Ten new volunteers have recently completed a 30-hour training program to become part of the Palliative Care Volunteer Support Program, which provides practical support to clients and the families experiencing the challenges and emotions associated with the end of a person's life.

Taree Community Health Centre’s volunteer coordinator, Karen Rudge, said these volunteers will join another 10 trained volunteers, working in the Lower Mid North Coast as an integral part of the Health Service’s palliative care team.

Karen said the volunteers support people mainly in their own homes, but may also visit them in hospital, take them to medical appointments or out shopping.

"Volunteers provide practical help, companionship, comfort and compassion. This might be listening, reminiscing, reading aloud or writing letters for patients, or running errands for the family, water gardens, help with hobbies, or taking the patient to appointments or out for a drive," Karen said.

"While the volunteers aren’t trained to provide nursing or personal care, and they don’t do housework or cooking, they can help in many ways to take some of the pressure off," Karen said.

The Palliative Care Volunteer Support Program training covers many facets of Palliative Care including loss, grief and bereavement; spirituality, ethics and values, sensitive communication, self care, death and dying, as well as symptom management.

Karen said the volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, but are mostly people who have experienced the death of a loved one and could see a real need for the type of assistance that volunteers provide. Some have a nursing background and some members have recently retired and are looking for a worthwhile way to spend their time.

She said the training is essential to prepare volunteers for the challenges and issues that may arise in the volunteer role and to provide a high standard of care.

"With knowledge of palliative care issues, volunteers can enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. They can provide social and emotional support with sensitivity, empathy and a willingness to be there for the patient and their family and friends.

"We are very grateful to our volunteers as they help to bring humanity and compassion into the lives of people in our community who are facing a particularly challenging time of their life," Karen said.

Photo opportunity: Ten new Palliative Care Program volunteers will be presented with certificates at the Taree Community Health Volunteers Christmas Party TODAY - Tuesday 11 December between 12noon and 2pm at The Bunker Restaurant, Tallwoods Golf & Country Club, Black Head Road Hallidays Point