News

5th November 2018. Today we remember International Volunteer Managers Day 2018 and the work of palliative care volunteer managers. 

Earlier this year we surveyed palliative care volunteer managers in NSW. We found 44 palliative care volunteer services with some 1,610 palliative care volunteers actively involved in inpatient, community visiting, bereavement support, complementary activities and other roles. We found that managers spend on average 17.75 hours per week managing volunteers. At the time of the survey some 30% of managers had been in their role for more than 10 years and some 10% of managers having been employed over the last 6 months.

Whilst managers may work full or part time in their roles there are 7 volunteer services in NSW that were managed or coordinated by unpaid managers.

This year's theme for International Volunteer Manager's Day is "Time for Change" with Volunteering Australia reminding us of the importance of competent volunteer management in achieving social outcomes for Australia. 

Thank you palliative care volunteer managers / coordinators / leaders in NSW for your commitment to safe and effective volunteer support for people and their families at end of life!

(International Day of the Volunteer is celebrated on 5th December 2018).

Pic: Volunteer Manager at Port Kembla Hospital Cynzia Dei-Cont (middle) with volunteers Dawne (L) and Nikki (R) at the outdoor garden space attached to the palliative care unit.