Our SPRED Program, also called the Personal Advocacy Program, invites community volunteers to befriend and advocate for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Friends).
As a volunteering advocate, you’ll help guide participants in social activities, build meaningful relationships, and foster a sense of belonging within small, faith-based groups at our Morley centre or a nearby parish. This program focuses on nurturing each individual as a whole person over time, not simply on addressing specific issues.
About the SPRED Program
Each group includes six volunteers (Friends) paired with six participants with intellectual disabilities, and two trained volunteer leaders who guide the group. Together, you’ll build friendships, confidence, and community in a supportive environment.
Opportunities currently available for our SPRED Program
Group
Group Leader (1)
Activities Leader (1)
Advocates (6)
Friends (6)
Balcatta Wednesday Evening
Opportunity
Opportunity
Opportunity
Beaconsfield Tuesday Evening
Opportunity
Opportunity
Canning Vale (New)
Opportunity
Opportunity
Floreat Tuesday Evening
Opportunity
Opportunity
Girrawheen Tuesday Evening
Opportunity
Opportunity
Lockridge Monday Evening
Opportunity
Lockridge Tuesday Morning (New)
Opportunity
Opportunity
Morley Monday Evening
Opportunity
Opportunity
Morley Wednesday Morning
Opportunity
Opportunity
Morley Thursday Evening
Opportunity
Opportunity
Opportunity
Nollamara Wednesday Evening
Opportunity
Opportunity
Opportunity
Palmyra Monday Evening
Opportunity
Thornlie Monday Evening
Willetton Monday Evening
Willetton Thursday Evening
Belonging and
friendship for all.
To be an effective advocate, we ask for a minimum one-year commitment to the program. This includes training, picking up and dropping off your matched friend, and attending fortnightly group sessions. Most volunteers find this experience deeply rewarding and enjoy the relationships they build.
Following the induction and training to be part of our SPRED Program, the appropriate role for each individual is discerned.
These roles are:
Advocate
Group Leader
Activities Leader
Group/Parish Representative
In line with all volunteer agencies throughout Australia, there are compulsory requirements for induction and training within Personal Advocacy Service.
As a volunteer, you’ll receive guidance on building a friendship with a person with an intellectual disability, creating a meaningful, supportive connection. This program encourages you to cultivate a spiritual bond and emphasises the value of “advocacy through relationships.”
Step 1
Induction Requirements
Potential volunteers (Group/Activities Leaders and Advocates) are asked to undergo a Volunteer Induction process that includes:
Step 2
Training for New Volunteers
Step 3
Leadership Training (for those interested)
Step 4
Ongoing Volunteer Development
Experienced advocates and leaders canparticipate in ongoing training to enhance skills in areas like non-verbal communication and inclusive group activities.
Additional training (non-compulsory) is offered on a regular basis and this includes:
Step 5
After training is completed
More information on volunteer requirements
For other Volunteer requirements, please see the Volunteer’s Handbook which can be obtained from Personal Advocacy Service on request or for PAS volunteers, accessed via the Members area (available once you have become an inducted volunteer).
Together is Better.
Outside of our SPRED Program, we invite you to volunteer for one-off events or activities that we offer to our community members.
Monthly Adapted Liturgies in Morley
Once a month, our Morley Parish hosts an Inclusive Liturgy—a special Sunday Mass that welcomes people of all abilities, followed by a time of fellowship and morning tea.
If you can assist with morning tea set up or participate in Mass, we would love to hear from you.
Annual Community Celebration
At the end of the year, all of our Friends groups gather for Mass and the End of Year Party.
Dates vary year to year but they will typically be held on a Saturday or Sunday in December.
If you would like to assist with setup, cleanup, kitchen duties, entertainment for our end-of-year gathering, or have other ideas on how you can assist, we welcome your support.
Fundraising Assistance
If you are able to assist us with fundraising efforts, please get in touch for how we can support you to do so.
Fundraising assistance can include helping with grant applications, hosting fundraiser morning teas, donation drives or approaching local businesses for in-kind donations (for example one of our volunteers requested and received in-kind passes for our participants to be part of the Optus Stadium tour followed by lunch).
Thank you
for submitting a contact form to Personal Advocacy Service.
One of our team members will get in touch with you soon to provide more information or for further discussion. If your query is urgent, we encourage you to phone us on 08 9275 5388 , Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
