Give to Gain is Lyn’s mantra, a perfect fit for International Women’s Day

The theme of International Women’s Day on 8 March this year is ‘Give to Gain’, which is about far more than donating money to a cause.

Whether it's through giving donations, advocacy, sharing knowledge, education, training, mentoring, or giving time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive world.

Southern Cross Care volunteer Lyn Venning has been giving her time at Bellevue Court Residential Care for 10 years, to uplift all the residents and support their quality of life.

Lyn became interested in care and lifestyle activities in aged care homes after caring for both her parents.

She studied Individual Support and Leisure and Lifestyle, eventually taking up a volunteer role because it suited her physical ability and allowed her to spend more time with residents than what staff were able to.

“I just love the freedom of being able to go to each one of these lovely people and be able to make them feel wanted and cherished and listened to and respected,” Lyn said.

For the past four years Lyn has focused on giving residents hand massages and manicures, earning her the nickname of ‘The Nail Lady’.

She not only offers conversation and connection while working with residents’ hands, but also supports them to have dignity no matter their age, background or health challenges.

Lyn explained the ‘Give to Gain’ concept as, “You give yourself, you give all you’ve got, and you get back six times as much.

“Some of them have never had nail polish - they are the ones I get the most satisfaction from. 

“They’ll say things like ‘I’ve done all this hard work and I’ve had 15 children and never had time for myself’.

“When I get up and leave the room and I wave goodbye I see their faces and I know I’ve made a difference.”

Lyn volunteers for a total of three days a week, but also spends many hours each week supporting other women of a similar age to herself. 

She is part of a social support group called ‘Just for women’, which helps women to deal with life’s challenges.

The group meets at least weekly, supporting each other through sickness, loss, family struggles and more to uplift and empower everyone.

Lyn also has a daughter, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren who will hopefully inherit her passion for helping others and empowering women.

Her message to everyone around International Women’s day is; “Don’t be afraid to take that step [and volunteer] because initially you don’t know what’s ahead.

“Give it a try, you might be surprised.”

For more information about volunteering with Southern Cross Care visit our Volunteer page or call 1800 852 772.