News

More stories to tell

  • by colin
  • July 19, 2019

Late last year you may have seen the article on this site regarding the Sacred Heart Community Palliative Care Biography Service (Telling their stories)

After seeing the presentation from the Biography Service at the recent NSW Palliative Care Conference, I knew a meeting would be essential. As well as an overview of the service, we were treated to presentations from individual volunteers on some of the stories produced. Today I met with the service managers responsible for setting up the service; Julie Gissing and Robyn Swanson.

In 2009, Sacred Heart at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney were only too happy to have the Biography Service begin. Those approaching  end of life are given the opportunity to share their story, pass on important information and offer a tribute. Volunteer biographers are being placed across the Sacred Heart Community Health district to listen, record and transcribe client stories culminating in a published work for loved ones.

Julie says; ‘As volunteers, we both started out by training at Eastern Palliative care in Melbourne, which was the only Palliative Care Biography service in Australia at the time.’ The Biography Volunteer Manager’s role has now become a full-time (shared) role at Sacred Heart for the pair this year. Julie and Robyn are now training other managers and coordinators to get the service into other areas.

I was given the chance to look more closely at examples of the printed versions of some stories and clearly, these are works of great love and care. There are even works that have been created as children’s books, beautifully illustrated and presented.

Another round of training for any volunteer manager interested in instigating a service within their health care setting will be on offer soon. Please register your interest by using the online form at the right of this screen.

Pic: Julie Gissing and Robyn Swanson

Upcoming Events

Beyond the Biography: Reflective writing for well-being
UPCOMING
  • MAY 9, 2024
  • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Beyond the Biography: Reflective writing for well-being

Beyond the Biography: Reflective writing for well-being. Presented by Dr Hi...

Read more
NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers – June meeting
UPCOMING
  • JUNE 13, 2024
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers – June meeting

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

Read more
NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers – September meeting
UPCOMING
  • SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers – September meeting

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