As students return to campus for 2015, the University's physiotherapy volunteer program - the Health and Wellbeing Collaboration - is calling out for new Ryde community participants of all ages for its March-June cohort.
As Macquarie’s increasingly popular Doctor of Physiotherapy course grows, the Health And Wellbeing Collaboration program is also expanding into paediatric physiotherapy. The local community is being encouraged to get involved in this time of growth, and to partner with the healthcare professionals of the future.
“The Health And Wellbeing Collaboration is an innovative approach to the education of Australia’s future health care workforce,” says Clinical Educator Jacque North. “The collaborators, or HAWCs, are community members of all ages who volunteer to allow Macquarie’s Doctor of Physiotherapy students to visit them periodically.”
Although no direct treatment is given to HAWC volunteers, students will, over time, perform assessments of mobility and balance which may provide valuable information to the volunteer, their family and caregivers.
Students may also use assessment findings to suggest exercise and physical activity programs which will be tailored to the volunteer’s health goals and needs.
The HAWC program has been very popular with Macquarie University staff members in its first two years, including Educational Developer and Designer Sherrie Love.
"This has been my first semester as a HAWC. I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting with the students. Both Antonia and Anna have displayed a maturity beyond their years,” she says.
“It's been a pleasure to be involved in the program right from the very first conversation on the phone to tee up a time to meet. The students have been mindful of my busy schedule and have accommodated my availability. I look forward to seeing them working in their chosen profession one day soon - I'd happily choose them as my therapist any day!"
Get involved:
Adult HAWCs
- HAWC program FAQs and expressions of interest for volunteers.
Paediatric HAWCs
- HAWC program FAQs and expressions of interest for paediatric volunteers.
General questions? Contact the Department of Health Professions.
