Volunteer Groups

Volunteers are an invaluable part of the supportive network of palliative care.

Palliative care volunteers are individuals who have committed to sharing their time with people who are living with a life limiting illness and their families.

The volunteer’s role is to support and strengthen the ability of the person with a life limiting illness, and their family, carers and friends to live life as fully and as richly as possible.

They offer individualised support to people in a non-judgemental manner, with no religious or spiritual affiliation, to help them live as fully as possible.

Volunteers provide confidential, individualised holistic care, with emotional and practical support, as part of the palliative care team.

Examples of support include:

• Short term respite
• Transport to appointments or outings
• Companionship
• Practical support in the home
• Emotional support and– listening.
• Complementary therapies
• Bereavement support

Volunteers cannot:

• Administer medication.
• Undertake nursing duties and personal hygiene or
• Privately negotiate arrangements with clients