Our Volunteers
Marian Ison (Client Coordinator)
My name is Marian Ison. Prior to retirement I worked as a Palliative Care Registered Nurse and held the position of Clinical Nurse Consultant for near on 20 years. I was involved in setting up new services in Community and Acute Care settings in 1984. I have worked in hospice and community services. I first volunteered with DSPCVol. in 2018 and enjoyed my time providing respite for clients and carers. I was appointed Client Coordinator in 2021 and am pleased to continue to provide support for clients, carers and volunteers in this capacity.
Sally Eddington (Administration Coordinator)
My name is Sally Eddington and I am the Administration Coordinator for DSPCVol. My work background is in Health Administration, working in Hospital and Medical Administration for 37 years prior to retirement. I joined DSPC Vol. in 2011 as a volunteer, until family commitments led to a “leave of absence” from the service for several years. In 2021 I was appointed Coordinator, with Marian in her role of Client Coordinator. Together we manage the “everyday“ issues that are a part of the Palliative Care Service. I look forward to working with all our wonderful clients, carers and volunteers.
Reasons to Become a Volunteer
While the work of a palliative care volunteer may seem daunting the rewards are tremendous and ongoing, to yourself and the community.
You develop a better understanding of yourself and your capabilities, deep fulfillment from your work, and wonderful friends and learn new things-all done by helping others in small ways that seem insignificant but mean a great deal to others.
Our volunteers are of all ages-both male and female and from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our volunteers are selected and educated following guidelines set down by Palliative Care Australia, NSW Palliative Care Association. They are covered by our organisation’s policies, procedures and insurance. All volunteers involved in direct client contact must complete a full education course run locally by the service and criminal record check before commencing.
The education includes communication and listening skills, bereavement and loss, as well as compulsory units such as WH&S issues, ethics, manual handling, self-care, and most importantly confidentiality and how to be with someone.
At the conclusion of the training course volunteers can specify the areas they would like to become involved in and the level of commitment they desire. We are totally flexible.
Volunteering with DSPC Vol comes in many forms. For those who wish to volunteer but are not comfortable with client contact volunteer opportunities also exist for support with fundraising activities, equipment maintenance and vehicle cleaning.
All volunteers are mentored prior to the commencement of duties and supported at all times.