THE APPEAL is again going out to willing locals who can volunteer to help support Tweed Palliative Support (TPS) and Wedgetail Retreat during their annual intake.
Twenty big-hearted locals are needed to assist in a rewarding and fulfilling role that includes free training.
Tweed Shire locals are encouraged to apply now with full-time training provided over nine weeks every Tuesday starting from April 29 to June 18 (9.30am to 3pm).
Long-time volunteer Autumn Camidge said she would encourage anyone interested in contributing to their community in a unique and rewarding way to call the TPS office and apply for the training program.
“Places are limited so please apply now,” she said.
A long-term Tweed Palliative Support volunteer and since the early beginnings of TPS, Autumn has been responsible for recruiting and training new volunteers.
“The commitment and compassion of our volunteers has always inspired me and my life continues to be enriched and enlivened by my involvement with the TPS team,” she said.
“Being part of TPS is a great opportunity to give back and yet all volunteers say that they actually get back more than they give.”
Autumn said volunteer carers play a vital role in keeping Wedgetail Retreat’s doors open.
“We need several volunteers every day to help the nurses care for Wedgetail guests as well as volunteers to support our clients out in the community,” she said.
“New volunteers can become ambassadors for palliative care by raising awareness in our community though being involved in TPS projects and fundraising events.
“Just feeling more inclined and comfortable to have conversations with friends and family about living and dying is a great outcome from the training program.”
Fellow volunteer Rhona has assisted TPS for the past 17 years and has met many fabulous people along the way.
“I have also spent many years as a volunteer in the TPS office and as a member of the management committee,” she said.
“Presently my role is keeping our beautiful Wedgetail Hospice sparkling clean as well as helping with caring for our guests.
“It is a privilege to help people when they are vulnerable.
“My training helped me understand what palliative care was all about and it was a great experience.”
Another volunteer Inga said she enjoys the flexibility of the volunteer role and being valued as a team member.
“I volunteer one morning every week and find that working at Wedgetail I meet beautiful people and have the privilege of helping them at their most vulnerable time,” she said.
“It is almost one year since I completed the TPS training and I did enjoy that training where I met the nicest people and could reconnect with my experience of ages ago.
“I had not thought about many of the issues that we discussed for a very long time. I did think the training was very professional yet friendly.”
Mukti has been a volunteer carer for several years said she feels very privileged to be preparing delicious food for Wedgetail guests.
“The warm smells of good food floating through the house is an important part of the home atmosphere at the hospice,” she said.
“I love working here with the nurses and fellow volunteers, it’s a great team.”
To find out more, or to book your place, please phone the Tweed Palliative Support team on (02) 6672 8459.