Supporting volunteers with health challenges | Case Study

This project by Volunteer South West was supported through Volunteering WA’s Volunteer Management Activity, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

EMPOWER: A program helping vulnerable women volunteer

EMPOWER was designed to create a safe, supportive space for vulnerable women to learn about volunteering and build skills at their own pace. It helped address barriers like low confidence, social isolation, and limited community connections – factors that often affect mental health. By practising transferable skills such as communication and teamwork, participants gradually improved their confidence, wellbeing, and soft employment skills.

Using these insights, Volunteer South West supported volunteer-involving organisations to better engage women facing barriers by reviewing current practices, identifying gaps, and developing volunteer roles that better meet women’s needs.

Why did case workers start referring women to the EMPOWER program?

Volunteer South West introduced the EMPOWER program to a range of local Employment Service Providers who support vulnerable community members. One provider invited them to present the program at their weekly case worker meeting, giving them the opportunity to present the benefits of EMPOWER and explain how it can offer a gentle, supported pathway into volunteering for women facing complex barriers. The presentation was very well received, and from that point onward, case workers began referring women who needed a soft, confidence building re entry into community life.

Meet Ella, a successfully referred volunteer

Ella, a middle aged woman experiencing mental and physical health challenges, was referred to the EMPOWER program.

She had been out of the workforce for a while. When she first met with Volunteer South West’s Program Coordinator she felt left alone, unsupported in previous services and was not in a good place. She is qualified but is not able to work due to her various health problems and felt the full pressure of the economic crises – scared of not being able to pay her rent, pay bills, etcetera.

During their one-on-one sessions Ella relaxed and got genuinely excited about the available volunteering opportunities tailored to her interests and needs. Volunteer South West connected her with an organisation and position of her choice and it was a perfect match. The organisation, experienced in working with vulnerable people, offered flexibility, an inclusive onboarding process, and minimal administrative barriers. It was an ideal fit.

Ella has been a valued member of their volunteer team since January 2026, demonstrating how inclusive volunteer pathways, personalised support, and strong partnerships with local services can create meaningful, sustainable outcomes for everyone involved.

Outcomes

Through partnerships with Employment Service Providers, EMPOWER reached women like Ella who would not typically engage in volunteering. This proactive outreach ensured that volunteering opportunities became accessible to women and opened up new pathways into meaningful and fulfilling community participation.
Ella’s experience shows the value of one-on-one, person centred support. By taking time to listen, understand her situation, and explore options at her pace, VSWs Program Coordinator helped her feel heard and respected — a foundation for inclusive engagement. This learning was shared with our Volunteer Managers as inspiration on how to attract the often overlooked priority groups.
Strengthened cross-section collaboration. The referral process between Volunteer South West and Employment Service Providers shows how collaboration enhances inclusivity and opens the doors for new volunteers.
As Ella engaged with her volunteer role, she experienced:
- reduced isolation
- increased confidence to contribute to a team
- renewed sense of purpose
- a more positive feeling about herself and her life
- learning new skills

“We have had so much positive feedback from the participants Ella is working with.” – Volunteer Coordinator

Key Learnings

Personalised support matters. Taking time to understand a volunteer’s circumstances, interests, and limitations creates a foundation of trust and increases the likelihood of a successful placement.
Flexibility is essential for inclusivity. Offering adaptable roles, manageable hours, and a gentle onboarding process enables vulnerable women to participate meaningfully.
Trauma‑informed, empathetic communication builds confidence. Ella’s progress shows how being listened to, respected, and encouraged can transform someone’s readiness to re‑engage with community life.
Inclusive environments lead to long‑term engagement. When volunteers feel valued and supported, they are more likely to stay. Ella’s ongoing involvement since January 2026 demonstrates the impact of inclusive volunteer management.

Explore the Volunteer Management Activity

Working together, we can help you foster an inclusive and accessible organisation so anyone can thrive as a volunteer.

Volunteer Management Activity (VMA) VMA Project-Based Grants