Get Involved with Palhelp Volunteering
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Certainly! Here’s the revised text with the change made:
**Original:**
Community care is essential for improving the quality of life for patients.
**Revised:**
Social support for people with a palliative illness is essential for improving the quality of life for patients.
Caring for a loved one with a terminal illness can be overwhelming. The emotional and physical demands often leave families feeling isolated and exhausted. If you live within 70km of Hobart, Tasmania, there is a meaningful way to support those facing terminal palliative conditions like Motor Neurone Disease (MND), cancers, or chronic heart disease. By becoming a volunteer in community care, you can offer kindness, companionship, and practical help to people who need it most.
Volunteering with Palhelp is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference. Whether you are a family member, a healthcare professional, or someone with a compassionate heart, your involvement can bring comfort and hope to those navigating the challenges of terminal illness.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering in the palliative care sector offers a unique chance to connect with your local community in a deeply meaningful way. Many people with terminal illnesses experience loneliness and uncertainty. Volunteers provide essential emotional support and practical assistance that can improve quality of life.
Here are some reasons why volunteering in this area is so important:
Local Impact: You help people within your own community, making your support more personal and accessible.
Flexible Commitment: Volunteering hours can be tailored to fit your schedule.
Skill Development: Gain valuable skills in communication, empathy, and palliative care.
Support for Families: Relatives caring for loved ones often need respite and encouragement.
Healthcare Collaboration: GPs and allied health practitioners can refer patients to volunteer support, ensuring holistic care.
By joining Palhelp as a volunteer, you become part of a compassionate network dedicated to easing the journey of those with terminal illnesses.
All volunteers are highly valued for their work and recognition comes for those who go above and beyond to give back to the community. Our Hospice Volunteers have won and been finalists for the past two years, in the Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards.
How to Volunteer with Palhelp
Getting involved with Palhelp is straightforward and welcoming. The organisation provides training twice yearly for groups of 6-10 volunteers over a six week period. Training takes place on one afternoon per week, with some home study to help prepare you for working in the sector. Buddy shifts with existing volunteers and ongoing support ensures that volunteers feel confident, prepared and well-supported. Here’s how you can start:
Complete an Application: Provide some basic information about your background and availability.
Attend Training Sessions: These cover communication skills, understanding terminal illnesses, and how to provide compassionate support.
Try it Out with existing volunteers, on shadow shifts
Begin Volunteering: You will be matched with individuals or families in need within the Hobart area.
Receive Ongoing Support: Palhelp offers resources to help you thrive in your role, regular check-ins, monthly volunteer coffee shop meet-ups, where you can meet other volunteers and stay in touch, and a free EAP wellbeing support service for volunteers.
Volunteering is not just about giving; it’s also about learning and growing as a person. Palhelp ensures every volunteer feels valued and equipped to make a positive impact.
What is the Work of a Community Volunteer?
Community volunteers play a vital role in supporting people with terminal illnesses. Their work is varied and tailored to the needs of each individual or family. Some common tasks include:
Providing Companionship: Spending time with patients to reduce feelings of isolation.
Practical Assistance: Helping with errands, meal preparation, or light household tasks.
Emotional Support: Listening and offering encouragement during difficult times.
Respite for Carers: Giving family members a break to rest or attend to other responsibilities.
Liaising with Healthcare Providers: letting our program coordinators know about any concerns or changes happening for the community client you support, and their family.
Volunteers do not provide medical care but offer invaluable social and emotional support that complements professional treatment. Their presence can bring a welcome distraction, companionship, comfort and dignity to people facing the end of life.
How Healthcare Professionals Can Support Volunteer Referrals
General Practitioners (GPs) and allied health practitioners are key partners in connecting patients with volunteer support. If you are a healthcare professional working in or near Hobart, consider the following steps:
Identify Suitable Patients: Those diagnosed with terminal palliative conditions such as neurological disorders, cancers, chronic heart disease, COPD and other life limiting conditions, at the earliest stage possible, to provide maximum access to a range of family supports, including companionship, Advance Care Planning assistance, carer respite and a life-biography service.
Discuss Volunteer Support: Explain the benefits of a palliative volunteer to patients and their families such as providing a few hours in-home carer respite or assisting patients to continue enjoying their community-based activities.
Refer to Palhelp: Use the online referral form to connect patients with trained volunteers.
Collaborate with the Palhelp staff team: Receive feedback to ensure coordinated care and address any emerging needs.
By facilitating volunteer involvement, healthcare providers can enhance the overall wellbeing of their patients and reduce caregiver burden.
The Personal Rewards of Volunteering in Community Care
Volunteering in community care is a deeply fulfilling experience. Many volunteers report:
A Sense of Purpose: Knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life.
Emotional Growth: Developing empathy and resilience.
Community Connection: Building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
New Skills: Learning about palliative care and communication.
Joy in Giving: Experiencing the gratitude and warmth of those you support.
If you have a kind heart and a willingness to help, volunteering with Palhelp can be a life-changing journey for both you and the people you assist.
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