News

On 14 April 2026, Palliative Care NSW delivered a focused and practical Biography Service Training workshop, facilitated by Robyn Swanson and Julie Gissing marking an important step toward expanding access to biography services within volunteer programs across the state.

Biography services are a powerful part of palliative care volunteering, supporting people to reflect on their lives, share their stories, and create a legacy document for loved ones. More than storytelling, they help foster dignity, connection, and a sense of meaning in the final chapter of life.

With growing interest in these services, the workshop focused on building the capability needed to introduce, strengthen, and sustain biography programs within volunteer services. It brought together volunteer managers who are setting up new services or refining existing ones, alongside volunteers keen to develop their skills and support others in this work.

Guided by Robyn and Julie’s expertise, participants explored the full journey from conducting sensitive and respectful biography interviews, to supporting volunteers, navigating ethical and complex situations, and delivering a final legacy document.

A total of 19 attendees took part, representing 12 services across 9 Local Health Districts. This strong mix of participants reflects the growing momentum behind biography services and a shared commitment to making them more widely available.

By the end of the workshop, attendees left with practical tools, increased confidence, and clear next steps to implement or enhance services within their organisations. As a result, more biography services are now on the way helping ensure that more people receiving palliative care have the opportunity to be heard, to reflect, and to leave behind a lasting legacy.