Volunteer and make a difference
If you have a compassionate heart and a desire to make a difference in your community, volunteering with Amitabha Hospice Service is a rewarding choice.
The hospice offers a volunteer companionship service to elderly people in the Auckland-wide community, as well as people who have been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness.
‘‘Our volunteers come from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, reflecting our multicultural and multilingual community for the most appropriate assistance,’’ says operations manager Anjalee Pieries.
‘‘They range from people in their 20s to retirees. Volunteering with us is a great way to make new friends. A sense of empathy is what binds our volunteers together and we offer a sense of camaraderie and community. That’s why some of our volunteers have been with us for up to 18 years.’’
Volunteers are encouraged to commit to at least one year and will undergo six weeks of training before being paired with members of the community.
‘‘Our volunteers find that the skills they pick up during training can be used in their everyday lives, like when looking after elderly parents,’’ Anjalee says.
Amitabha Hospice Service aims to meet the psycho-social and spiritual palliative care needs of the increasingly ageing, multicultural Auckland-wide community.
‘‘We know that what matters most to people at the end of their lives, is knowing that they will be looked after; that their physical, mental and spiritual needs will be met and that they are not going to be alone. Amitabha Hospice Service’s emphasis of care is not just for those living with a terminal diagnosis but also by following the WHO and Hospice NZ guidelines for palliative care. We care for the elderly, who often live alone with very little support. Serving these people with compassionate and well-trained caregivers for 25 years has equipped us very well to meet these particular growing needs in Auckland.’’
Volunteers are specially trained and supervised for the role. They offer free assistance by giving practical help and respite where appropriate. This includes shopping, making light meals, reading and teaching relaxation techniques. It does not include house cleaning or personal bathing.
Volunteers act as reliever for the usual caregiver or family member, enabling them to have ‘time out’ to rest, work or do errands.
‘‘Our caregivers provide an extra pair of hands to assist the primary caregiver or family member with comfort cares and the basic activities of everyday living. They are an interested friend to our elderly and terminally ill clients and have good listening skills, enabling individuals to express their concerns and feelings and find their own meaning. Amitabha Hospice Service also meets the responsibility of up-skilling its volunteers and educating the community by hosting monthly public talks and lectures.’’
Amithaba Hospice Service also offers day-stay programmes for patients at its Avondale facility, as well as free complementary therapies, counselling and family support meetings for carers and the bereaved.
Another branch of the organisation, called Peaceful Passing, is designed to help alleviate spiritual pain and distress in those of any religion or no religion who are facing the end of their live.
If you feel inspired to volunteer, please contact Amitabha Hospice Service by calling (09) 828-3321, emailing amitabha. hospice@gmail.com or visiting amitabhahospice.org
Amitabha Hospice Service is at 44 Powell Street, Avondale, Auckland.
Opening hours: Weekdays, 10am to 5pm