About Helen
Helen volunteers as a Palliative Care Community Volunteer with Central Adelaide Palliative Care and has been with the organisation for nine years. She provides support and comfort to people nearing the end of life and their families, drawing on her background as a Paediatric Intensive Care nurse, professional photographer and end-of-life doula.
Helen shares how her experience with Heartfelt and her studies in clinical pastoral education at St Andrews Hospital have shaped her desire to give back to the community. “Palliative care volunteering allows me to continue making a difference in end-of-life care in a deeply meaningful way,” she says.
Q&A Interview:
Disclaimer: The views expressed are the opinions and thoughts of our interviewees, reflecting on their own experiences and views.
I worked mostly in the community, although I also did some work in the hospital during COVID-19 as a palliative care community volunteer. I take people for coffee, shopping, or to sit in their home and chat, to provide rest and respite for carers. Taking people to important appointments, just as a companion to listen. I have also taken family and wedding photos in the ward or people’s houses.
I suppose my role as an end-of-life doula was the catalyst for becoming a palliative care volunteer. Although they are slightly different roles, they share commonalities that make a difference to people at the end of life.
A broader perspective of humanity, being with people who are terminally ill or have a chronic life-limiting illness. This teaches us about dying and how individuals process this, as well as how families respond. It also shows us how to live when dying. I think it gives more meaning to our lives, knowing that life will come to an end. It’s in the little things that connect people, such as sharing a laugh over a cup of tea/coffee. “It is a humbling space to be, it’s all about humanity, love and connection.”
Palliative care volunteering provides a space for sharing fears, worries, or stories or talking about their life and every day. It is often not about dying. I think people enjoy having a third party that isn’t emotionally or medically involved with the family, sometimes it can be easier for them to talk to someone outside the circle.
The role is well supported by the volunteer coordinator, with phone calls and educational sessions. Knowing that they are always available if you need. The social work department is also supportive, and the nursing/medical staff in the ward are invaluable when working there. “When facing stress, don’t deny how you feel. Put a name on it, take a step back. If you feel unsettled, talking to the volunteer coordinator is a good start.”
I think it would be valuable for people with no family or people who are actively dying for somebody to come and sit with them if they wish to be with people when they die. There may be a possibility of supporting clients in aged care when palliative care is involved.
“Do it! It’s a wonderful role, the benefits are many.”
