Volunteer
“Why Be A Volunteer
Author Unknown
When I come to the end of the day, And the sun has set for me. I want no rites in a gloom-filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long, And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love we once shared – Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take, And each must go alone. It’s all part of the maker’s plan. A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds – Miss me, but let me go.
We need you
Volunteers are an integral part of the service we provide to our patients, their families and our communities. Being a Volunteer, you can donate your time and skills and experience to support our services. The first step is to e-mail our Outreach Department on volunteers@stlukes.co.za or telephone on 021 797 5335 to learn more about the process and book an orientation session (read more on volunteer orientation below).
If you have an interest to work in our bereavement service, there is an additional course, which will equip you with the necessary skills to support the bereaved. We have volunteer activities to suit everyone whatever their skills or interests, including:
- Providing admin support
- Working in one of our Hospice shops
- Assisting with our food parcels programme
- Supporting our fundraising department
- Being on one of our community hospice committees
- Helping us at events
- Helping in our day hospice programme
- Becoming a spiritual carer or work in bereavement support
- Providing complementary therapies
If you have any other skills not mentioned above, you are welcome to discuss your skills on offer with our volunteers department and we will assess if and how your skills can be utilised.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others
Mahatma Gandhi
Volunteer Orientation
All volunteers will need to attend one of our orientation mornings, which take place four times a year to give you some background to St Luke’s Combine Hospices and what volunteer opportunities are available. Should you have a particular interest in working with our patients, you will also need to attend a Basic Hospice course, which is facilitated over 3 days twice a year (usually in March and August). This course covers in greater depth what palliative care is, the role of the volunteer in the context of palliative care and basic counselling skills.
For more information please contact Gadija Parker on 021 797 5335“
