Volunteering can bring benefits to individuals, organisations and the community. These benefits include increased self-esteem and emotional well-being, improved relationships and community connections. Volunteering can enhance a person’s life by providing meaning and purpose, building a greater sense of gratitude, and improving cultural awareness.
There is both joy and pain in my role’.
‘I get more out of this role than I give’.
‘It helps me to walk and think’.
PCC Family Support Volunteers
‘Rest and self-care are so important.When you
take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve from the overflow. You cannot serve from an
empty vessel’
Eleanor Brown
The PPC Family Support Volunteers uniquely support
children who have a life-limiting illness by providing
emotional and practical support in the home. Over time,
the PPC Family Support Volunteers often build special
bonds and trusting relationships with children, siblings
and families. There may be other volunteers who work in
Paediatric Palliative Care in the hospital and hospice/
respite facility such as biography volunteers who record
and transcribe a patient’s story.
Whilst rewarding, the role of a volunteer in PPC has its
challenges. The role can emotionally impact volunteers
who witness extremely sad events and make lasting
connections with families. There is, therefore, an
increased risk of developing symptoms of escalating
stress, compassion fatigue or burnout. Some of these
symptoms include:
» Mental or physical exhaustion.
» Helplessness or powerlessness.
» A loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities.
» Worrying or headaches.
» Questioning personal beliefs
It is essential that PPC Family Support Volunteers care for
themselves while they do this vitally important work. Some
suggestions to maintain an optimal level of well-being are:
» Exploring what is needed physically, emotionally,
spiritually, and socially to remain as healthy as possible.
For example, exercising, meditating, laughing or sleeping.
» Finding nice, enjoyable or relaxing things to do.
» Practising self-compassion and kindness.
» Making a sustainable individual self-care plan.
» Contacting the Volunteer Coordinators to debrief or
express thoughts & emotions.
» Being self-aware and ‘checking in’ with self regularly.
» Setting physical and emotional boundaries.
» Connecting with peers to share mutual experiences
and support.
» Noticing, pausing and self-reflecting on personal and
professional experiences.
» Developing a gratitude practice, such as journaling.
» Consider contacting your Volunteer Coordinator for
further details of counselling or other support available
in your state.
» Attending monthly volunteer meetings.
» Considering barriers to self-care, such as being too
busy or feeling selfish.
We recognise and acknowledge those who are working through Sorry Business, Sad News, grief and bereavement and offer our condolences and support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this website may contain images, videos and voices of people who have passed on. Some of the content and topics covered might also cause distress. You are welcome here, and we want you to feel safe and take care.
If you find that you need support please reach out to 13YARN on 13 92 76, Grief Australia, Grief Line on 1300 845 745, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Palliative Care Australia is located in Canberra. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the surrounding land and waters, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri Peoples and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that same respect and acknowledge the continuing cultures and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across Australia.
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