Palliative care volunteering offers an opportunity for people to be involved with others at one of the most significant times in their lives, says Arlene Roache.
Ms Roache is the palliative care coordinator of the South Western Sydney Local Health District.
“It’s one of the most rewarding volunteer choices anyone can make,’’ she says.
“Not only does it make a huge difference to the person who is dying and their family, but also to the volunteer’s own life.
“Volunteers learn to cherish each day, listen deeply and value life as a precious gift,” Ms Roache said.
The palliative care team is looking for volunteers in 2023.
No formal qualifications or previous experience is necessary and full training will be provided.
There are various roles available to palliative care volunteers, which can involve hospital or home-based patient and carer support, or administrative assistance.
If you are over 18 and interested in attending the training course in early February, please contact the palliative care volunteer coordinator on 8738 9755 as soon as possible.
South Western Sydney Local Health District has invested $15.2 million into palliative care this financial year and includes care in their facilities and at home.
In its 2022 budget, the NSW Government announced an investment of $743 million over five years to ensure NSW residents have access to the highest quality care and pain management services for end-of-life care.
This funding boost, on top of the $300 million the NSW Government already invests each year in palliative care, will deliver an additional 600 staff once the program is fully rolled out.
Pictured above are palliative care team members Janet Perry, Jawaria Adnan and Rajani Nayak.
