Being a palliative care volunteer is a very special role. Volunteers spend time with people who are nearing the end of their lives and experiencing a wide range of changes and emotions.
Why be a volunteer?
Volunteers support the emotional and practical needs of clients, carers, families and friends. Some volunteers support clients at home while others work as part of a team in hospital settings such as palliative care units and hospices.
Volunteers are exposed to many different outlooks, values and cultural practices. This makes it a rewarding and sometimes challenging experience. Many volunteers say they learn a lot about themselves through the act of caring for others.
Volunteers have access to ongoing education and training, and are closely supported and supervised in their roles.