After years of volunteering for several organisations and being a carer for family members, Mandurah woman Caroline Cox said she is burnt out.
Ms Cox said she felt the community as a whole need to work together to assist vulnerable people rather than leaving it on the shoulders a few dedicated and compassionate community members.
She said her experiences had impacted her emotionally and physically.
“My health has suffered greatly. I am continually in pain. I have isolated myself from people, cut off friendships and this has had me experience a lot of depression,” she said.
“I have done a lot of community work as well as carer role for my family and this year has been extremely difficult for me.
“I know that there are a huge amount of community workers within our local community who experience huge health concerns due to the amount of work that they do for the community.
“As people given by service and care, we are the ones who tend to look after ourselves last.”
She said it was a particularly important conversation to spark, with the Christmas period just weeks away. A time when volunteers often go into overdrive for emergency relief.
West Australian Volunteering Minister Mick Murray said volunteer burnout was “a real issue” in the state, including the Peel region.
He also said the state government was actively working to combat the issue.
While recent statistics point to four out of five West Australians volunteering each year, it is clear there are some who go over and above in the amount of time they give, making them susceptible to burnout.
- West Australian Volunteering Minister Mick Murray
“While recent statistics point to four out of five West Australians volunteering each year, it is clear there are some who go over and above in the amount of time they give, making them susceptible to burnout,” he told the Mandurah Mail.
“One characteristic of Australian working culture, whether paid or unpaid work, is a tendency for people who are good at their jobs to sometimes be overworked.
“Volunteers are passionate about what they do, so we need to be very careful that that enthusiasm does not result in burnout.
“I would advise volunteers not to work more than the 16 hours a week outlined in guidelines.
“The state government provides strong financial support to peak body Volunteering WA to help advocate for and support volunteers, providing the organisation with over $650,300 this financial year.
“The act of simply acknowledging and thanking volunteers is so important to making sure volunteers know they’re appreciated.”
Shadow Volunteering Minister Alyssa Hayden said the issue was “a growing concern”.
“Far too often we are seeing the same people in any one community involved in multiple volunteer groups, boards, and community groups,” she said.
“Often it’s as simple as making sure others within the community are aware that they are welcome to join in.”
We need to do more to ensure we plan for the future. We need to open more doors for new volunteers to work alongside experienced volunteers.
- Volunteering WA chief executive officer Tina Williams
Ms Hayden’s electorate sits within the Peel region and she said the most common issue flagged with her was the increased demand on volunteer services to combat isolation and the increased cost of living and to provide youth activities.
“We will never be able to thank our volunteers enough. These unique and special individuals don’t do it for recognition, however a simple thank you goes along way,” she said.
Volunteering WA chief executive officer Tina Williams said volunteers were vital to any community.
“We need to do more to ensure we plan for the future. We need to open more doors for new volunteers to work alongside experienced volunteers. This is simple succession planning and also helps alleviate some of the volunteer burnout we see at some organisations”.
Determined not to be defined by her situation, Ms Cox will embark on a journey to “regain my sense of self and worth”.
She will undertake the Salvation Army fundraiser called the Trek for Hope in September 2019.
Ms Cox said it was something to look forward to and a chance to turn around her degrading health.
Now, she has turned to the community to help her make her dream a reality by urging them to provide sponsorship.
To help Ms Cox on her journey contact her via carolinecox21@gmail.com.