Fonterra Grass Roots Fund and The Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs have partnered with WDCH and president Brian Dillon is delighted to thank the more than 83 volunteers who make the organisation possible.

"We are indebted to the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund and The Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs, which allows us to recognise and reward our wonderful volunteer force for their dedication and devotion to the support of clients and their carers and families in their times of need," he said.

"While the COVID-19 pandemic has our volunteers supporting remotely, for the moment, we all look forward to resuming face-to-face care as soon as possible."

Deep Blue general manager Gene Seabrook was delighted to give the gift of relaxation to volunteers.

"We're proud to be able to support the WDCH and the volunteers who selflessly put so much of themselves into caring for others within our community ".

WDCH is a ground-breaking, volunteer-powered organisation providing free, end of life care in the south-west.

Manager Lu Butler said volunteers undertake a range of roles.

"From small kindnesses such as making a cup of tea to big commitments like overnight shifts to give carers a break or some much needed sleep the volunteers show their great care and compassion," she said.

"Over the five years of operation the service has gradually built up and volunteers have cared for and supported 84 people and their families and carers.

"They have given over 7000 hours of care during this time as well as participating in ongoing education, meetings and events.

"Since COVID restrictions have put most support on hold volunteers have continued to support through phone calls and remote contact and are looking forward to getting back to in-home care in the near future."

In addition to the service, the organisation has a range of programs building literacy and awareness around death, dying and bereavement through our End of Life Preparation workshops and other specialist training.

Volunteer Lesley Sheen said working with hospice had been "a true privilege".

"To not only provide support for both the dying and their families, but also a personal journey of empathetic growth and gratitude to be able to give a little back to our community," she said.

In Australia, there were 158,493 deaths recorded in 2018 according to the Australia Bureau of Statistics. Of these approximately 80 per cent who experienced a life-limiting illness died in either an aged care facility or a hospital.

In Warrnambool, nearly 50 per cent of people WDCH have assisted since inception in 2015, have died at home while others have been able to remain at home longer.

The Home Program has lifted the south-west average for those wishing to die at home to more than 30 per cent.

Nationally, 70 per cent of Australians would like to die at home but only 15 per cent manage to do so.

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