Explore how you can get involved

VOLUNTEER

We are not government funded so your desire to become a part of this community makes all the difference.

Become a Volunteer

The lifeblood of Tweed Palliative Support and Wedgetail Retreat is our wonderful group of volunteers, many of whom have been with us since our inception. 

Volunteer carers focus on the ‘human’ side of caring for those with a life-limiting illness. They are not nurses or bereavement counsellors, but offer friendship and practical help that enables the dying to remain independent at home for longer than would otherwise be possible. Our volunteers also support the nurses at Wedgetail Retreat Hospice where those who no longer have independent living as an option can gain end-of-life support. 

Working in Palliative Care is one of the most rewarding volunteer choices. It makes a huge difference to the person who is dying and their family, and also to the volunteer’s own life. Volunteers learn to cherish each day, listen deeply and value life as a precious gift.

Our renowned Volunteer Training course occurs every year around March. 

The volunteers who complete our three-week training course (this happens over six and a half days (perhaps include twice a week or the total hours)) may be involved in carer tasks or non-carer tasks.

Some of the carer’s’ (remove first apostrophe) tasks include:

  • Relieving primary carers so they can attend to other matters or take respite time-out

  • Running errands and providing transport to medical appointments

  • Giving hands-on personal care

  • Providing any other assistance as agreed

  • Assisting with care at the Hospice

Ways to Volunteer

Not everyone chooses to take on a carer role and there are many other valued volunteer roles available: Op Shop roles, fundraising, office work, client transport, maintenance, newsletter production and cooking at the Hospice are some ways that volunteers can become part of the team.

As part of the training, each volunteer receives a ‘Welcome Kit’ to help them understand what is expected of them and to learn more about the charity. For ongoing support, each month we hold a Carer Support Meeting where volunteers can ‘debrief’, share experiences and stay connected and we often have guest speakers. Volunteers do not need formal qualifications; their most important attribute is the desire to be of service to our palliative clients.

Contact the office (02) 6672 8459 if you would like to register your interest in volunteering.  

What our volunteers say…

  • "The training was informative, interesting and thought provoking, with the bonus of meeting a group of like-minded and friendly people."

    Marisa

  • "I really love helping people in genuine need who appreciate your efforts and the great sense of purpose and inner contentment my role as a volunteer gives."

    Moss

  • "Everyone comes together to create a space that is so unique in its care. I feel extremely fortunate to be part of it."

    Sarah

  • "The first time I ever heard of Wedgetail, I was ‘hooked’ and fascinated: an organisation based on volunteers only, with no government involvement, doing palliative care? That sounded—almost—impossible!"

    Thomas