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.