A new community project in Dundee aimed at supporting people who are receiving end of life care at home, is seeking volunteers.
The Here4U project provides extra support to these people and offers the opportunity of social interaction to improve the individual’s quality of life. It is a service for people who have a life-limiting illness and are receiving palliative care.
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of individuals and their families facing the problems associated with life-limiting illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering. It provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms and offers a support system to help the family cope during the person’s illness and in their own bereavement.
The project is seeking people 18 years of age and over, from a variety of backgrounds and with diverse experience. They should be able to dedicate between two and four hours per week to the project. Sometimes those who have cared for someone receiving end of life care decide to volunteer themselves.
Community Volunteer Service Manager Derek McFarlane said, “Volunteers will build a relationship with an individual who is receiving palliative care. The relationship is based upon trust, support and confidentiality, and the volunteer will offer social support over a period of time.
“We are looking for volunteers who can give a commitment of time to the service. They should also have the ability to get along with others and be someone who values others’ opinions and beliefs whilst being able to listen.”
All volunteers will receive training and will have regular meetings to discuss how they are managing with the volunteering role and to offer them support. Associated expenses will be able to be claimed back.
For further information contact Derek McFarlane, Community Volunteer Service Manager, Roxburghe House, Dundee, DD1 1SP, call 01382 423134 (office hours Monday – Friday) or email dmcfarlane1@nhs.net.