About our Team + Frequently asked questions

We'll be sharing volunteer visits from photos uploaded to the team! Each and one of you should be proud of your work and the support provided from your actions!

Meet the Team

Cosy Companion was founded in late 2024 by high-school students in Sydney who were passionate about volunteering!

Founder

Ina Guo

As a teen growing up in Sydney, she was lucky enough to have her grandparents visit during some summers each year. Through these precious connections made with them, she noticed a particular problem in her community - seniors were becoming lonely due to isolation. Through her exploration of volunteering in nursing homes, she recognised how much small conversation can mean to seniors.

Executive leader

Skye Wells

Actively passionate about service to the community, Skye aspires to become a journalist and storyteller. Through her leadership in Cosy Companion, she has been a powerful advocate for this organisation as well as an amazing creator.

Frequently asked questions!

1. I'm a student who hasn't ever volunteered before. Would I be able to start straight away?

The answer is YES! However, before you start, there are some possible requirements set by your chosen volunteering organisation, which might include volunteer training or even just a trial session (to make you feel more comfortable the first time!). Please also keep in mind the Working with Disability Provision certificate you might need finish!

2. How often would I need to volunteer? Would i be able to do it with my friends too?

This depends on where and what you choose to volunteer for. For instance, if this is for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, it will be expected of you to volunteer once a week on average for a period of months. On the other hand, if you choose to join a monthly visit led by a school peer (e.g. Abbotsleigh's Roden Cutler Lodge visits), you can come along when you feel like!

3. Could I use Cosy Companion as my Duke of Ed Service activity or IB CAS projects?

Yes! Please check in with the volunteer coordinator at your nursing homes/age care centres if they're able to be your assessor; if not, reach out to your school career advisor.

4. Would i be able to just try out volunteering at Nursing homes to see if i like it, and then decide?

This depends on where you would like to try out! Please contact Cosy Companion's team about your current concern

5. I'm not confident in interacting with old people, and is worried about volunteering what should i do?

That's completely okay! It definitely sounds a little challenging and scary to interact with old people, especially if you've never done that before! A great idea is to invite a friend and go volunteering together, this experience a lot more enjoyable and also less daunting at the start.

If you have further questions and queries, please submit them to this email, and we'll get back to you asap! We're always interested in hearing your voices!