News

NSW’s newest palliative care volunteer service, Highlands Community Hospice Service, is now active and ready to receive referrals.

Thirteen new volunteers recently completed their training which included 10 hours of online learning and another 20 hours of face-to-face training. Based on Palliative Care NSW’s Palliare volunteer training framework, the course included additional content and experiences to invite personal reflection on death and dying, deepen self awareness, and expand volunteers’ self care toolkit.

The service was very grateful to have the support of Fiona Ord, Social Work Lead at Armidale Hospital, and Mellissa Armstrong from the Armidale Palliative Care Team who generously shared their knowledge and time to facilitate some of the modules.

It was the first time Volunteer Coordinators Rebecca Passey and Lauren Moss delivered this kind of training and they are thrilled with their inaugural cohort.

“It was an engaging and meaningful experience, shaped by a remarkable group of trainee volunteers who brought their own stories, insights, and wisdom to the learning journey,” they said.

The Highlands Community Hospice Service volunteer team will offer direct, in-home support to people living with life-limiting illnesses, providing emotional, psychological, social, and practical care to both clients and their carers. While the heart of the role is companionship and connection, volunteers may also assist with a range of tasks, including home help, appointments, respite care, legacy projects, and grief and loss support.

Initially, the service will focus on the New England region of NSW, including Armidale, Uralla, Walcha, and Guyra, with plans to expand in the future.

Photo: The new Highlands Community Hospice Service volunteer team.