“Volunteering gives us new friendships, new relationships, and new ideas from people who come from new walks of life. Volunteering gives us the chance to learn from that and find a new sense of worth in retirement.”
Volunteer
Waipuna Hospice volunteers are a very important part of our service and we would not be able to operate without them.
Donate
Your Time.
Specially trained and supervised volunteers provide a wide range of support services to patients and families, both in the home, and at Waipuna Hospice. They are a special part of the Waipuna Hospice team and provide the helping link between the professional staff and patients and family members.
Responsibility of a Volunteer.
To make a serious commitment, in the spirit of partnership, to enhance the support and care given by Waipuna Hospice to patients and their families. Volunteers are deeply appreciated at Waipuna Hospice and in return we offer an opportunity for a person to truly make a difference.
Please note that we are currently at full capacity and unable to accept any new volunteer applications that require a support person, or applications for the Community Work Experience (CWE) for the beneficiary’s programme. Due to the nature of our volunteer work and the training and onboarding costs involved, we are unable to accommodate all requests at this time. We deeply value our community’s support and remain committed to providing inclusive opportunities whenever possible.
What we look for in a volunteer.
- Healthy motivation for wanting to work with Waipuna Hospice
- Genuine care for people, and ability to show warmth
- Non-judgemental attitude
- Respect for others’ beliefs, especially spiritual
- Ability to respect confidences
- Good communication skills
- Emotional maturity
- Willingness to learn and accept guidance
- Sense of humour
- Healthy attitude towards own mortality
- High self esteem
- Dependability
- Sensitivity and awareness
- Ability to work well in a team situation
- Flexibility
Volunteer
Roles.
There is a wide range of opportunities to volunteer and many involve no direct patient contact.
Our Hospice Shops sell used furniture, clothing and household items and play an important part in providing revenue to fund Waipuna Hospice.
Assist by sorting, cleaning and mending donated goods, ready for sale at one of our six charity shops
Volunteers give invaluable assistance to Hospice fundraising initiatives by providing man power, making telephone calls, staffing appeal tables etc
A team of keen gardeners (no experience necessary) meet regularly at the Hospice. They prune, weed, and plant to ensure the maintenance of our beautiful grounds.
Volunteers check and clean Hospice cars on a fortnightly basis to ensure safe and reliable transport for the Hospice staff visiting patients in the community
These volunteers visit patients when they are staying with us here in the In-Patient Unit for respite care. The volunteer can provide companionship, assistance to enjoy our garden, reading, activities, board games, and much more.
These volunteers visit patients and their families in their homes. It may mean sitting with a patient to relieve the caregiver and offering companionship. No nursing care or housework is undertaken. Training is provided and support from staff given.
Trained volunteers assist patients to record their life stories. The volunteers then transcribe the recordings and organise a printed biography as a keepsake for the patient and their family.
Skilled and experienced massage therapists work on a rostered basis providing massage to patients and their families at the Hospice.
Trained Volunteers arrive at Hospice in the early evening and heat and serve meals to our guests staying in our In-Patient Unit. They also help with the dishes and preparing for breakfast the next day. Wonderful way to connect with patients and for those volunteers who may not have time to gift during the day.
Computer literate volunteers provide assistance to our receptionist by dealing with queries, answering the telephone and helping with administrative tasks.
Volunteer drivers assist with transportation of patients to doctors’ appointments, and supermarket shopping etc.
When patients are unable to walk their precious poochies, they rely on the kind support of volunteers to help. Must feel confident walking a dog.
A talented group of volunteers on a rostered basis (paired and approx. once every few months) visit the Hospice in the weekend and arrange flowers for our patients’ rooms and corridors. No experience necessary. Sourcing of flowers is required.
Hairdressing, Bereavement support, beauty support to patients, hospitality at remembrance events, fundraising activities, and one-off tasks in our retail and community space.
Volunteer Training.
Various levels of training are given depending on the role a volunteer is interested in taking on:
- The initial Waipuna Hospice orientation qualifies volunteers to work within the hospice and in our retail environment. This training provides a detailed session covering the fundamentals of palliative care, the volunteer support our organisation provides, and how it is such an important part of the services we deliver to the community. In this training, we will take a tour of the hospice and grounds.
- Volunteers wishing to work independently with patients in their homes are required to undergo further training. This is usually run over two days and includes topics such as self-awareness; loss, grief, and bereavement; cultural awareness; family dynamics; listening, and communication skills. This training is provided twice a year and places are limited.
- Additional training is required for volunteers wishing to work as Biographers.
If you are interested in volunteering for Waipuna Hospice please complete the application form below.
Apply Here as a Volunteer.
Volunteer
Testimonials.
“My favourite thing about volunteering is I get so much satisfaction out of doing something to help others. There are so many families in our community who are affected by terminal illness. It is so rewarding to know I am doing my bit to help care for them.”
Volunteer
“I just find the whole volunteering experience to be really rewarding, not matter what I am doing. The people are always lovely, the staff are helpful, and when I am volunteering, I truly feel like I am part of the Waipuna Hospice family.”
Volunteer
“I get so much out of volunteering, and it’s good for the endorphins. Plus, volunteers get to work for, and with, the most wonderful people – truly.”
Volunteer