News

Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) is looking for new volunteers to join the team and support a range of health and wellbeing programs.

SNSWLHD’s Community Engagement Manager, Renata Sheehan, is encouraging Southern NSW community members to consider volunteering as a way of making a difference and giving back to their local community.

“Volunteering is a fantastic way to make friends, build networks, learn new skills and, most importantly, have fun,” Ms Sheehan said,

“Our volunteers support our patients in so many ways including driving them to appointments, helping hospital visitors with directions and providing companionship to people in our palliative care programs.”

SNSWLHD programs currently accepting new volunteers include:

• Palliative Care Community Support – Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, Monaro, and Goulburn Mulwaree Local Government Areas
• Dementia and Delirium Program – Pambula Hospital, Batemans Bay Hospital, Moruya Hospital and Queanbeyan Hospital
• Hospital Guide Desk – South East Regional Hospital and Goulburn Base Hospital
• Oncology Unit – Moruya Hospital
• Residential Aged Care Activities Support – Braidwood Multipurpose Service
• Patient Transport Drivers – Goulburn

Southern NSW LHD’s Palliative Care Volunteer Services currently support clients in the Eurobodalla region, with Volunteer Coordinator Lauren Hare recruiting and matching of volunteers with families challenged with a palliative diagnosis. Lauren has worked extensively with patients in the cancer services of Eurobodalla and is a long time local to the area.

“Palliative Care Volunteers are members of the community who are carefully selected and trained to provide support to people with life limiting illnesses, their carers and family. They can give support without judgement. Volunteers have often been in similar situations to those they assist and appreciate,” says Lauren.

Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply before the closing date of Sunday, 30 October 2022. You can find more information, or register your interest in volunteering, via the SNSWLHD website.

Photo: Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinators Michelle Gardiner (Bega Valley) left, and Lauren Hare (Eurobodalla) right.