News

Empathy and International Volunteer Day 2017

  • by Maria Lopez
  • December 5, 2017

IVD 5 December 2017

In Australia, volunteers are essential to building strong and resilient communities, increasing social inclusion, and social cohesion. From the arts, education, emergency services, sports, environment, health, aged care, disability, and community welfare; volunteers play a vital role in delivering on the government’s priorities.

As an official supporter of International Volunteer Day, Volunteering Australia acknowledges and celebrates the critical role Australia’s 5.8 million volunteers play as the change-makers in our society (from Volunteering Australia).

On International Volunteer Day we too say thank you to the 6,000 or so palliative care volunteers in Australia, including the (approximately) 1,600 in NSW.

This years’ theme is Volunteers Act First. In the world of palliative care volunteering we could say that the first response of the volunteer is empathy. It's a listening ear, an open heart, a caring moment, a calming spirit and a companionable soul. These are the skills that people bring into their volunteer role that makes a transformative effect to people at end of life.  

‘We know from research what’s most important to people who are closer to death: comfort, feeling unburdened and unburdening to those they love; existential peace; and a sense of wonderment and spirituality.’ BJ Miller

So to the many palliative care volunteers we say 'thank you for all that you do'.

If you are interested in becoming a palliative care volunteer why not contact us, or head to our interactive map to find the volunteer service closest to you.

 

Upcoming Events

PCNSW Biennial State Conference 2024
UPCOMING
  • OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 2, 2024

PCNSW Biennial State Conference 2024

Every day we hear stories from across the sector of those going above and b...

Read more
NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers – December meeting & Christmas lunch
UPCOMING
  • DECEMBER 12, 2024
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers – December meeting & Christmas lunch

The role of the Network is to ensure best practice for NSW Managers of Pall...

Read more

Become a member of Palliative Care NSW

Palliative Care New South Wales is the peak body in NSW representing palliative care providers and those with an interest in palliative care. Palliative Care New South Wales is a member of the national peak body Palliative Care Australia.

Join today and receive discounts, benefits and more!
Special member rate available for volunteers.

Subscribe to our eNews

Be the first to know our latest new, events, and research!

SUBSCRIBE TO ENEWS