Reasons to Volunteer

If you are wondering if you are suited to Hospice volunteering, review this checklist to determine if you’re ready!

• Help others • Make a difference • Find Purpose • Enjoy a meaningful conversation • Connect with your community • Feel involved • Contribute to a cause that you care about • Use your skills in a productive way • Develop new skills • Meet new people • Explore new areas of interest • Impress yourself • Expand your horizons • Make new friends • Strengthen your resume • Give something back

Important Things to Consider before Applying

Volunteer Services are an integral component of the Hospice Program. In considering whether Hospice volunteering is a service you want to give at this time, please consider the ideas expressed below.

• You have an interest in the Hospice concept, and have the desire to help others. You have some awareness of what is drawing you to Hospice work, and are willing to explore this in depth.

• You are sensitive to the special needs of dying patients and their families, and have chosen to work to support them.

• You are aware of the losses you have experienced, and your way of grieving, and have a sense of perspective about life and death, loss and grief.

• You are open to others who may have different values, beliefs, and ways of living. You are able to listen well, and to validate others where they are, rather than where you might believe they should be.

• As you may be called on to work in a variety of areas and perform many different tasks, self-reliance, flexibility and adaptability are assets. Realistic awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses, and the ability to set limits are important.

• You like working as part of a team, and are willing to explore ways of supporting and being supported by other team members. You are dedicated to your own growth and on-going learning. Your personal strengths will likely include warmth, concern for people, sense of humour, and approachability.

• You are willing to commit yourself to the training and to the volunteer responsibilities that follow, and to gaining an understanding of the standards and policies of the Hospice program.

• You are not bringing personal agendas or “missions” to your Hospice work, and understand that our work is not to change people, but to be with them where they are.

• If you have experienced a significant personal loss within the past year, one that you are still actively grieving, please consider carefully your present ability to take on a demanding training program. This work can intensify your own grief. We will review each applicant individually in this regard.

• As working as a Client Support Volunteer for Huron Hospice Volunteer Service can be stressful at times, it is important that you have good supports and ways of taking care of yourself, meeting change and the unexpected with ease.

Do you have questions? Contact, Deb Shelley, Volunteer Coordinator, at 519-525-8648 or email deb.shelley@huronhospice.ca