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Great Lakes Palliative Care Support have been operating in the Forster/Tuncurry area for over 30 years thanks to the efforts of a small army of volunteers. In the last three years alone they have managed to raise over $65 000 which has gone directly towards enhancing the quality of life of people with life-limiting illnesses.

While volunteers from this service do not engage in social support they are there to enhance the services provided by the local Community Palliative Care team and the Forster Private Hospital. Volunteers are very active in fundraising and use their funds to provide extra nursing services, domestic help, personal care, and equipment to locals in need.

Great Lakes Palliative Care Support President Diedre Stokes has a background in palliative care nursing and is passionate about improving end of life outcomes.

“There is a bit of a gap in services provided by the local Community Palliative Care team and Forster Private Hospital. That’s where we come in. Some patients need nursing or other help at home in the short-term while waiting for other care arrangements. Many get to take advantage of our equipment library. Without the assistance our service provides some patients just wouldn’t be able to manage,” she says.

‘We are very lucky to have the support of many sporting clubs, service clubs, groups and individuals in our community.”

Hardworking volunteers are available to answer any questions people might have about palliative care at their new premises at 1/32 Manning St Tuncurry, open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm.

Find out more about the organisation on their website.

Photo: (above) Volunteers at the new premises on Manning St

Photo: (top) Last year Great Lakes Palliative Care Support raised enough funds to donate two syringe drivers