Volunteers are central to the success of many community initiatives. From running the footy club’s sausage sizzle to manning the beaches to keep us safe in the surf, many things we love to do are powered by volunteers.
But sometimes, even the most willing people hesitate to volunteer to support community members living with a life-limiting illness. Often this is due to feeling overwhelmed or not feeling skilled enough to believe you can offer genuine support.
To change perceptions and provide vital guidance to prospective volunteers, Palliative Care Queensland’s CELC-T team consulted with palliative care volunteer trainers, palliative care services and palliative care volunteers and volunteer coordinators to develop a fact sheet for volunteering.
Available here CELC-T Organisations Fact Sheet_Palliative Care Volunteering (palliativecareqld.org.au) “Palliative Care Volunteering – organisational fact sheet for the Townsville Area” contains tips and advice to increase awareness and build capacity with volunteers.
Volunteering in palliative care offer friendship and practical help that improves the quality of life of adults and children living with a life-limiting illness and their families. We hope this factsheet inspires more people to volunteer to impact palliative care positively.
This project is funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).