A new car is helping set the wheels in motion for an expansion of Warrnambool’s unique hospice in the home program.
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Warrnambool and District Community Hospice manager Lu Butler said the new addition would help the free service expand with hopes for a volunteer group in the Corangamite area in the next six months.
“We’re certainly looking for any volunteers in the Camperdown, Timboon, Terang area. We hope to run a training group for them starting at the end of January,” she said.
“South West Healthcare, when we were discussing with them where we should broaden our reach next, said that area was a real area of need.
“You have people who are quite isolated on farms and just for someone to be able to (offer that support).”
The hospice in the home program provides trained volunteers to support families and carers to help their loved one die at home.
Ms Butler said the new car was funded through a state government grant.
“Norton Ford have offered to give us a $100 fuel voucher each month for the first 12 months, which is fabulous,” she said.
“We often have volunteers who might only be a one-car family so that will limit their availability to do a shift. It will hopefully help them do shifts when they want to.
“We are also going to set up a quiet space room (at Hospice House) and that will be set up for relaxation and meditation. The idea was to get a vehicle that would be suitable to transport the people we’re looking after.”
People interested in becoming a hospice volunteer can call 0488 271 224 or email info@wdchospice.org.au
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