Cancer Council calls for volunteers to assist palliative carers

Welcome to Tina (Pidcock) in her role as volunteer coordinator!

This is an extract from a story that originally appeared in the Newcastle Herald on the 18th of February 2016:

The Cancer Council has received funding from Hunter New England Area Health Service to trial a program that would train volunteers to provide respite for palliative carers for about two hours a fortnight.

Ms Pidcock said volunteers would not be involved with medical care, but provide the patient with companionship and conversation.

“We want to try and give the palliative carers an opportunity to get out and have a break for a few hours and hopefully come back a little refreshed,” she said. “They may be able to go and do something that was part of their normal life before caring for a loved one.”

As per the Herald article Tina can be contacted on (02) 4923 0700 or email tina.pidcock@nswcc.org.au.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Cancer Council program in the Hunter New England area then please contact Tina before February 29. Volunteers will receive training and support. The program will start in April.