know the residents you can go further for longer, even add in a coffee stop.

  • Accompany elderly residents on walks, distance and time depending on individuals fitness and ability.
  • Encourage and help with building up confidence.
  • Assist residents with walking aids.
  • Build rapport, have a laugh.

There are many benefits of walking:

  • Helps residents stay fit, and it’s something to look forward to.
  • Improves joint mobility, muscle strength, circulation and bone density. 
  • Can improve mental wellbeing, relieving stress and improving memory.
  • Contributes to a better sleep and boost energy.

Never underestimate the power of one volunteer hour, its rewarding and in return you will get a ‘helpers high’. Volunteering can lead to a rush of euphoria and the release of endorphins? This effect is known as ‘helper’s high’!

Ranui, in Alexandra, offers its residents a safe and secure home with great food in a beautiful location in scenic Central Otago. They also provide rest home or hospital level care, dementia care and respite or palliative care.

Requirements | Checks you can expect

  • Physically fitness required for Walking Companion role

You must be friendly, reliable, trustworthy and have good communication skills. 

Volunteers need to be physically capable of assisting residents on walks, identifying uneven ground, small steps or gutters. 

Volunteers should have a natural interest in older people, have patience, a caring and respectful attitude and be happy working as part of a team.

As you will be stepping into the 'Home' of elderly people we take great care in who our volunteers are. All of our volunteers need to complete a Police Check and provide references. All volunteers will receive appropriate training and supervision for their role and will be required to sign a Code of Conduct.

Time commitment

30mins to 1 hour per week, fortnight or month. 

Between 9 - 11am, Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Ideally, you would meet with the occupational therapist between 9am - 11am Monday, Wednesday or Friday, however this is not compulsory. 

Request an application form