Different agencies offer differing opportunities
for volunteers. The majority of palliative care volunteers
work in the home, day hospice or an inpatient palliative
setting. They can offer a wide range of services: being
with someone while their carer goes out, shopping, providing
companionship, taking someone for a drive or to an appointment,
biography writing, playing cards, assistance with computer
access, reading aloud…. the list can be endless.
Other volunteers may support the palliative organisation
through fundraising, administrative support, newsletter
production, organisational promotion within the community.
Interested in becoming a Palliative Care Volunteer?
Please contact your local service for more information.
| Type of service |
Name & Weblink |
Address |
Volunteer coordinator |
| Community Palliative Care |
Eastern
Palliative Care |
Level 1, 353 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading 3131.
(PO Box 227 Nunawading) |
Coordinator of Volunteers (03) 1300 130 813 |
| Day Hospice and Inpatient Palliative Care |
Caritas
Christi Hospice Kew |
104 Studley Park Rd,
Kew 3101
|
St Vincent’s Manager of Volunteer Services
email or
(03) 9288 2027 |
| Day Respite Centre |
Fernlea
House |
149 Emerald-Monbulk Rd, Emerald 3782
|
Manager of Volunteers (03) 5968 3895 |
 |
|
|
|
Palliative volunteers are priceless, they:
- recognise the uniqueness of each person and the
complexity of the situation the person and their carer’s
face. Honouring diversity and culture in a non judgemental
way.
- are essential members of the interdisciplinary team-
working in a supported partnership with their
palliative organisation.
- have the ability for self reflection& self exploration
and possess self awareness. “They need to be able
to differentiate among the needs of the client, family,
team members and themselves. Understanding the importance
of sharing, as a process of both giving and receiving” (Foundations
of volunteer practice in palliative care).
- provide an approach that conveys a message of acceptance,
openness, and attentive support.
- recognise that complex feelings will be experienced.
Caring for ones self with support from
the organisation and care team is essential.
- realise that
death is the outcome for palliative clients.
Experiences of grief and loss may be
encountered by the volunteer.
(adapted from DHS Volunteer
Standards 2007)
|
|
top