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The Comox Valley Hospice Society is seeking men and women of all ages with flexible time, compassion and commitment to join our hospice palliative care team.
“We are particularly keen to recruit young adults 18 years and over, who may have an interest in the health and caring professions,” executive director Terri Odeneal said in a press release.
“Volunteers [interested] in working with clients are needed in a variety of areas including: hospice palliative care at home, in the community or in hospital; bereavement care; one on one bereavement and palliative support; and healing from loss group facilitating.”
The CVHS is also seeking to train a select core of volunteers to provide support for the new four-room hospice palliative care unit to be opened adjacent to The Views at St. Joseph’s General Hospital in April, 2015.
“If you are interested in providing up to four hours of volunteer support one day a week please contact the office to express your interest,” said Odeneal.
Volunteers interested in working with clients receive 30 hours of hospice palliative volunteer training and the next volunteer palliative training will take place early in 2015. The training course provides a broad overview and understanding of hospice palliative care and issues related to dying and grieving. Some of the benefits of taking this training include: expanding one’s knowledge and understanding of death, dying and bereavement; sensitivity to people facing a terminal illness and/or a loss; personal satisfaction of knowing you can make a difference at an important time in people’s lives; and invitations to personal and professional development opportunities.
Also needed are a special group of volunteers who would like to work as a part of a team to provide life transition support services to people in the community. A specific training program for life transition services volunteers will be provided.
Interested volunteers are encouraged to have a good sense of personal boundaries as well as balance and support in their own lives. Working effectively as a member of a team and strong communication skills are required. Those who are accepted and commit to volunteering are required to submit a criminal record check.
Interested individuals interested in either the hospice palliative care training or life transition training course are urged to contact the CVHS office at: 250-339-5533 or email: reception@comoxhospice.com.