AN ONLINE platform operated by a charity is linking up people in need with volunteers happy to help by doing one-off tasks.
After trialling in Brisbane from late last year, Help Me With It has expanded to include the Redlands, Loganholme, Moreton Bay and Ipswich.
A volunteer from Brisbane took four hours out of her day to take a man to Redland Hospital to visit his brother.
The volunteer said she could not help people regularly as she was her husband’s carer, but she enjoyed helping as a one-off.
The recipient appreciated the assistance from the volunteer and said he had not been able to get to the hospital because he was shaky on his feet.
Help Me With It’s website is similar to peer-to-peer platforms such as Airtasker, Airbnb and Uber, but is believed to be the first to offer the service in the not-for-profit and volunteering sectors in Australia.
Founder Nicole Peterman said the initiative provided an opportunity for individuals to help someone with a one-off task such as gardening, resume writing or cleaning, particularly people who may not be able to volunteer regularly.
Volunteers could also use their existing skills to help people with specific tasks.
“One of our members whose contract role was coming to an end was struggling to prepare a resume that resonated with prospective employers and her confidence had taken a beating,” Ms Peterman said.
“She was moved to tears when someone worked with her to create a resume template that she could customise for roles she was applying for.
“Sometimes it is hard to know why someone needs help or what people really need help with. Help Me With It provides the platform for people to share the what and why.”
Ms Peterman said the goal was for the service to be available across Queensland and then in other states.
For more, visit helpmewithit.org.au
