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!

Our Recent Q &A

Featuring an amazing volunteer from Sydney, Rithika (Year 10) shared her experience in volunteering at a nursing home for the first time, whilst also covering some common doubts that new volunteers will have!

Please check this out!

Meet the Team

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

Co-Founder

Ina G

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.

Co-Founder

Skye

After moving to Woollahra and finding herself immersed in its large elderly community, Skye began to see how widespread senior loneliness really was, and decided to do something about it. Through co-founding Cosy Companion, Skye has harnessed her passion for public speaking and advocacy to create real change for elderly communities across the globe.

Advocacy + Social Media

Scarlett Li

Hi, I’m Scarlett Li, a Year 11 student. I'm passionate about youth advocacy, animal welfare, and community service, and love getting involved in projects where I can learn from other people’s experiences and create positive change. Outside of volunteering, you'll usually find me playing piano, debating, reading, or disappearing down a rabbit hole researching something completely random. I'm really excited to be part of the team and look forward to contributing however I can!

Sydney Girls Chapter Officers - CC Ambassadors

Veronica - Yr 11

Hi! I’m Veronica Tan. Outside of school, I involve myself in spaces where I can create tangible change, whether it be through policy work, organising events, or volunteering.

Dechen

Hi! I am a part of the Social Impact Committee at Sydney Girls Highschool. I'm a junior who enjoys volunteering and helping out the community. I like drawing, hang-outs, and slushies.

Marium - Yr 10

Hey, my name is Marium Salman and I am a volunteer at Cosy Companion! I’m in Year 10 and I love all things music, baking and nature. I volunteer in my free time - usually for sick children, elderly people and those in need. I’m really passionate about youth advocacy and participate in MUN conferences for fun.

Serena - Yr 9

Hi, I’m Serena and I am in Year 9. I really enjoy activities such as playing badminton, dancing and figure skating. I am also a really passionate state debater. I also love to crochet plushies and one of my favorite things to do is to watch a movie while crocheting.

Kathryn - Yr 10

I am a volunteer at Cosy Companion! I'm currently in Year 10 and love music, nature, and spending time outdoors. Volunteering is a big part of my life, and in my free time I am involved in Surf Life Saving patrols, community events, and programs that support people of all ages and backgrounds. I enjoy helping others, meeting new people, and making a positive difference in my community.

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!