How Harry found his calling through volunteering

May 14, 2018

A chat at a party two years ago was the trigger for a young student to change his life and start volunteering at Southern Cross Care, the leading not-for-profit aged care provider.

Harry Turner was studying at university but, like many people his age, didn’t know which career path to take. His friend suggested he had the ideal qualities for nursing, so he left university and started volunteering, aged 19, at Margaret Hubery House care home in Rossmoyne.

Harry has not looked back and has since started a Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame university and still regularly volunteers at Margaret Hubery House.

Harry says: “Volunteering at Southern Cross Care was a wake-up call for me – you could say I found my calling – and it’s changed my life. I really enjoy the teamwork and it’s fun and rewarding helping the residents. I love nursing and working in aged care is definitely something I’m keen on.”

Jacqui O’Meara, therapy coordinator at Margaret Hubery House, mentors Harry. She says: “Harry’s story is quite inspirational but he’s very modest about it. It’s amazing that he has volunteered for so long at such a young age and it’s been brilliant nurturing his talent for nursing. He is a valuable member of our volunteer team and our staff and residents love him – he’s so friendly and helpful.”

Ian Simms, Head of Pastoral Care and Volunteer Services, says: “We are very grateful to Harry and all our other volunteers for their tremendous support. They come from all walks of life but have one thing in common – the satisfaction of making a difference to someone else’s life.

“Harry is a great guy and testament to the benefits of volunteering. For younger volunteers, it’s an opportunity to gain new skills and experience and it looks good on your CV to prospective employers.”

Southern Cross Care has over 200 volunteers in total and offers student placements in partnership with Notre Dame, Curtin University and Perth Bible College.

We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in volunteering.

Nominations for the 2023 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards are now open!

December 22, 2022

Accessing home care – the ‘how to’

April 4, 2022

Scenario Exercises in our Residential Homes and Community Centres

February 10, 2022

Aida Keeps Her Independence at 82

February 2, 2022

Keeping Safe in a COVID-19 World

February 2, 2022

Children Share Words of Care and Comfort

February 2, 2022

Tips for Keeping Your Mind Active

February 2, 2022

Pets Providing Companionship for SCCWA Residents and Clients

February 2, 2022

Volunteers Thanked for Their Continued Efforts

February 2, 2022

Fishing outing a huge success for home care client Robert

January 21, 2022

Jill’s secret to a long and healthy life

January 21, 2022

Kevin brings happiness and joy to home care clients

January 21, 2022

Together we can ensure no one faces dementia alone

September 21, 2021

Raising a cuppa at Southern Cross Care WA

June 1, 2018

Football gives Stephen ‘a new lease of life’

May 21, 2018

Tony Quinlan Respite Centre open day highlights benefits of respite care

May 17, 2018

How Harry found his calling through volunteering

May 14, 2018

Southern Cross Care salutes our Anzac heroes

April 30, 2018

What to consider when choosing a retirement village

March 1, 2018

What’s good for your heart is good for your head!

February 20, 2018

Baby, its hot out there!

February 20, 2018

Jeremiah Donovan House residents impart wisdom after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine

March 12, 2021

Victoria Park Nursing Home Residents are treated like family

November 18, 2020

SCC celebrates National Volunteer Week

May 25, 2020

Stay healthy this summer

January 10, 2020

SCC staff shine at WA Mental Health Awards

December 20, 2019

Easy Christmas Pudding

December 17, 2019

SCC celebrates volunteers’ contributions

December 16, 2019

Alma’s holiday dream comes true

October 25, 2019

Health and Wellness events encourage residents to live and age well

October 11, 2019