Having a care in the world
WHEN Brian Matthews took on the role as a foster father five years ago, he was unsure if he fitted the carer profile.
He signed up with Anglicare's Pathways adolescent community placement program and says he never looked back.
However, Mr Matthews is one of a decreasing number of volunteers.
"It was something I had never considered before, until a friend suggested it," he said. "I was asked to give a child a second chance at life. How could you say 'no' to that?"
Since then, the Kilsyth resident has fostered three teenage boys and also does emergency and respite care.
He said while it was often difficult to communicate with young people initially, he was able to give them time to adjust to their new surroundings.
"At first, of course, you are a bit [unsure] and you think, 'how am I going to handle it?' but you don't treat them any different. These kids become part of the family."
Mr Matthews said fostering was a rewarding experience.
"To give a person a second chance and to show someone they are worthy, it is really great to see."
He called on the community to volunteer for the program.
"Anyone can do it and you don't have to be married or have kids. I am single and that is no worries."
Anglicare Victoria recruitment, training and retention team leader Andrea Dwyer said volunteer numbers had declined over the past year.
At the launch of a new Pathways program last Tuesday, Ms Dwyer said Anglicare wanted to attract people who may not have thought of volunteering before.
"This has been a goal of ours for years," she said.
"We're a large organisation with such a need for a variety of volunteer roles.
"It's vital for us to make all these possibilities accessible. No matter how much, or little, people can offer, everyone can make a difference."
She called on volunteers across the east to chose a path in "building a brighter future for children, young people and families".
Details: 9412 6133.