Volunteers are the Heart of Hospice
It is because of the incredible compassion, diversity, skills and enthusiasm of our Hospice volunteers that we are able to offer our programs at no cost to the residents of the Sunshine Coast. Without these volunteers, our work would not be possible.
Being a Hospice volunteer is a fulfilling and meaningful experience which offers you the opportunity to support individuals and families during difficult times. A Hospice volunteer can be an essential part of the care team that supports families as they plan, face end-of-life or grieve the loss of a loved one.
Apply to volunteer
For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (604) 740-0475 Ext. 4.
We are grateful to the Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary for its continued funding of our volunteer orientation and learning events.
“I cannot think of a more meaningful and valuable personal journey to be on than to be a Hospice volunteer. It’s a gift and an honour to be present with people as they courageously share stories about their lives and experiences.”
Volunteer Training
All of our volunteers (85+) who will be supporting clients complete a 35-hour orientation program which will guide you through group activities, take-home assignments, guest presenters and panelists from the end-of-life community. We will provide a binder of resources, and offer time to reflect on and share your own experiences around illness, death and grief.
The training covers subjects such as how to sit with a dying person, the practice of gentle touch, the importance of holding space, active listening and self-care, writing legacy letters and advance care plans.
All applicants who are interested in client-focused volunteering are screened before starting the volunteer training to ensure they have a mature perspective on life, death, loss and grief. This process includes a written application form, interview, criminal record check and references.
Regular Learning Opportunities
Hospice supports our volunteers to grow in their understanding of life, death, and loss within a connected community. We provide ongoing and learning opportunities from experts and practitioners in the field and host monthly conversations to build a supportive social network. Our Volunteer Coordinator is also available to support you throughout your volunteer experience.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities, both with clients and in other ways that contribute to our ability to support the Coast community. Wherever your passions or skills lie, reach out to us to see if there is an opportunity for us to partner together.
Volunteer with clients
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Palliative Visits
Provide social interaction and companionship for those approaching end of life, and support and respite for caregivers.
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Grief Group Facilitator
Be mentored to facilitate grief groups to support clients coping with loss.
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Grief Support
Be an effective listener and support person to someone who is grieving.
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Vigil
Support people who are approaching death at their bedside.
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Advance Care Plan (ACP) Facilitator
Provide support to clients in completing their own Sunshine Coast Green Sleeve ACP.
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The Circle Volunteer
Facilitate session activities or companion participants in The Circle palliative wellness program on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Other ways to volunteer
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Events Volunteer
Help us plan or be there on the event day for fundraising, public education and awareness events.
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Office Administration
Help with the Kate Webb library, data entry, computer support, research projects and more!
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Gardening
Help us maintain the gardens at Hospice House and at Shorncliffe Hospice for the community to enjoy.
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Board of Directors
Join our dynamic Board to help guide the vision and direction for programs and services we offer in the community.
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Fundraising
Help Hospice and organize a fundraising event or captain a team in our Hike for Hospice!
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Gratitude Calls & Emails
Help us make thank-you phone calls and emails to our donors to extend our gratitude from our community of care.
Volunteer News
“The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares.”