WELCOME TO OUR WORLD!!  Without our band of faithful volunteers we would not have a service to offer the terminally ill and their families in this area.  If you are willing to help you will find the work infinitely rewarding in terms of personal satisfaction.  New volunteers are always required as people move on and we expand our services.  The various options for volunteers are listed below.

CONFIDENTIALITY

CONFIDENTIALITY IS PARAMOUNT and all volunteers are asked to sign a Confidentiality Statement. 

 

TRAINING

All volunteers involved in patient care and grief support complete a six week training course.  The course includes the communication and practical skills required. 

A half day course is provided for Shoppe volunteers. 

 

THE JAMES CENTRE

The James Centre is the nucleus or heart of the organisation.  It is the bureau for the public where information is available on all the services that this Hospice provides.  Visitors are welcome and our library is available to patients, their families and volunteers.

 

HOME SUPPORT

Involves assisting patients and their families in their own homes by listening, befriending and providing general support.  Tasks may include transport, shopping, sitting with a patient to relieve the care-giver, helping the patient to the toilet or a meal as necessary.  No nursing care or housework is undertaken.  The volunteer is responsible to the nurses in relation to patient care and to the Volunteer Co-ordinator in general terms.  A monthly report to the Homecare Co-ordinator is required and attendance at monthly volunteer support group meetings is expected.  On-going practical training in patient handling skills will be given.   A mileage allowance can be claimed if necessary.

 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Involves undertaking further education in Bereavement Support to help both the patient and family and sometimes the volunteer, before and after a death.  This is an important Hospice service.  Opportunity for further training in grief support is provided at regular intervals.

 

STEPPING STONES

Involves assisting with a social group for bereaved people on Thursdays.  Morning tea and lunch are served.  This is not a formal course on the grief process but people with good listening skills are needed.

 

FUNDRAISING

Without funding, Hospice would have no equipment to lend to patients, no Centre to work from and no professional service to offer.  The fund raising Support Group volunteers organise or support special events such as the annual Remembrance Christmas Tree project, Night to Remember dinners, garage sales, fashion parade, golf tournaments and many other fund raising projects.  Monthly meetings are held at the Hospice.

 

TRANSPORT

These volunteers provide transport to and from Auckland and North Shore hospitals for treatment or consultation.   A mileage allowance can be claimed.

 

SHOPPES

The Hibiscus Coast Hospice has three shops, Orewa, Whangaparaoa, and Silverdale where used furniture, household goods and clothing are sold.  These are an excellent source of income for our Hospice and our Shoppes are staffed by volunteers who usually do one 4 hour shift per week. Shoppes

 

OTHER VOLUNTEERS

Other voluntary help needed includes baking for the freezer for patients, child minding occasionally, driving, flowers, gardening, hairdressing, kitchen help, laundry, lawn mowing, mending, light repairs, secretarial help etc.

THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

 

All volunteers are welcome to “drop in” at the James Centre at any time for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.  I am usually available at the Centre on weekday mornings.  If you have any concerns you would like to discuss I am available by telephone at any time.

 WE NEED YOUR HELP

AND SO DO OUR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

 

                                                Amanda Paull

Co-ordinator of Volunteers

 Phone:            426-0283

e-mail              hchospice@xtra.co.nz