FOUR new volunteers graduated from the Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers training course this week.
Joy Berry, Michele Kingston, John Van Valen and Simone Ryan celebrated their new roles with Coordinator Annette O’Neill and other members of the local organisation.
Dungog Shire Palliative Care volunteers fulfill a range of roles.
They provide free non-medical support to all residents in Dungog Shire diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, as well as their families and friends.
They also provide transport to medical appointments and treatments, a linen service, respite and visits to home and hospital.
The Palliative Care volunteers operate these services all year round, including on public holidays, which is why a wide range of skills are always in demand.
Giving back to the community is frequently cited as a reason for volunteering.
Simone said she simply “wants to help out”.
She also helped out on the graduation day by making the sumptuous cake.
For John Vanvalen, it was returning to the area in retirement, and wanting to be a part of his community.
He said the training was “fantastic” and “very easy” and that he looked forward to every Wednesday when he helps with transport.
The course for volunteers ran for six weeks, and covered 30 hours of training.
The topics and information are from Palliative Care NSW but are modified to suit local people and their needs.
Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers will have upcoming support from the Dungog Rumble and Team Penning events.
New volunteers are always welcome.
To find out more about volunteering, visit dungogcarers.com.au.
By Lisa WISEMAN
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