Volunteers are active and important members of many palliative care services. Volunteers may provide a range of support to help patients and their carers and families at this difficult time. This includes practical assistance and respite for carers, or companionship to support a person to die at home if that is their wish.
Most NSW local health districts have palliative care volunteer programs. Local access to training and other support services vary from area to area across the state.
Palliative Care NSW receives funding from NSW Health to support and further develop volunteer participation in end of life and palliative care through the NSW Palliative Care Volunteer Services Support Program. This program aims to enhance access to volunteers, who provide support and companionship to people receiving palliative care, their family, and carers. Volunteer services may provide, among other things, psychosocial support, carer respite, grief and bereavement support, and biography work. Volunteer services can be provided in hospitals and at home.
The program activities focus on supporting palliative care volunteer services, providing education, training and networking for volunteers and promoting best practice. Palliative Care NSW also works with other organisations to promote and further develop the palliative care sector.
For further information on this initiative, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Palliative Care Volunteer Services Support Program.
