The spark that changes a life can come from the most unexpected places. For Vanessa Trompetter, it happened 15 years ago while watching Breakfast TV. An older woman was being interviewed about funding cuts to home help. The woman described how exhausted and overwhelmed she felt. Vanessa’s heart was moved – not just for this woman, but for seniors everywhere. She knew she had to help.
She reached out to the local health organisations multiple times but received no response. Where others may have given up, Vanessa continued to look for ways she could help. Her search led her to Volunteer Hutt, who then connected her with Age Concern Wellington Region. That’s when she discovered the Visiting Service, which matches trained volunteers with isolated older people.
“It was perfect,” Vanessa says. She was matched with her first client.
“Janice was absolutely lovely. She was just lonely. We became really good friends. I was working part time then, and sometimes my kids would meet me at Janice’s house after school. One day, her son visited from overseas and asked why I kept coming. I said, ‘Because I love your mum’ – and I realised I really did.”
Sadly, Janice passed away after a couple of years, but the experience had left a lasting impact on Vanessa.
After a short break, Vanessa was matched with Emmy, who had early dementia and some speech difficulties. “She was lovely. She’d often repeat stories, but each time I heard more and understood more. It helped us connect even more deeply.” Unfortunately, during the pandemic, in-person visits had to pause, and Emmy’s family felt her condition had progressed too far to resume them later.
Next came Kim. She lived further away and struggled with mobility. Although her family were present, they sometimes spoke around her, rather than with her. “She couldn’t talk to them about some things – like her old stories because they had heard them before. But we connected. We had a lot in common.” When Kim was diagnosed with cancer and hospitalised, Vanessa visited. “She said, ‘What am I going to do? It’s awful!’ I told her, ‘Just make the best of it and live every moment you have left fully.’” Kim passed away shortly after.
Vanessa continued to be matched over the years. Her fourth client, Mary, reminded her of her father. They spent quality time together until Mary passed away from pneumonia after a hospital stay.
Though all these friendships were different, each one was deeply meaningful. Vanessa carries the hope that every new match might become another “Janice.” She’s recently started visiting a new client, and though they’ve only had a couple of visits, she already sees the impact her visits are making.
“You can tell straight away. Their eyes light up. They really enjoy the visit – and you come out feeling good. It’s no effort – just an hour a week.”
Vanessa’s father lives in Tauranga, and she visits when she can. Her mother passed away nearly two decades ago. Now, with her children older and more independent, Vanessa works full time. Her employer, GNS Science, offers a day of service leave each year and supports flexible work hours, making it possible for her to continue volunteering.
“I grew up really close to my grandparents,” Vanessa reflects. “Now that I don’t have many older people in my life – other than my dad – it just made sense to volunteer this way.”
Over the past nine years, Vanessa has become an essential part of the Age Concern Wellington Region volunteer whānau. Tania Fleming, Social Connection Coordinator, says:
“Vanessa makes volunteering a consistent and meaningful part of her life, even with full-time work. She’s been matched many times and always returns with positivity and warmth. When she meets a new client, she’ll always ask, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ and the joy on their faces is priceless. Sometimes, it’s the first hug they’ve had in years.
She brings professionalism, empathy, and a contagious smile. Vanessa’s presence enhances the wellbeing of every client she visits and strengthens our entire community.”
Thank you, Vanessa, for your extraordinary dedication and compassion. You truly embody the spirit of community service.
Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
~ Lorna Harvey, Team Leader, Communications & Events